Nineteen-seventy marked the first model year of the third generation Plymouth Barracuda, an American muscle car produced from 1964 through 1974. According to Muscle Car Monster, the 1970 'Cuda is one of Plymouth's most notable automobiles, and is considered a legend of the muscle car era. The 'Cuda line has gained exuberant following of classic car lovers who have clamored for its performance and style since Plymouth ceased 'Cuda production.
Trim Levels
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda featured three trim levels: standard factory Barracuda, Gran Coupe and the 'Cuda. According to Muscle Car Monster, each of the trim levels represented Plymouth's attempt at reaching separate market segments. The basic Barracuda was an entry-level car while the Gran Coupe was considered a bit more of a luxury car. The 'Cuda was the Plymouth's performance muscle car.
Engines
Plymouth made the 1970 Barracuda available to car consumers with 11 different engine options ranging from a 125 horsepower, 198-cubic inch slant six to the 426-cubic inch 425 horsepower Hemi. The 426 Hemi 'Cuda went from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds. Its original factory compression ratio is 10.25:1.
Performance 'Cudas
Barracudas known simply as "'Cuda" were known for their performance and feature five different V-8 engines including the 340, 383, 440, 440 6 barrel and the 426 Hemi. The 440s and the Hemi received a high-performance suspension to help with the car's handling while muscling on the road. According to Super Cars, of all the performance 'Cudas, the most popular featured the Hemi.
The 'Cuda 426 Hemi engine is 6,981 cubic centimeters, delivering 425 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds at 4,000 revolutions per minute. It features a three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive transmission with rear solid disc brakes.
Dimensions
According to Motor Trend, the 'Cuda Hemi is 186.7 inches long, 74.9 inches wide and 50.9 inches high. It weighs 3,880 lbs. The wheelbase is 108.0 inches.
Body
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is available in two styles including the two-door hatchback and the two-door convertible, both of which are wider and longer than previous incarnations of the car. The body change made this the muscle car that it has become known for rather than the smaller, less imposing version from previous model years.
Options
Factory options for the 1970 Barracuda were extensive and the list is nearly as long as the list of engine options available. According to Top Speed, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda "features a four-speed pistol grip transmission, Super Track Pac, power brakes, front bucket seats, hood pins, sport hood, drip rail moldings, dual exhaust and S15 Hemi suspension."
Tags: 1970 Plymouth, Hemi Cuda, Plymouth Barracuda, 1970 Barracuda, 1970 Cuda, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda