Plymouth Barracuda History
Plymouth's pony car (1964–1974) — from a Valiant-based fastback to the E-body Hemi 'Cuda, one of the most collectible muscle cars ever.
Photo: “1970 Plymouth 'Cuda (31659179851).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
History
The Barracuda debuted on April 1, 1964 — two weeks before the Ford Mustang — as a sporty fastback built on the compact Valiant's A-body, defined by an enormous wraparound rear window. The first generation (1964–1966) shared much with the Valiant.
A heavily restyled second generation (1967–1969) added 'Coke-bottle' contours and three body styles — fastback, notchback hardtop, and convertible — and offered progressively bigger V8s, culminating in the 383 and the formula-360 cars.
The third generation (1970–1974) moved to the exclusive E-body platform, shared only with the Dodge Challenger, and severed all Valiant commonality. The high-performance 'Cuda models offered the 340, 383, 440, and the legendary 426 Hemi; the 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible — just 13 built — is among the most valuable American cars in existence.
Generations
First generation · A-body fastback (Valiant-based)
The original Valiant-based fastback with a huge wraparound rear window; launched two weeks ahead of the Mustang.
1964 Photo: “Plymouth Barracuda (8937610169).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Second generation · A-body restyle
Restyled with Coke-bottle lines and three body styles (fastback, hardtop, convertible); offered the 383 big-block.
1967 Photo: “Plymouth Barracuda (7469165600).jpg” by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Third generation · E-body
Photo: “1970 Plymouth 'Cuda (31659179851).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Challenger-sharing E-body 'Cuda era — home of the 340, 440, and 426 Hemi; convertible dropped after 1971.
1970 Photo: “1970 Plymouth 'Cuda (31659179851).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1971 Photo: “1971 Barracuda (29106152654).jpg” by JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1972 Photo: “Plymouth Barracuda (8762225016).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Body styles
- Fastback
- Hardtop
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
Hemi 'Cuda
Third-generation 'Cuda with the 425-hp 426 Hemi V8; the 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible (13 built) is one of the most valuable muscle cars ever.
AAR 'Cuda
Trans-Am-homologation 'Cuda with a 340 Six Barrel (triple two-barrel carbs), side-exit exhaust, and matte-black fiberglass hood; built for one year only.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Plymouth Barracuda
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