| The 1970 Plymouth Hemi-cuda was a redesign | | | | 1971 Hemi-cuda convertible is considered one of |
| that eliminated all echoes of the Plymouth Valiant | | | | the most valuable, and collectible muscle cars. This |
| that had once been the foundation for the | | | | is because only 11 were built and of that 11 only 7 |
| Barracuda styling. The fastback design was done | | | | were sold domestically. Expect to see at least a 2 |
| away with in favor of coupe and convertible | | | | million dollar price tag on them if and when they |
| styling. The shorter, wider version of the | | | | ever do come to market. |
| Plymouth-Chrysler B platform resembled the | | | | Once the headlights were modified, the car would |
| Dodge Challenger, a new body type for that year. | | | | not change much before 1974. Prior to 1974 little |
| This "E" body barracuda did away with the | | | | changes were made to the bumpers to conform |
| "economy car" bad rap. The high performance | | | | to government regulations, otherwise, everything |
| versions were marketed as 'Cuda and had larger | | | | remained on the Plymouth Hemi-cuda remained |
| engine bays that could accommodate Chrysler's | | | | the same. The government, in fact forced |
| 426 Hemi engine. Engine options included two six | | | | Plymouth to drop the big block engine options |
| cylinder engines and six different V8s. | | | | including the Hemi 426. This led to a decline in |
| All of the Hemi equipped cars were given | | | | performance, not only for the Plymouth |
| upgraded suspension along with structural | | | | Hemi-cudas, but all American vehicles made during |
| reinforcements in order to transfer the power to | | | | this time. The engines were down tuned to cut |
| the road. Hemi-Cudas came in high impact colors | | | | back on exhaust fumes, while bumpers became |
| with names like "vitamin C", "in-violet," and "moulin | | | | larger, slowing down the machines. It didn't help |
| rouge." Plymouth also came out with a street | | | | matters that the government forced all car |
| version powered by a 340 cubic inch "six pack" | | | | makers to install steel side impact protection |
| engine. A six pack was three two barrel | | | | beams, adding more weight to the cars and |
| carburetors. The next year, the Barracuda was | | | | slowing them even further, starting with 1970 |
| given a new grille and taillights. Some changes | | | | models. |
| were also made with the seats and trim. This was | | | | Buyers backed off when gasoline prices |
| the only year of a 'cuda with four headlights and | | | | skyrocketed along with insurance premiums |
| fender gills. | | | | making the Plymouth Hemi-cuda and other muscle |
| Plymouth did not change the engine options with | | | | cars not as attractive. As a result, sales of all E |
| the exception of the 440 option. Instead of a V8, | | | | body muscle cars dropped with Plymouth ending |
| the 440 was only offered with a six barrel carb | | | | production of the Hemi-cuda in 1974. |
| instead. The 426 Hemi was still made. Today, | | | | |