1970 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 340 Hardtop

The Mopar E-bodies have had a legend about them from the moment they hit the ground running in late 1969 as 1970 models.  While they were both full models, complete with six-cylinder and low-power small-block V8 options, the cars that imprinted on everybody's mind are the hot small-block Trans-Am homologation specials, the big-block cars that would haze tires on command, and the mythical Hemi-powered machines that were only just barely removed from the Pro Stock monsters that drag teams like Sox and Martin used in battle at drag strips across the nation.  Restoration fans have been after them for decades and some of the most expensive muscle cars to ever hit the auction block are either a Dodge Challenger or Plymouth Barracuda.  But for every Hemi or 440 six-barrel or 340 Six Pack, there were thousands of Slant Six or 318-powered cars that were sold as basic machines.  Nothing against the bulletproof Six or the yeoman 318, but they just can't live up to the power and the reliability of the Gen III Hemi.  Whether you go wild with the High-Impact paint colors and stripes or keep one low-key and sinister, an E-body's muscular profile promises a throwback to the wild, gear-grabbing days gone by.  Every inch of a Challenger or Barracuda screams muscle, and the horsepower of modern-day Mopar mills will blow the engines of the "good old days" out of the water...even the vaunted 426 Hemi. -Thx To Holley.com

For consignment a first year example of the fabled 'Cuda in 340 call out form.  Fully restored top to bottom, this one has been well kept since its said restoration in 2019.  It is bathed with In Violet, and is in full factory garb, save for the rear spoiler.  A numbers matching 340ci V8, 4-bbl carb, and numbers matching A727 Torqueflite are under the hood.  It sports a black vinyl top, and off course iconic good muscle car looks.  OHHHHHHH Barra-Cuda!

Exterior
At the front of the car, a traditional satin black split grille with argent surrounds with single bezeled headlights flanking on either side.  Top mounted signal markers hover within the grille and thin chrome trimming highlight the whole front end package perfectly with the correct fog lamps hanging from the mustache thin bumper.  At the top of those lamps, the original 2 scoop sport hood is bathed with the In Violet and sports fender tag matching hood pins.  The hood continues rearward to a pristine stainless framed windshield.  Bringing up either side of the stainless are body matching  sport mirrors.  Moving to the rear quarter on our way we note extremely well minded gaps, and all straight worry free steel, and the familiar hockey stick 340 sticker in black wrapping downward on the rear quarter to the bumper.  This all plays out on a field of the deep In Violet paint, which also covers the quarter sides and doors.  And at the back of the car, a traditional satin black valence housing the iconic Plymouth 3 bar tail lights, and a 'Cuda badge.  The rear showroom quality bumper hangs below the valance, and an In Violet rear roll panel with dual chrome rectangle tipped exhaust peek out.  Also noted is the satin black rear spoiler on top of the trunk lid.  Topping the car off is a nearly like new black vinyl top with stainless drip edges.   On all 4 corners are argent painted 15-inch Mopar Rallye wheels wrapped in 245/60R15's in front and larger 255/60R15 rear raised white lettered BFG Radial T/A's from the 5th week of 2019.

Interior
Keeping the door open to the “no stone left unturned department”, we can swing open a door and see showroom quality door panels in black molded vinyl.  These have a sleek seamless look along with their 'Cuda badges in chrome.  Also showroom quality are 2 thin early 1970's sleek black vinyl high back buckets with smooth center panels and back with built in headrests, some tuck and roll pattern inserts and smooth bolsters.  The rear bench carries this motif in back, and these are nearly perfect as well.  This all sits in a beautiful calm sea of jet black carpet that has embroidered 'Cuda purple stitched floor mats.  Floating above the carpet up front is a well done restoration on the dash, featuring a clean as a whistle round lineup of rallye gauges all within a wood appliqué field and a black padded dash top.  Seen racing up the center between the buckets is a 70's stylized console in black vinyl, and wood appliqué, and sporting a correct tan ball topped automatic shifter knob.  A wood rimmed 3 spoke wheel with a “Michelin Man' styled attachment fronts this very 70's muscular dash.  Above all this 70's menagerie is a tight black vinyl headliner.

Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and I'm bowled over by the cleanliness of this bay.  Within which is a 340ci V8 which is all numbers matching.  It has a blazing orange painted block and valve coverings, intake manifold and a correct 4-barrel factory carb.  On back is a numbers matching A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission.  Paired with this Torqueflite is an 8-3/4 inch 3.23 rear axle.  All correct under this hood right down to the air cleaner covering with its FOUR BARREL orange badging.  Nifty.

Undercarriage
With a restoration of this quality and attention to detail as such, one would expect nothing less than to see the likes of which are all rust free, even dirt free, perfection amalgamation of pure metal parts all with an In Violet field of the steel unibody.  The fuel tank and exhaust are pure silver steel with no road dirt and certainly no rust.  All other add-ons are pure black with an independent front torsion bars and rear leaf springs.  Power front disc braking is on, and power rear drums installed to keep this fast fish woahed.  Just a beautiful near perfection undercarriage presentation so bring a mirror to the shows to set your trophies on and view this spectacular undercarriage resto.

Drive-Ability
Our decoder and Muscle car aficionado did this test drive and he returned with a smile on his face which speaks volumes, because he is always in a bad mood!  He LOVED this car with its unending power curve, smooth shifting and nice handling.  Bias free braking was apparent to him as the ability to spin the rear tires, which is always a plus with these early Muscle cars, prior to the EPA stepping in and messing things up.  All was in working condition as to accessories and conveniences save for the radio, but the engine sound is worth the price of this fault!

All dressed up, and now also ready for some whoopass, 340 cubes, plenty of carburation to throw fossils at this mill, and a 3-speed automatic, all wrapped up in straight pristine correct In Violet paint and satin black.   Now that's what I call a muscle car.  Bad enough to move away from the twin and become the evil stepsister!  Lovely.  I'll have the competition's pink slip please!

BS23H0B324792

B-Plymouth Barracuda
S-Special Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
H-340ci V8 275hp 4bbl
0-1970
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
324792-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.