Browse›Plymouth Barracuda 3rd Gen

Plymouth Barracuda 3rd Gen

Overview

The third-generation Barracuda (1970–1974) became a true muscle car with wider body styling, high-performance engine options including big-block V8s, and trims such as the 'Cuda. This generation is highly collectible for its performance variants and iconic American muscle styling.

Distinctions

What sets this car apart, from being selected for the Octane Files to becoming a legend.

Legend

A car that transcended the hobby, known far beyond the people who drive them.

In the files

Selected for its history, engineering, or cultural weight.

The scorecard

Rated 1 to 10 on the traits that matter for owning, driving, and holding on to a car like this.

Desirability

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Rarity

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Driving Thrill

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Investment Trajectory

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Usability

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Ease of Restoration

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Cultural Impact

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Electronic dependence

Fully analogHeavily electronic

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Market Data

Demand tier, price trend, and typical values by condition, based on recent sales data.

Desirability Tier

Blue-chipHighSolidEntry

The proven elite. Values are established, liquid, and defended at every auction.

Value Trajectory

AppreciatingStableCooling

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Price by condition

Driver

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Excellent

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Concours

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Buyer's guide

What anyone seriously considering this car should know first.

Why it's worth it

The '71 Hemi 'Cuda convertible has sold for over $3 million; the '70-71 'Cuda is a design and muscle icon.

Callout

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What to watch for

THE highest-stakes clone territory in muscle - a real Hemi 'Cuda vs. a clone is a multi-million-dollar difference; broadcast sheet, fender tag, VIN, and registry verification are non-negotiable.

The Story

Driving Character

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Design

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Motorsport Pedigree

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In Culture

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Where it comes from

Related cars from the same manufacturer family, like platform siblings or shared-era relatives.

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Rivals

Cars from other manufacturers that competed for the same buyers when new.

Rivals: Challenger (platform twin), Camaro, Mustang. If you like it: Challenger R/T, Camaro SS.

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Owning One

Why collectors want it

The E-body 'Cuda - one of the definitive muscle cars; the 426 Hemi 'Cuda, especially the '71 convertible, is among the most valuable American cars ever built.

Which one to look for

'Cuda, AAR 'Cuda (Trans-Am homologation, 340 Six Pack), 440 Six Pack, 426 Hemi 'Cuda, the '71 Hemi convertible (grail). [TRIM-worthy: Hemi 'Cuda, AAR 'Cuda]

AAR 'Cuda · 1970

Trans-Am homologation special with the 340 Six Pack V8, side-exit exhaust, and matte-black hood

Hemi 'Cuda · 1970–1971

'Cuda package with the 426 Street Hemi V8, including the '71 convertible

What owning one is like

Rust (floors, trunk, cowl), rampant cloning, Hemi/AAR authenticity - the stakes are enormous.

Upkeep & Parts

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Resources

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All cars

Country of Origin

USA

Class

Muscle

Production Years

1970–1974

Units Built

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Marque

Plymouth

Model

Barracuda

Nickname

'Cuda

Body

Convertible, Coupe

Layout

Front-engine, RWD

Engine

340, 383, 440 Six Pack, and the 426 Street Hemi.

Transmission

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Designer

John Herlitz / Plymouth styling