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Muscle1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda: Specs, Rarity and History
Rare, loud and valued like fine art.
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda is one of the strongest street cars Detroit ever built. Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda that year on the E-body platform, then offered the legendary 426 Hemi for buyers who wanted the top of the muscle car mountain.
Hemi 'Cuda power: the 426 Hemi V8
The 426 Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and came with a four-speed manual or an automatic. Many cars wore a Shaker hood scoop bolted to the engine so it shook with the motor. Chrysler's High Impact paint colors, with names like In-Violet and Lemon Twist, made sure none of this went unnoticed.
Why the 1970 Hemi 'Cuda is so valuable
Few buyers ticked the Hemi box because it was costly and thirsty. About 650 Hemi 'Cuda hardtops and only a handful of convertibles were built for 1970, which is why the car sits near the top of the collector market. Fakes exist, so verifying the VIN and fender tag matters before any purchase.
1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda key facts
- Engine
- 426 Hemi V8
- Output
- 425 horsepower
- Built in 1970
- Fewer than 700