1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 440-4

The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda had removed all its previous ties with the Plymouth Valiant. The original fastback design was discontinued from the line and the Barracuda now consisted of coupe and convertible models. The all-new model was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing "B Platform" called the E Body. Sharing this platform was also the newly launched Dodge Challenger, but no sheet metal interchanged between the two cars. ( The Challenger was 110 inches, a 2 in longer wheelbase than the Barracuda, which was 108 inches.)

The E-body Barracuda was also now able to remove itself from the stigma of economy car. Three versions were offered for 1970 and 1971: the base Barracuda , the luxury oriented Gran Coupe , and the sport model 'Cuda . In 1971 only, there also was a low-end model called the Barracuda Coupe, which like other Coupe series Chrysler Corp. had in 1971 sported a fixed rear passenger window and minor B pillar instead of roll-down rear passenger windows. The high-performance models were marketed as " 'Cuda" deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, enabling the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in Hemi for the regular retail market.

For 1970 and 1971, the Barracuda and Barracuda Gran Coupe had 2 six cylinder engines , ( .."but we don't need no stinking 6 bangers !"  ), three different V8s: the 318ci, the 383ci with 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust, and the 383ci with 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust 330 hp . The Cuda had the 383ci 335 hp (same as Dodge's 383 Magnum) as the standard engine. It also had the 440ci 4-barrel Super Commando,( pictured in the photo ) , the 440ci 6-barrel Super Commando Six Pak, and the 426ci Hemi. The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road.

Other cool Barracuda options included decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual "high impact" colors such as "Vitamin C", "In-Violet", "Sassy Grass Green" and "Moulin Rouge".

The late Swede Savage and  Dan Gurney ( who is still a force in the racing world ),  raced identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) 'Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am series . The cars qualified for three pole positions,  but did not win any Trans-Am races; the highest finish was 2nd at Road America.