Plymouth history · 1964–1974
Plymouth Barracuda history: 1964 to the Hemi 'Cuda
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Plymouth Barracuda was built for the 1964–1974 model years in three generations. It went on sale April 1, 1964, two weeks before the Ford Mustang. The 1970–1974 E-body, shared with the Dodge Challenger, offered engines up to the 425 hp 426 Hemi, and 48,867 were built for 1970.
Plymouth Barracuda history
Plymouth launched the Barracuda on April 1, 1964, as a fastback built from the compact Valiant, with a huge wraparound rear window. It beat the Ford Mustang to market by two weeks at a base price of $2,512, and 23,443 were sold in that first season.
The second generation (1967–1969) added notchback and convertible bodies and big-block power, and the 'Cuda name appeared as a performance package for 1969. The third generation (1970–1974) moved to Chrysler's new E-body, shared with the Dodge Challenger, with engines from the slant-six to the 440 Six Barrel and the 426 Hemi.
Production peaked at 48,867 for 1970 and fell to 11,734 by 1974, the last model year. Hemi 'Cudas, built only for 1970 and 1971, are now among the most valuable American muscle cars.[1]
Years and production numbers
| Period | Generation | Production (units) |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 (season) | First (A-body), 1964–1966 | 23,443 sold |
| 1967–1969 | Second (A-body) | Not shown in sources used |
| 1970 | Third (E-body) | 48,867 |
| 1971 | Third (E-body) | 16,492 |
| 1972 | Third (E-body) | 18,490 |
| 1973 | Third (E-body) | 19,281 |
| 1974 | Third (E-body) | 11,734 |
Generations and key variants
| Engine | Years | Rated output |
|---|---|---|
| 273 cu in V8 | 1964 | 180 hp |
| 225 cu in slant-six | 1967–1969 | 145 hp |
| 383 cu in V8 | 1967–1969 | 280 hp (1967), 300 hp (1968), 330 hp (1969) |
| 340 cu in V8 | 1970–1971 | 275 hp |
| 440 Six Barrel V8 | 1970 | 390 hp |
| 426 Hemi V8 | 1970–1971 | 425 hp |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The 'Cuda began as a 1969 performance package derived from the Formula S option and became the performance model of the E-body line.
- The 426 Hemi was offered in the Barracuda only for 1970 and 1971.
Sources:[1]
What changed over the years
- 1964Valiant-based fastback launches April 1, 1964.
- 1967Second generation adds notchback and convertible bodies and big-block V8s.
- 1969'Cuda performance package introduced.
- 1970E-body shared with the Dodge Challenger; Hemi and 440 Six Barrel available.
- 1974Final model year (11,734 built).
Sources:[1]
What to check before you buy one
- Decode the fender tag and serial number: 'Cuda, Hemi and convertible clones built from base Barracudas are common, and value depends on proving originality.
- Have a specialist verify engine, transmission and axle stampings and the documentation behind any numbers-matching claim.
- Inspect for rust in floors, trunk, quarter panels and frame rails, and check the quality of any restoration.
Plymouth Barracuda prices and values
Auction context, not a typical value: a 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible with a four-speed — one of only a handful built (sources cite 11 to 13 for 1971) — sold for $3.5 million before buyer's fees at Mecum's Seattle auction in June 2014.[1],[2]
How to verify a Plymouth Barracuda's factory options
Standardized 17-character VINs began with the 1981 model year, so every Plymouth Barracuda predates them. These cars are identified by their original 13-character serial number, fender tag codes, engine stampings and the documentation that survives with them.[3]
For vehicles built before the 17-character VIN, identification rests on the original serial number, the body (fender or data) tag, engine stampings and the paperwork that survives with the vehicle. A VIN-based build lookup does not apply. Researching a later model? Start at the Dodge history timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What years was the Plymouth Barracuda made?
Model years 1964 through 1974, in three generations: 1964–1966, 1967–1969 and 1970–1974.
Did the Barracuda come out before the Mustang?
Yes. The Barracuda went on sale on April 1, 1964, two weeks before the Ford Mustang.
What is the difference between a Barracuda and a 'Cuda?
'Cuda was the performance version, introduced as a package for 1969 and offered as its own model on the 1970–1974 E-body.
Is the Barracuda the same as the Challenger?
The 1970–1974 Barracuda shared Chrysler's E-body platform with the Dodge Challenger, though the bodies and wheelbases differed.
How much is a Hemi 'Cuda worth?
It varies enormously with originality and documentation. As a high-water mark, a 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible sold for $3.5 million before fees at Mecum in June 2014.
Related histories
More research
Sources
Production figures and dates come from Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram) press materials and brand sites, reputable automotive press and auction houses wherever available; auction figures are public results from the auction house. References marked secondary are encyclopedic or enthusiast sources used only where a primary figure was not available. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- Plymouth Barracuda — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
- 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible sets record with $3.5M bid (June 2014) — Old Cars Weekly
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, HEMI, Hellcat, SRT, Mopar, Wrangler, Cherokee, Gladiator and the other model names are trademarks of their owners.