The Plymouth Barracuda (1964–1974) was Plymouth's pony car, evolving from the fastback Valiant derivative (1964–1966) to the legendary E-body (1970–1974) that could be ordered with the 426 Hemi. The 1970–1971 Hemi 'Cuda is the most valuable American muscle car, at $200,000–$400,000 (#2). The 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Six Pack is the best value buy at $75,000–$120,000 (#2). The 1967–1969 Formula S 383/440 is the entry point at $25,000–$45,000 (#2). The 1970 AAR 'Cuda (trans-am homologation, 340 Six Pack) is a unique collector piece at $80,000–$130,000 (#2). Convertibles are the rarest — only ~17 Hemi 'Cuda convertibles were ever built, making them worth $1,000,000+.
From Valiant Fastback to Hemi Monster
The Barracuda actually beat the Ford Mustang to market by two weeks in April 1964 — but the Mustang outsold it 10:1. The first-generation (1964–1966) was essentially a Plymouth Valiant with a fastback roof and large rear glass. The second-generation (1967–1969) grew larger and more powerful, with the Formula S package and big-block V8s. The third-generation (1970–1974) was the all-new E-body, designed to compete with the Mustang and Camaro. It was available with the 426 Hemi, making the Hemi 'Cuda the most valuable production muscle car in history.
| Generation | Years | Platform | Styling | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1964–1966 | A-body (Valiant) | Fastback with massive rear glass; Valiant-based | 170ci I6, 225ci I6, 273ci V8, 235/275hp | Low — first to market but overshadowed by Mustang |
| 2nd Gen | 1967–1969 | A-body (larger) | Notchback and fastback; Formula S package; bigger engines | 225ci I6, 273ci V8, 318ci V8, 383ci V8 (280/290hp), 440ci V8 (375hp, 1969 only) | Medium — 1969 440 is rare and desirable; Formula S is the trim to have |
| 3rd Gen (E-body) | 1970–1974 | E-body (shared with Dodge Challenger) | All-new aggressive pony car; shaker hood; Hemi available | 198ci I6, 225ci I6, 318ci V8, 340ci V8, 383ci V8, 440ci (375/390hp), 426 Hemi (425hp) | Very High — 1970–1971 Hemi 'Cuda and Six Pack are peak Mopar |
The 3rd-gen E-body (1970–1974) is the legendary Barracuda — the car that could be ordered with a 426 Hemi. The E-body was shared with the Dodge Challenger, but the Barracuda had a shorter roofline and different glass. The 1970–1971 models are the most collectible; 1972+ lost power due to emissions. The 1974 was the final year — only ~7,800 built.
Production Numbers
| Year | Total Production | 'Cuda Production | Hemi 'Cuda | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | ~23,400 | N/A | N/A | First gen; fastback; 170ci I6 or 273ci V8; beat Mustang by 2 weeks |
| 1965 | ~38,000 | N/A | N/A | Formula S introduced; 273ci (235/275hp); 4-barrel option |
| 1966 | ~38,400 | N/A | N/A | Last 1st-gen year; minor updates; Commando 273 (275hp) |
| 1967 | ~62,500 | N/A | N/A | All-new 2nd gen; notchback and fastback; 383ci available; Formula S |
| 1968 | ~40,000 | N/A | N/A | 383ci (290hp) Formula S; 4-speed; most popular 2nd gen config |
| 1969 | ~38,000 | N/A | N/A | 440ci (375hp) available in Formula S; rare; last 2nd-gen year |
| 1970 | ~52,500 | ~13,800 | ~652 | All-new E-body; 'Cuda package introduced; Hemi and Six Pack available |
| 1971 | ~18,700 | ~7,900 | ~134 | Last year for Hemi; 440 Six Pack continues; lowest E-body production |
| 1972 | ~16,500 | ~3,200 | N/A | Hemi gone; 440 detuned to 300hp; emissions hurting performance |
| 1973 | ~19,400 | ~2,500 | N/A | 340ci top engine; 360ci available; safety bumpers; declining |
| 1974 | ~7,800 | ~1,000 | N/A | Final year; very low production; 360ci top engine; end of era |
Production data from Chrysler Corporation. The 1970 E-body launch was strong (~52,500) but sales collapsed after 1971 due to insurance surcharges and emissions. The 1971 Hemi 'Cuda (~134 built) is the rarest and most valuable. Total Hemi 'Cuda production: ~786 (1970–1971 only). The 1974 final year is very rare (~7,800) — the muscle car era was over.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170ci I6 | 170ci | 1964–1966 | 101 | 155 | Base engine 1st gen; very slow; no collector appeal |
| 225ci I6 | 225ci | 1967–1973 | 145 | 215 | Base I6 2nd/3rd gen; reliable but slow |
| 273ci V8 | 273ci | 1964–1969 | 180–275 | 260–360 | First V8; Commando (275hp) is best 1st gen engine |
| 318ci V8 | 318ci | 1967–1974 | 230–275 | 340–375 | Base V8; reliable; no performance appeal in Barracuda |
| 340ci V8 | 340ci | 1968–1973 | 240–290 | 340–375 | Small-block; AAR 'Cuda (290hp, Six Pack); best small-block |
| 383ci V8 | 383ci | 1967–1971 | 280–335 | 390–425 | Most common big-block; Formula S standard; good value |
| 440ci Magnum | 440ci | 1969–1971 | 375 | 480 | 'Cuda standard big-block; excellent torque; most common 'Cuda V8 |
| 440 Six Pack | 440ci | 1970–1971 | 390 | 490 | 3x2-barrel carbs; nearly as fast as Hemi; rare and valuable |
| 426 Hemi | 426ci | 1970–1971 | 425 | 490 | The holy grail; dual plugs, twin 4-barrels; ~786 in 'Cudas; most valuable |
The 426 Hemi is the most legendary engine ever installed in a pony car — only ~786 Hemi 'Cudas were built (1970–1971). The 440 Six Pack (390hp) is nearly as fast and 50–60% cheaper. The 340 Six Pack in the AAR 'Cuda (290hp) is a unique trans-am homologation engine. The 383 is the best value big-block for 1967–1969 models.
'Cuda, AAR 'Cuda, and Formula S: The Performance Packages
The 'Cuda was the performance trim of the Barracuda — heavy-duty suspension, rallye wheels, hood scoops, special stripes, and the choice of 383, 440 Magnum, 440 Six Pack, or 426 Hemi. The 1970–1971 'Cuda is the most collectible. Total 'Cuda production: ~28,400 across all years, but Hemi 'Cudas are only ~786 and 440 Six Pack 'Cudas are ~1,932.
The AAR (All American Racers) 'Cuda was built for SCCA Trans-Am homologation — 2,724 produced. Features: 340ci V8 with Three-Two barrel (Six Pack) intake (290hp), side-exit exhaust, front air dam, rear spoiler, strobe stripe, and lightweight components. The AAR 'Cuda was Plymouth's answer to the Camaro Z28 and Mustang Boss 302. It's a unique collector piece — not the fastest 'Cuda but the most historically significant.
Formula S was the performance package for the 2nd-gen Barracuda: upgraded suspension, 383ci V8 (280–290hp) or 440ci (375hp, 1969 only), 4-speed manual, and special badging. The 1969 Formula S 440 is the rarest and most desirable 2nd-gen — only ~38 built. Formula S cars are the affordable entry point to Barracuda collecting.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible | $3,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $1,500,000 | $700,000 | +80% |
| 1970 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible | $2,500,000 | $1,800,000 | $1,000,000 | $450,000 | +75% |
| 1970–1971 Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop | $350,000 | $250,000 | $150,000 | $70,000 | +55% |
| 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Six Pack | $160,000 | $110,000 | $65,000 | $28,000 | +45% |
| 1970 AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack | $160,000 | $110,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | +42% |
| 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Magnum | $110,000 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $18,000 | +35% |
| 1970–1971 'Cuda 383 | $75,000 | $52,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +28% |
| 1969 Formula S 440 | $85,000 | $58,000 | $32,000 | $14,000 | +35% |
| 1967–1968 Formula S 383 | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +25% |
| 1972–1973 'Cuda 340 | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +22% |
| 1964–1966 Formula S 273 | $35,000 | $24,000 | $12,000 | $5,000 | +18% |
| 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Convertible | $180,000 | $125,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 | +40% |
| 1974 'Cuda 360 (final year) | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +20% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and Bring a Trailer sold data (2024–2026). The 1971 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible is the most valuable production muscle car in the world — only ~11 built. The Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop is the most attainable Hemi Mopar at $250,000 (#2). The 440 Six Pack is the smart buy — 90% of the performance at 40% of the Hemi price. The AAR 'Cuda is a unique trans-am homologation piece with its own collector following.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Plymouth Barracuda Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970–71 Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop (#2) | 170000 | 200000 | 225000 | 240000 | 248000 | 250000 | 250000 |
| 1970–71 440 Six Pack (#2) | 75000 | 90000 | 100000 | 106000 | 109000 | 110000 | 110000 |
| 1970–71 440 Magnum (#2) | 50000 | 60000 | 68000 | 72000 | 74000 | 75000 | 75000 |
'Cuda vs Charger vs Camaro: Pony Car Showdown
| Factor | Hemi 'Cuda | Charger R/T Hemi | Camaro Z28 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | E-body (pony car) | B-body (mid-size) | F-body (pony car) |
| Top Engine | 426 Hemi (425hp) | 426 Hemi (425hp) | 302ci (290hp) |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.0 sec | ~5.1 sec | ~6.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 13.4 @ 107 mph | 13.5 @ 105 mph | 14.5 @ 98 mph |
| Weight | ~3,400 lbs | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,300 lbs |
| Hemi Production | ~786 (2 years) | ~600 (6 years) | N/A (302 only) |
| Value (#2, top) | $250,000 | $180,000–$200,000 | $58,000–$95,000 |
| Rarity | Rarest Hemi Mopar | Rarest B-body | Most common pony car |
The Hemi 'Cuda is the most valuable Hemi Mopar — rarer than the Hemi Charger (786 vs ~600) and in a lighter, more agile pony car body. The 'Cuda is 400 lbs lighter than the Charger, making it faster despite the same engine. The Camaro Z28 is the budget alternative — a Trans-Am racer but no big-block. For raw value and rarity, the Hemi 'Cuda is the king.
Key Option Codes (RPO)
Plymouth Barracuda RPO Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
L2 | 426 Hemi V8 425hp; dual plugs, twin 4-barrels; ~786 in 'Cudas; 1970–1971 only |
L6 | 440 Six Pack V8 390hp; 3x2-barrel carbs; ~1,932 built; 1970–1971; nearly as fast as Hemi |
L5 | 440 Magnum V8 375hp; 480 lb-ft; 'Cuda standard big-block; most common 'Cuda V8 |
L4 | 383 Magnum V8 280–335hp; most common big-block; Formula S and base 'Cuda |
A34 | 340 Six Pack (AAR) 290hp; 3x2-barrel; AAR 'Cuda only; Trans-Am homologation; 1970 |
D21 | 4-Speed Manual (A833) Close-ratio; preferred over automatic; standard on Hemi |
D32 | TorqueFlite 727 3-speed automatic; strong; common on non-Hemi cars |
Dana 60 | Dana 60 Rear Axle Standard on Hemi and Six Pack; strongest rear axle; 3.54 or 4.10 gears |
A36 | Performance Axle Package 3.54:1 or 4.10:1 gears; Sure-Grip limited-slip |
J42 | Power Disc Brakes Front disc; standard on 'Cuda; optional on others |
N10 | Dual Exhaust Standard on 'Cuda; adds performance and sound |
V21 | Shaker Hood Hood-mounted scoop attached to engine; shakes with torque; iconic Hemi feature |
A01 | 'Cuda Package Performance trim: HD suspension, rallye wheels, stripes, 383/440/Hemi; 1970–1974 |
A93 | AAR 'Cuda Package Trans-Am homologation: 340 Six Pack, side exhaust, air dam; 2,724 built; 1970 |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1970–1971 Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop
- The most valuable production muscle car; 425hp; ~786 built
- $250,000 (#2); appreciating 15–20% annually
- Verify Hemi-specific parts: dual plugs, twin carbs, Dana 60, shaker hood, build sheet
- Best value Hemi alternative: 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Six Pack
- 390hp with 3x2-barrel carbs; 90% of Hemi performance at 40% of price
- $110,000 (#2); ~1,932 built
- Verify Six Pack-specific parts: intake, carbs, air cleaner, Dana 60
- Best trans-am: 1970 AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack
- Trans-Am homologation; 290hp 340 Six Pack; side exhaust
- $110,000 (#2); 2,724 built; unique collector piece
- Verify AAR-specific parts: side exhaust, air dam, strobe stripe, lightweight hood
- Best value E-body: 1970–1971 'Cuda 440 Magnum
- 375hp 440ci; same 'Cuda look as Six Pack/Hemi; $75,000 (#2)
- Most common 'Cuda big-block; easier to find and restore
- Good driver-quality car; parts readily available
- Best 2nd-gen: 1969 Formula S 440
- 375hp 440ci; rare (~38 built); $58,000 (#2)
- Last 2nd-gen year; most powerful pre-E-body Barracuda
- Very rare — verify Formula S package and 440 engine code
- Best entry point: 1967–1968 Formula S 383
- 280–290hp 383ci; $38,000 (#2); affordable Barracuda entry
- Good 2nd-gen styling; Formula S suspension
- Can upgrade to 440 later, but numbers-matching is worth more
- Best first-gen: 1965–1966 Formula S 273 Commando
- 275hp 273ci; $24,000 (#2); the original Barracuda
- Beat Mustang to market by 2 weeks; historical significance
- Good for collectors who want the first-year Barracuda
- Avoid: 1972–1974 'Cuda with 318ci 2-barrel
- 150–230hp; no performance appeal; not collectible
- Only buy as a cheap project or parts car
- Better to buy a 1967–1968 Formula S than a 1972+ 318
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a Barracuda and a 'Cuda?
- The Barracuda was the model name (1964–1974). The 'Cuda was a performance trim package within the Barracuda line, introduced in 1970 with the E-body. All 'Cudas are Barracudas, but not all Barracudas are 'Cudas. The 'Cuda package included performance suspension, rallye wheels, hood scoops, and the choice of 383, 440, or 426 Hemi engines. Non-'Cuda Barracudas had 225ci I6 or 318ci V8 engines.
- Why is the Hemi 'Cuda so expensive?
- Three factors: (1) Extreme rarity — only ~786 Hemi 'Cudas were built (1970–1971 only). (2) The 426 Hemi is the most legendary American engine. (3) The Hemi 'Cuda Convertible (~17 built) is the rarest production muscle car in existence, selling for $1M–$3.5M. The Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop is the most attainable Hemi Mopar at ~$250,000, but that's still 25% more than a Hemi Charger.
- Is the Barracuda the same as the Dodge Challenger?
- They share the E-body platform (1970–1974), but they are different cars. The Barracuda has a shorter roofline, different rear quarter glass, and different front/rear styling. The Challenger is 2 inches longer in wheelbase (110" vs 108"). Both could be ordered with the 426 Hemi. The Hemi 'Cuda is rarer and more valuable than the Hemi Challenger (~786 vs ~432 Hemi cars).
- What is an AAR 'Cuda?
- The AAR (All American Racers) 'Cuda was built for SCCA Trans-Am racing homologation in 1970 — 2,724 produced. It featured a 340ci V8 with Six Pack (3x2-barrel carbs, 290hp), side-exit exhaust, front air dam, rear deck spoiler, and special strobe stripe. The AAR 'Cuda was Plymouth's answer to the Camaro Z28 and Mustang Boss 302. It's a unique collector piece — not the fastest 'Cuda but the most historically significant.
- Did the Barracuda really beat the Mustang to market?
- Yes — the Plymouth Barracuda was released on April 1, 1964, two weeks before the Ford Mustang (April 17, 1964). However, the Mustang outsold the Barracuda by roughly 10:1 in the first year. The Barracuda was seen as a Valiant with a fastback roof, while the Mustang was an all-new platform. The Barracuda didn't truly compete until the E-body redesign in 1970.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Plymouth Barracuda or 'Cuda — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My BarracudaSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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