’Cuda Brothers

Preserving the Barracuda Legend

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1964 through 1974

The Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1974. Many people don’t realize the difference between a Barracuda and ‘Cuda. There is a difference. Check out all our pictures and descriptions on this page and you will learn when the first production Barracuda came to be. The birth of the Barracuda was conceived from a Plymouth Valiant. That’s a far cry from the most iconic muscle car of all time.

There is a World Wide Following of the Plymouth Barracuda

There are a lot of interesting stories to tell about how the history evolved. Barracudas have competed as racecars, in the movies and even regular TV shows. We have found through our ‘Cuda Brothers Facebook page that there is a worldwide following. There are some out of this world customizations as well as a few original ‘Cudas that have sold in the millions of dollars.

The Documentary

‘Cuda Brothers is extremely interested in telling more about the History of the Barracuda through a movie style documentary. However, it is proving to a very involved, expensive, and time consuming endeavor. It may still happen and time will tell.

‘Cuda Brothers – Preserving the Barracuda Legend

First Generation Plymouth Barracuda

1964 through 1966

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1964 Plymouth Barracuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1964 Plymouth Barracuda

The first Barracuda produced in 1964 was Valiant based with body panel modifications. Some had Valiant and Barracuda badging on the same car. It included the largest bubble style back window of its time. It was also the last year that Chrysler put out the push button automatic transmission. Standard on the Barracuda was a 170 cubic inch slant 6 engine at 145 hp with the optional 226 cubic inch engine at 170 hp. This car was promoted as a sporty compact, which eventually became one of the most iconic American muscle cars of all time.

This particular car is believed to be the oldest running Barracuda on the planet.

1965 Plymouth Barracuca

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1965 Plymouth Barracuda

Production numbers nearly tripled from the introduction of the Plymouth Barracuda in 1964 even though the outward appearance looks like the 1964. With the exception of the custom wheels, this car looks like it came from the factory. Photo by Donald K. O’Brien

automotive museum

1966 Plymouth Barracuda

History of the Barracuda

1966 Plymouth Barracuda

This was the last of the first generation Plymouth Barracudas. This is a rust free, non-restored Florida car. The owner bought the car from his brother who owned it for 23 years. His brother worked in a dealership and bought the car when it became available from a lady who often brought it in for service. Keeping Mopars in the family through the years is often the case.

Specializing in older Mopars

Second Generation Plymouth Barracuda

1967 through 1969

1966 Plymouth Barracuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1967 Plymouth Barracuda

The second generation Plymouth Barracuda was the first year of the convertible and the Formula S. The convertible was continued through 1971. The slant 6 was not an option. This A-body style separated it from the original Barracuda with major redesigns even though it was still part of the Valiant family. It was available as a fastback, notchback, and convertible.

1968 Plymouth Barracuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1968 Plymouth Barracuda

Many Barracudas of this era were heavily modified for racing.. The Hemi engine was used specifically for professional drag racing. The slant 6 was reintroduced and the 273V8 was replaced with the 318. Photo by Ruud Onos

1969 Plymouth Barracuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1969 Plymouth ’Cuda

1969 was the first official year for the designated ‘Cuda name which was reserved for the performance versions with either the 340, 383, or the new 440. Photo by Cuda Brother Sam Locklin

Third Generation Plymouth Barracuda

1970 through 1974

1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1970 Plymouth Barracuda

1970 was the introduction of the E-body, which continued to be built through 1974. Available options were the Barracuda series, Gran Coupe, ‘Cuda, and AAR. They included the hardtop and some were limited number convertibles. Several engine options were available while the AAR ‘Cuda came equipped with the 340 ci engine and 6 barrel carburetor.

1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1971 Plymouth ’Cuda

The 1971 model was the only Barracuda produced with dual headlights. It is also the only one with front fender louvers. The billboard side stripe was only produced for the 1971 year. This was also the last year of the big block 383, 426 Hemi, and 440. There were only 11 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles produced which have been sold at auction for millions of dollars.

1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1972 Plymouth ’Cuda

1972 was the start of the slotted center grill and round taillights. The largest engine available was the 340. With 55,000 original miles, this 340 Plymouth ‘Cuda is close to original in appearance and turns a lot of heads. It has the numbers-matching engine and automatic transmission, along with the factory original rear end. Most of the car is original. Cuda Brother Sam is the owner. Photo by Sam Locklin

1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1973 Plymouth Barracuda

A rare find is a factory correct 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. This one has the rubber bumper guards, which are often removed. It also has the factory correct stripe, which is the same one used on the 1973 and 1974 models. Early models came with the 340 ci engine but were switched later in the year to the 360 as the factory was purging the 340’s.

1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda

History of the Plymouth Barracuda

1974 Plymouth ’Cuda

The 1973/1974 Plymouth Barracuda’s outward appearances are almost identical with the exception of minor options between the two. 1974 was the last year for the E-body and the Plymouth Barracuda. The rumors about the resurrection of the Barracuda have been debated over the years, but it does not seem likely to happen. We will not let the most iconic muscle car of all time be forgotten.

‘Cuda Brothers – Preserving the Barracuda Legend