1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

A muscle car legend was born when Plymouth debuted the completely redesigned E-Body Barracuda for the 1970 model year. Measuring five inches shorter than the Challenger with which it shared a chassis, the all-new Barracuda was initially available in three varieties: the standard Barracuda, luxury Grand Coupe, or high-performance ‘Cuda. A selection of nine engines were available, with ‘Cuda buyers able to upgrade to a 440 cu-in V8 with a single four-barrel carburetor, all the way up to the fire-breathing 426 cu-in Hemi engine rated at 425 horsepower. Customization continued with a laundry list of options which included the I.Q.E.C.A.G. (Incredible Quivering Exposed Cold Air Grabber) as well as five extra-cost “High Impact” exterior finishes. The Barracuda’s virtually limitless customization contributed to outstanding, well-equipped examples becoming among the most collectible Chrysler cars ever produced.

This particular ‘Cuda 440 benefits from a ground-up restoration courtesy of RJ Cars in its original shade of Lemon Twist over White vinyl upholstery. The car was also appointed with the all-important “shaker” hood scoop as well as dual color-keyed racing mirrors and Rallye wheels during the restoration. Powering this finely restored ‘Cuda is a rebuilt “U-code” 440 cu-in V8 topped with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor and paired with a TorqueFlite A-727 three-speed automatic transmission. Presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition, this ‘Cuda 440 is ready to be enjoyed for its dazzling color scheme and thunderous V8 exhaust note. 

Highlights

• Ground-up restoration completed by RJ Cars of Arkport, New York in 2005-2006 with parts, materials, restoration services, and labor exceeding $189,000 in total

• 440 cu-in “U-code” V8 and TorqueFlite A-727 transmission rebuilt by RJ Cars in 2006

• Finished in Lemon Twist with black “hockey stick” side stripes with “440” engine designation

• Hood scoop finished in correct Argent Silver

• Rides on 15-inch Rallye wheels mounted with FR70-15 Firestone Super Sport tires  

• Front heavy-duty longitudinal torsion bars with tubular shocks and stabilizer bar, rear heavy-duty leaf springs with tubular shocks

• 8 ¾-inch rear end with Sure-Grip differential and 3.23 rear gear ratio

• Console-mounted “slap stick” gear selector and optional three-spoke Rim-Blow steering wheel

• Equipped from the factory with:

  • FY1 - Painted Top (no Vinyl Roof) Lemon Twist (High Impact Color)

  • A01 - Light Package: Ashtray Light, Glove Box Light, Trunk Light, Ignition Light with Time Delay, Map and Courtesy Light, Instrument Panel Flood Lamp with Time Delay, Headlight-On Warning Buzzer, Fender Mounted Turn Signal Indicators

  • A62 - Rallye Instrument Cluster, Trip odometer, 150 mph Speedometer, Instrument Panel Woodgrain, Heater Control, Flood Light, Tachometer, Clock, Fuel, Oil, Temperature Gauges, Ammeter and Three Speed / Variable Wipers with Electric Washers

  • B51 - Power Brakes

  • C16 - Console with Woodgrain (and Seat Belt holder in the back of the console)

  • C55 - Bucket Seats

  • C83 - Rear Heavy Duty Seat Springs

  • J45 - Hood Tie Down Pins

  • L31 - Turn Signal Light Hood / Fender

  • M21 - Drip Rail Moldings

  • M25 - Body Sill Moldings

  • M88 - Deck Molding Treatment (Tail Light Panel Molding)

  • N41 - Dual Exhaust

  • N42 - Bright Exhaust Tips

  • N85 - Tachometer

  • R11 - 2 Watt AM Radio (Music Master)

  • V5X - Black Molding / Protective Vinyl Insert Body Side (Includes pinstripe on 1970 Barracuda / Cuda)

• This ‘Cuda 440 is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just 476 miles at the time of cataloging; however, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Dual high-intensity road lamps

• Black-finished rear deck

• Louvered rocker panels

• Anti-theft ignition switch

• Lap seat belts

• Rubber floor mats

• Dual cushioned sun visors

• Day/night rearview mirror

• Manual roll-up windows

• Locking glove box

Known Imperfections

• This ‘Cuda 440 is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from all but the smallest of imperfections

• The specialist reports minor wear to the grab handle on the driver’s side door panel

• The specialist also notes minor paint chips on the driver’s door edge and on the right rear quarter panel near the deck lid

Included

• Comprehensive digital file of restoration invoices, labor log, and images

• Space saver spare tire

• Original set of wheels with tires

• Original hood 

Ownership History

This ‘Cuda 440 was purchased by the current New York-based owner in July of 2005 prior to embarking on an 18-month restoration completed in 2006.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Harrison Platz Phone: 610.304.4525 email: harrison.platz@broadarrowgroup.com

This 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda was offered on Hagerty Auctions October 2023. You can view the old listing here. The winning bidder failed to follow through on their commitment to purchase the vehicle. This was not due to any faults of the vehicle or the seller. We have banned the high bidder from taking place in future Hagerty Auctions.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,000. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.