Documented/Numbers Matching/Certified 'Cuda 440 Six Pack/390 HP V8 Shaker Hood

When it comes to collectability, few cars match the term better than the legendary Plymouth 'Cuda. Chrysler's storied E-bodies were among the first muscle cars to draw serious money on the auction block. And today, they continue to be some of the best 4-wheeled investments on the market. Equity aside, this Rallye Red coupe represents a roster of great numbers. For starters, it's equipped with an original, numbers-matching V8. It also features a correct A727 Torqueflite transmission. And, in addition to being well optioned, it's fully documented from its original broadcast sheet all the way to its Galen Govier inspection and official Chrysler Registry paperwork. If you're looking for a cool E-body to round out your Mopar collection, take a minute to quantify this brilliant Plymouth!

The first thing many rookies to the collector car world ask when they come across a Cuda is, “Is it a Hemi?” But to the investment minded collector, finding a 'Cuda equipped with an original numbers matching 440 cubic inch Six Pack is just as worthy as a Hemi 'Cuda. Which is exactly what we have here with this 1970 Rallye Red 440 six pack 'Cuda. Before we go any further, let's first take a look at the VIN and Fender tag:

VIN: BS23V0B178631
• B: Barracuda
• S: Price Class – Special
• 23: 2-dr hardtop coupe
• V: 440ci 3-2BC 8-cylinders
• 0: 1970
• B: Hamtramck, MI assembly plant
• 178631: Production sequence number

Now for the fender tag that shows just how optioned this car really is:
• BS23: Plymouth Barracuda Special, 'Cuda 2 Door Hardtop
• V0B: 440 390HP 3-2BBL 8 CYL, 1970 Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
• 178631: Sequence number
• E87: 440 390HP 3-2BBL 8 CYL
• D32: 727 Automatic tTransmission
• FE5: Bright Rallye Red Exterior Color
• H6X9: Trim - High, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
• 000: Full Door Panels
• B05: Build Date: November 05
• 006361:Order number
• FE5: Bright Red Top Color
• A22: Elastomeric Colored Front & Rear Bumper Package
• C55: Bucket seats
• G36: OS dual racing mirrors
• J45: Hood tie down pins
• M21: Roof drip rail moldings
• M25: Wide sill moldings
• M31: Belt moldings
• M88: Decklid moldings treatment
• N41: Dual exhaust
• N42: Chrome exhaust tips
• N96: Shaker air hood
• R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
• Y05: Build to USA specs
• EN1: End of sales codes

The creation of the new E-body created an absolutely timeless look for the 'Cuda, and our recent sales indicate that the market for these powerful 'Cudas hasn't slowed down at all. At the front of this '70 'Cuda, a “PLYMOUTH” branded grille hangs crystal clear head lamps above a red bumper and familiar, GE-sourced driving lights. At the top of that grille, a “'Cuda 440-6” branded shaker hood gives the entire front end a sinister look. The body lines are flawless and the dual racing mirrors give it a great look. At the back of the car, a traditional black valence hangs like-new tail lights and a cool silver “'Cuda” emblem behind correct deck trim, a bright red bumper and square, chrome exhaust tips.

The best option in 1970 for creating incredible amounts of power, if you didn't want to spend a hefty amount on the Hemi option, was to go with the 440ci Six Pack V8. Lift the red hood and you'll find one of these feared beasts lying in wait in the engine bay. The 440, with the help of three 2 barrel carburetors, was rated to produce 390hp when it left the factory; that's only 35 horses away from the Hemi! The original, numbers matching 440 wears a correct 2536430-7 casting, and a six digit partial VIN. At the top of the engine you'll find the (N96 coded) Shaker Air scoop resting on three 2-barrel carburetors for an incredible look with the hood up or down. Inside the engine bay you will also find a period correct battery and radiator.

Put the 'Cuda on the lift and you'll see how the restoration didn't stop at just the body and engine, rather the underside shows extremely well and has been covered in Rallye red as well. Under here you'll see that bolted to the original block is an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the 8 ¾ rear axle that wears a correct 2881489 casting number. Spent gasses travel from the cast iron headers through dual exhausts that exit out of chrome tips at the back of the rear bumper. Stopping power comes courtesy of 4-wheel power drum brakes. In front of the brakes is a set of the optional deluxe road wheels that have been wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas F70-14 rubber.

The interior continues the investor grade quality theme of the 'Cuda. Open the doors and you'll find a correct, completely restored black vinyl interior. The front bucket and rear black vinyl shows no signs of wear and accent the red exterior very nicely. Below the seats is like new black carpet with 'Cuda floor mats. In front of the driver, just beyond the three spoke wood grain steering wheel is the 120mph speedometer, the rest of the instrument cluster and the controls on the steering column for the 3-speed automatic. Above the passengers is a taught black headliner that finishes off the incredible look of the interior in this 'Cuda.

The sale of this red 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda includes the original broadcast sheet, restoration receipts, an original owner's manual, original window sticker, a copy of the listing in the Chrysler Registry, and complete inspection and certification paperwork from Galen Govier.

For four years Plymouth seemed to get everything right with the 'Cuda, they gave it a very aggressive styling, and packed as much power as they could under the hood. These 'Cudas are some of the most sought after vehicles by collectors. The combination of the massive power plant, loads of documentation, and an extensive restoration, adds up to a 'Cuda that won't last for long under our showroom lights.