Mopar Muscle, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, 440 "Six-Pack", 426 Hemi

Mopar

In 1970 the Plymouth Barracuda “(Cuda)” was given a new look. The 1970 model Muscle Car was built on Chryslers existing B- platform, the E-body. The fastback style from earlier years was now history. The new line of Muscle Car now consisted of 2-dr coupe and convertible models. Plymouth Barracuda now became close twin to Dodge’s Challenger, it having s slightly longer wheelbase than the Barracuda. Both were high performance models, aggressively styled, they were marketed a “Cuda”. The E-body engine compartment compared to the old A-body was larger to facilitate the Chrysler 426 Hemi.

Two six-cylinders became available – a 198 in version of the slant-six and the 225. Six other V8’s were available; the 318, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-six-pack and the 426 Hemi. Additionally there was a 340cid “six-pack” added to the engines in the Trans-Am Series “Cudas”. The 440 Six-pack and 426 Hemi-equipped cars had upgraded suspension components along with structural reinforcements to transfer the power to the ground.

The straight-line performance of the 440 Six-pack and 426 Hemi became their own legend with ¼-mile times of 13.7 seconds @ 103 mph and 13.4 seconds @ 108 mph. Even with these fast times it came at the price of the passenger compartment being uncomfortably cramped with limited luggage capacity. With the larger heaver 440 six-pack and 426 hemi, also came the complaints of poor handling and braking capability.