Originally introduced as a pony car with inline-six and small-displacement V8 engines, the Plymouth Barracuda became increasingly more powerful toward the end of the 1960

As a pony car with inline-six and small-displacement V8 engines, the Plymouth Barracuda gained power in the late 1960s. In late 1969, the manufacturer introduced a more powerful big-block variant.

Chrysler’s flagship 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Pack and 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI engines were available. With 390 and 425 horsepower, these mills made the Barracuda a muscle vehicle. Many consumers avoided high-performance automobiles due to hefty insurance premiums.

In 1970, 1,784 consumers chose the six-barrel 440 V8 and 666 the HEMI. Total Barracuda sales and range-topping model deliveries plummeted in 1971. Only 254 automobiles had the six-barrel 440, and only 114 had the 426 HEMI.

It’s evident that the HEMI is rarer. Only 780 HEMI ‘Cudas were sold before the 426 entered history in 1971, accounting for 1.2% of US Barracuda production. These numbers made the HEMI ‘Cuda a popular and pricey classic.

Public auctions often sell 1970 hardtops for $200,000–$300,000. A rare, all-original 1971 Concours-ready model costs over $400,000. As of December 2023, a 1971 HEMI ‘Cuda costs $935,000, the record. If you think that’s expensive, wait till you see convertible prices.

The drop-top type is rarer than the hardtop, thus collectors must be patient to get one. The US produced just 14 specimens in 1970 and seven in 1971. They cost what? In 2014, the most expensive 1971 HEMI ‘Cuda sold for $3.8 million. Another failed to sell in 2021 despite a $4.8 million offer.

The 1970 model is cheaper but still a million-dollar automobile. The 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda Convertible established a 2019 record of $1.98 million. In January 2024, the identical automobile will be auctioned, breаking that record.

Legendary Motorcar of Ontario, Canada, restored this Lemon Twist drop-top to perfection. It’s one of nine 1970 HEMI ‘Cudas with automatic gearbox. I think it’s the only one with a yellow exterior and brown inside. Even though it’s not the most pleasing color combination, collectors spent over $2 million for it in 2019.

Mecum expects the ‘Cuda to sell for $2.5 to $3 million at Kissimmee 2024. It may not sell since these cars have a reserve, but if it does, it will establish a 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda world record. Is this Mopar worth much?