Classic Plymouth Barracuda: Pony Car Pioneer to Mopar Legend, 1964–1974
The classic Plymouth Barracuda beat the Ford Mustang to market by two weeks in April 1964, making it technically the first pony car. Its ten-year classic run produced some of the most desirable Mopar performance cars ever built — culminating in the legendary Hemi 'Cuda of 1970–71, among the rarest and most valuable American muscle cars in existence.
Plymouth Barracuda — Generation by Generation
1964–1966
First Generation (A-Body)
"The first pony car — two weeks before the Mustang"
The first Barracuda was essentially a Valiant with a dramatic fastback greenhouse and enormous rear window. It beat the Mustang to market by two weeks. A Formula S option with the 273 Hi-Performance V8 gave it genuine sporting credentials.
Key Changes
- → Huge fastback greenhouse on Valiant platform
- → Largest rear window in a production car
- → Formula S with 273 Hi-Performance V8
Specs
| Engines | 170/225 Slant-6, 273 V8 (up to 235 hp Formula S) |
| On sale | April 1, 1964 — two weeks before Mustang |
Plymouth Barracuda for Sale — 1964–1966
Dealer
United States
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
$29,995
Dealer
United States
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
$35,995
Dealer
United States
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
$23,895
1967–1969
Second Generation (Redesigned A-Body)
"Three body styles, big-block arrives"
The 1967 Barracuda was entirely redesigned with three body styles: fastback, hardtop, and convertible. The 383 big-block was finally available. The 'Cuda performance package arrived in 1969.
Key Changes
- → Three body styles: fastback, hardtop, convertible
- → 383 big-block V8 available
- → 'Cuda package introduced 1969
- → 440 Super Commando V8 available in 1969 'Cuda
Specs
| 1969 440 hp | 375 hp (440 Super Commando, single 4-barrel) |
Plymouth Barracuda for Sale — 1967–1969
Dealer
United States
1967 Plymouth Barracuda
$43,995
Dealer
United States
1969 Plymouth Barracuda
$33,995
Dealer
United States
1967 Plymouth Barracuda
$42,995
1970–1974
Third Generation (E-Body)
"The Hemi 'Cuda — rarest Mopar collectible"
The 1970 E-body redesign gave the Barracuda an entirely new platform shared with the Dodge Challenger, capable of accommodating the 426 Hemi. With only 666 Hemi 'Cuda hardtops and 14 convertibles in 1970, these are among the most sought-after American performance cars.
Key Changes
- → New E-body platform shared with Challenger
- → Hemi 'Cuda: 426 Hemi (666 hardtops, 14 convertibles)
- → AAR 'Cuda for Trans-Am racing (2,724 built)
- → 1971: Last Hemi year (108 hardtops, 7 convertibles)
Specs
| Hemi hp | 425 hp (factory — actual ~500 hp) |
| 1971 Hemi convertible | 7 units built |
| Record auction | $3.5 million+ |
Plymouth Barracuda for Sale — 1970–1974
Dealer
United States
1972 Plymouth Barracuda
$51,994
Dealer
United States
1973 Plymouth Barracuda
$59,994
Dealer
United States
1970 Plymouth Barracuda
$17,895
Legacy & Impact
The classic Barracuda's legacy rests on the 1970–71 E-body cars — particularly anything with a Hemi or 440 Six Pack. A 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible, with only 7 produced, is among the rarest American classics ever made, with examples selling for over $3 million. The Barracuda name was retired in 1974 and has never been officially revived — ensuring the originals retain their mystique forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes — the Plymouth Barracuda went on sale April 1, 1964, two weeks before the Ford Mustang on April 17, 1964.
The 1970 Hemi 'Cuda had 666 hardtops and 14 convertibles. The 1971 model had 108 hardtops and just 7 convertibles. Examples have sold for over $3 million.
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Thinking of Buying One?
Read our Plymouth Barracuda Buyer's Guide — pre-purchase checklist, common issues, and pricing.
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