50-Years-Owned 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda 340 Coupe

Description

In its January 1971 issue, Hot Rod magazine told readers to “beware the quiet fish,” naming the ’Cuda 340 the best of Plymouth’s many Barracuda configurations. The magazine praised it as a no-compromise performer in handling, drag racing, street driving, and long-distance touring. It judged the car better to drive than the 440ci or Hemi ’Cudas, while costing less, weighing less, and being cheaper to own.

Chrysler engineer Charles “Pete” Hagenbuch, who worked on the company’s legendary engines from 1958 to 1987, said the 275hp 340’s recipe was simple: big valves, a big cam, and high compression. It was nothing magical, he said, but it felt great.

Acquired by the seller approximately 50 years ago, this '70 'Cuda 340 Coupe is powered by its namesake, numbers-matching 340ci V8 paired with a code-correct four-speed manual gearbox with a Pistol Grip shifter. The car was refinished shortly after the seller acquired the car in factory Lemon Twist "High Impact" paint, which is complemented with a black vinyl top and matching high-back bucket seat interior matching the fender tag.

This 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda 340 Coupe is now offered with a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Same ownership for last 50 years

• Refinished in original Lemon Twist (FY1) with a Black vinyl top (V1X)

• Black vinyl high-back bucket seat interior (H6X9)

• Numbers-matching 340ci LA-series V8 with four-barrel carburetor

• Code-correct A833 4-speed manual transmission with Pistol Grip

Factory Equipment

• Torsion-bar front suspension with front sway bar

• Heavy-duty rear leaf springs

• Dual exhaust system

• 8¾-inch rear axle

• Heavy-duty drum brakes

• The data plate lists these options:

  • A01 – Light package

  • A36 – Performance axle package

  • A62 – Rallye instrument cluster package

  • B51 – Power brakes

  • C16 – Console with woodgrain trim

  • C6X – Black vinyl bucket seats

  • D21 – A833 4-speed manual transmission

  • E55 – 340 cubic-inch V8, 275 hp, 4-barrel

  • FY1 – Lemon Twist exterior paint

  • H6X9 – Black interior trim, high-back bucket seats

  • J54 – Sport hood

  • L31 – Fender-mounted turn signal indicators

  • M21 – Roof drip rail moldings

  • N85 – Tachometer

  • R35 – AM/FM Multiplex Stereo Radio

  • V1X – Black vinyl roof

  • V5X – Full-length body side molding, black

• The chassis number (BS23H0B274466) decodes as:

  • B – Car Line, Plymouth Barracuda / ’Cuda

  • S – Price Class, Special (Designates a high-performance ’Cuda)

  • 23 – Body Style, 2-Door Hardtop

  • H – 340 cubic-inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor (High-Performance LA-block V8)

  • 0 – Model Year, 1970

  • B – Assembly Plant, Dodge Main — Hamtramck, Michigan

  • 274466 – Sequential Production Number

Servicing

• Resprayed in the late 1970s

• Front carpeting has been replaced

Known Imperfections

• Paint imperfections

• Tachometer inoperable

• Patch under the driver side floor

• Wear on various interior surfaces

Ownership History

The seller has owned this 1970 ’Cuda for 50 years.

Included Items

• Original build sheet

• Spare parts

Additional Information

From the seller, “I have owned the car for 50 years. It is all original numbers-matching engine and transmission. All original body panels and interior. Pistol grip 4 speed and 340 is an option engine. Body side molding, rear defogger, and light package are all options. Runs and drives great.”