10 Facts About the Legendary Plymouth ‘Cuda
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector
The Plymouth 'Cuda is one of the most revered American muscle cars of all time, known for its aggressive looks, monstrous power, and track-ready performance. While it shares roots with the Barracuda, the 'Cuda is its own beast. Here are 10 facts you might not know about this Mopar legend.
1. Not Just a Barracuda
Many assume "'Cuda" is just shorthand for Barracuda, but it's actually a distinct high-performance model introduced in 1969, featuring more aggressive styling and bigger engines.
2. Decoding the VIN
Want to verify an authentic 'Cuda? Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)—Barracudas start with "BH", while true 'Cuda models use "BS", with the "S" standing for "Special."
3. Multi-Million Dollar Muscle
The most expensive Plymouth 'Cuda ever sold was a 1971 convertible, one of only two with a four-speed transmission. It fetched a staggering $3.5 million at Mecum Auctions in 2014.
4. Kevin Hart's 'Cuda Connection
Comedian Kevin Hart owned a custom-built 1970 'Cuda named 'Menace,' which suffered a devastating crash in 2019. Built by SpeedKore Performance, the car was known for its carbon-fiber body and modern upgrades.
5. The 'Hemicuda' Badge Stands Out
Unlike other Mopars that displayed engine size on the hood, the 426 HEMI 'Cuda simply wore a lowercase 'hemicuda' badge, making it one of the most understated muscle cars of its time.
6. Mopar's High-Impact Colors
Plymouth offered 25 colors for the 1970 'Cuda, including five "High-Impact" options: Tor-Red, Lemon Twist, Vitamin C, Lime Light, and In Violet Metallic. These bright hues defined the golden era of muscle cars.
7. A B-Body at Heart
Although the 'Cuda was built on Chrysler's E-body platform, it borrowed the B-body front subframe to fit larger engines, like the 426 HEMI and 440 Six-Pack. This made it powerful but also nose-heavy.
8. The 'Strobe Stripe' Mystery
The 1970 AAR 'Cuda featured a distinctive broken-line stripe on both sides. While many recognize the design, few know its official name—the "strobe stripe."
9. Fake Fender Vents?
The 1971 'Cuda featured dramatic fender gills, a unique styling element. However, they were non-functional, making it the only model year to have purely decorative vents.
10. The Hidden Reason for the Rear Antenna
The AAR 'Cuda had a fiberglass hood, which caused radio interference. To solve this, engineers relocated the antenna to the rear, making it one of the few muscle cars with this feature.
With its raw power, bold styling, and deep Mopar history, the Plymouth 'Cuda remains an undisputed icon of American muscle car culture. Whether you're a longtime enthusiast or new to the 'Cuda legacy, these unique details make the car even more legendary.
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