Budgets were limited, but Chrysler executives wanted to have an entry in this emerging and potentially lucrative sporty-compact car market segment. Plymouth’s executives had wanted to name the new model Panda, an idea unpopular with its designers. In the end,  John Samsen’s suggestion of Barracuda prevailed.

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Known for its fearsome demeanour and aggressive deportment, the scavenging, scary barracuda is known for its predatory behaviour: though primarily a fish eater it has been known to take a snap of its considerable teeth at passing swimmers.

Bold and inquisitive, living near the top of the water, the barracuda is found in tropical and subtropical seas; its name is often abbreviated to ”cuda’.

In modern parlance, the barracuda also can be a slang term for a sexually aggressive woman, eager for new conquests about which she can boast: danger, stranger! And so it became the brand-name for that definitive muscle-car of fifty or so years ago: the Plymouth Barracuda, produced from 1964 to 1974.

And the idea was an immediate hit.

Based on Chrysler’s A-body, the Barracuda debuted in fastback form on April 1, 1964. The new model used the Valiant’s 106 inch wheelbase and the Valiant hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels, doors, A-pillar, and bumpers; the trunk and some of the glass was new.

Using the same hybrid design approach as Ford in turning its Falcon into the Mustang significantly reduced Plymouth’s development and tooling cost and time for the new model. The greatest effort was put into creating its distinguishing 14.4 sq ft rear window, a collaboration between Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Chrysler designers that created the largest ever installed on a standard production car to that time.

From 1970 to 1974, with a brand new design, the third generation of the Plymouth Barracuda – also sometimes known itself as ‘cuda’ – was based on the Chrysler E-body, and therefore longer and wider than its predecessors. Clearly intent on creating the ultimate Barracuda, this latest version came with a barracuda-resembling front nose, emphasised by its strong grille featuring dual headlamps highlighting the new front end. This new Barracuda’s front section concealed, amongst its several engine choices, a V8 motor that unleashed some most acceptable sporty behaviour, not the least of which was a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 figure of 8.4 seconds.

This third generation Barracuda came courtesy of the design talents of such key figures as Elwood P Engel and John Herlitz, under the direction of Dick Macadam – Macadam would become Chrysler Vice President following the retirement of the splendidly named Elwood P Engel in 1973.

Its defining moment can be found at Beverly Hills Car Club right now in our 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda Restomod 392 HEMI, a car built to stand out that comes finished in a deep dark metallic blue, beautifully complemented by a black interior. Representing the final year of the legendary E-Body ‘Cuda, this example blends iconic Mopar styling with modern performance upgrades, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Powered by a Gen III 392 HEMI V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission, this custom-built muscle car delivers impressive power while benefiting from modern engineering. Performance and drivability are further enhanced by an aluminum radiator, Wilwood master cylinder, Holley Terminator X EFI controller, and dual exhaust outlets.

Its unmistakable exterior is highlighted by the signature split front grille, quad round taillights, rear pedestal wing spoiler, chrome bumpers, 17-inch REV wheels, and General G-MAX tires, giving the car an aggressive stance while staying true to its classic roots.

Its unmistakable exterior is highlighted by the signature split front grille, quad round taillights, rear pedestal wing spoiler, chrome bumpers, 17-inch REV wheels, and General G-MAX tires. Inside, the cabin features front bucket seats, rear bench seat, a full center console with an integrated storage compartment, and a Grant three-spoke steering wheel, creating a driver-focused environment with classic muscle car appeal.

As the final production year of the original E-Body platform, the 1974 ‘Cuda marks the end of an era for Plymouth’s legendary pony car, making it a memorable chapter in American automotive history. A well-executed blend of classic styling and modern HEMI performance, this Plymouth ‘Cuda is mechanically sound.

The Barracuda (especially the 1970–1974 E-Body cars) is a collectible car today, with high-performance versions and convertibles commanding the highest prices. The small number of Barracudas remaining in existence is the result of low buyer interest (and low production/sales) when the vehicles were new. The remaining cars of any condition are rare, and the outstanding examples fetch high appraisal values today.

Original HEMI super stock Barracudas are now prized collector vehicles, with factory (unaltered) cars commanding high prices.

-Alex Manos, Owner