Story
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 340
Plymouth introduced the E-body Barracuda for 1970 and reserved the 'Cuda name for its performance model. The available E55 340 four-barrel combined the lighter LA-series small-block with the 'Cuda's heavy-duty suspension, dual-scooped hood, bucket-seat cabin, and performance trim. It was distinct from the limited-production AAR, which used three two-barrel carburetors and its own hood, exhaust, stripes, and chassis tuning.
Factory and period references rate the regular 340 four-barrel at 275 gross horsepower and 340 lb-ft. Buyers could pair it with a floor-shifted three-speed manual, an A833 four-speed, or a TorqueFlite automatic. The 8 3/4-inch rear axle was typical, while ratio and Sure-Grip equipment depended on the original order.
The cited production reference reports 6,032 hardtops and 262 convertibles with the 340 four-barrel, for 6,294 cars across both body styles. Those figures remain attributed to that secondary production table rather than presented as a surviving Chrysler ledger.
Sixteen documented 1970 E-body finishes are listed with the available stripe, hood, bumper, wheel, and cabin choices. A real car's original combination still has to agree with its fender tag, broadcast sheet, hidden paint, trim codes, and restoration history.
For authentication, start with the H engine character in the VIN and E55 on the fender tag, then reconcile the body stampings, broadcast sheet, engine and transmission stampings, axle details, paint, interior, and options. A 340 installation, hood treatment, or stripe alone does not establish factory identity.