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Pony car

1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel

Pony car powered by Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8.

1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel coupe in stock-presenting model and trim context
Engine E87 440 Six Barrel RB V8
Factory rating 390 gross hp and 490 lb-ft
Body styles Hardtop and convertible
Reported production 1,784 cars: 1,755 hardtops and 29 convertibles

Story

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 440 Six Barrel

The 440 Six Barrel put Plymouth's triple-carbureted RB big-block into the new-for-1970 E-body 'Cuda. Factory literature called the engine the 440 Six Barrel; the equivalent Dodge induction was marketed as the Six Pack. Rated at 390 gross horsepower and 490 lb-ft, it used three Holley two-barrel carburetors and was paired with either the A833 four-speed or heavy-duty 727 TorqueFlite automatic.

The package brought heavy-duty drivetrain and chassis requirements, while axle ratio, Sure-Grip, power assist, wheels, hood equipment, and cabin choices still depended on the original order. The optional N96 Shaker is one of the model's best-known features, but a shaker opening or 440+6 badge does not prove how a particular car was built.

The cited secondary production table reports 1,755 hardtops and 29 convertibles, or 1,784 1970 'Cudas with the 440 Six Barrel. Hemmings independently reports the same combined total. These figures remain attributed rather than represented as a surviving Chrysler production ledger.

Fourteen documented finishes and the recorded hood, stripe, wheel, instrument, seat, and console choices show how much two authentic cars can differ. Each car's original combination must be reconciled with its VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, body numbers, hidden paint, and drivetrain stampings.

For authentication, begin with the V engine character in the VIN and E87 engine sales code, then verify the carburetion, transmission, axle, body stampings, documents, paint, and trim. Installed equipment, badges, or appearance alone cannot establish factory 440 Six Barrel identity.

Exact-year 440 Six Barrel Cuda body and trim context; the photograph does not establish the authenticity of another carsv1ambo via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Price history

Values

Nominal dollars from original price sheets, auction archives, and approved value references.

Original Price

A verified original price is not yet available for this car.

Market Observations

  • Auction sale $145,750

    Jan 16, 2026 · Mecum Kissimmee

    Four-speed V-code hardtop BS23V0B192999 with a concours nut-and-bolt restoration. · restored · concours Mecum records the completed sale, exact V-code VIN, configuration, date, amount, restoration, and original-drivetrain, broadcast-sheet, 4.10 Dana 60, and GTS documentation claims. Concours reflects the listing's restoration description, not an independent inspection.
  • Auction sale $77,000

    Jan 16, 2025 · Mecum Kissimmee

    Automatic V-code hardtop BS23V0B349155 with a 440cid/390hp three-two-barrel Six Pack and 50,205 miles shown as true mileage unknown. · survivor · unknown Hagerty and CLASSIC.COM record the completed sale, exact V-code VIN, hardtop body, 440 Six Pack and automatic configuration, date, amount, and mileage status. Survivor follows CLASSIC.COM's Original & Highly Original taxonomy; condition remains unknown.
  • Price guide value $88,600

    Nov 4, 2024 · Hagerty Valuation Tools · Latest guide point · update due

    Hagerty #3 Good value for a 1970 Plymouth Cuda two-door hardtop with the 440cid/390hp three-two-barrel Six Pack engine. · unknown · good This is a dated guide value for the exact hardtop and engine configuration, not a completed transaction or a value for every body style, transmission, documentation level, or condition.
  • Auction sale $176,000

    Jan 12, 2024 · Mecum Kissimmee

    Four-speed V-code hardtop BS23V0E125033 with a recent comprehensive restoration. · restored · excellent Mecum publishes a $176,000 result including commission; this record preserves that displayed result. The listing supplies the exact V-code VIN, configuration, date, matching-numbers drivetrain claim, copy window sticker, registry report, and two fender tags. Excellent reflects the described restoration, not an independent inspection.
  • Auction sale $220,000

    Jan 12, 2023 · Mecum Kissimmee

    Four-speed V-code hardtop BS23V0B179043 with a frame-off restoration using NOS parts. · restored · excellent Mecum records the completed sale, exact V-code VIN, 440 six-barrel and four-speed configuration, date, amount, restoration, matching-numbers engine claim, broadcast sheet, restoration photos, and Chrysler Registry fender-tag breakdown. Excellent reflects the described restoration, not an independent inspection.
  • Auction sale $68,200

    Aug 19, 2022 · Mecum Monterey

    Manual V-code hardtop BS23V0B146794 with a 440 Six Barrel and 37,924 miles shown as true mileage unknown. · survivor · unknown CLASSIC.COM and Mecum record the completed sale, exact V-code VIN, 440 six-barrel and manual configuration, date, amount, and mileage status. Survivor follows CLASSIC.COM's Original & Highly Original taxonomy; condition remains unknown without an inspection-grade description.

Values move with paperwork, originality, options, condition, venue, and body style. High bids and guide values are labeled separately from completed sales.

Reference records

Options, Colors & Components

Source-backed details for trim, chassis, production, and authenticity.

Engine Details

Stock-presenting 440 Six Barrel Cuda engine-bay context; restoration and individual-component originality remain specific to the photographed carsv1ambo via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
  • front carburetor manufacturer number without E.C.S. R4382A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley front carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, without E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • front carburetor service number without E.C.S. 3462 845 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley front carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, without E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • front carburetor manufacturer number with E.C.S. R4175A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley front carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, with E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • front carburetor service number with E.C.S. 3418 544 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley front carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, with E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • manual center carburetor manufacturer number without E.C.S. R4375A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, manual transmission, without E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • manual center carburetor service number without E.C.S. 3418 547 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, manual transmission, without E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • manual center carburetor manufacturer number with E.C.S. R4374A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, manual transmission, with E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • manual center carburetor service number with E.C.S. 3418 549 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, manual transmission, with E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • automatic center carburetor manufacturer number without E.C.S. R4376A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, automatic transmission, without E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • automatic center carburetor service number without E.C.S. 3418 548 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, automatic transmission, without E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • automatic center carburetor manufacturer number with E.C.S. R4144A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, automatic transmission, with E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • automatic center carburetor service number with E.C.S. 3418 550 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley center carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, automatic transmission, with E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • rear carburetor manufacturer number without E.C.S. R4383A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley rear carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, without E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • rear carburetor service number without E.C.S. 3462 846 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley rear carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, without E.C.S. · carburetor / part number
  • rear carburetor manufacturer number with E.C.S. R4365A · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley rear carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, with E.C.S. · carburetor / carburetor list
  • rear carburetor service number with E.C.S. 3462 373 · 1970 440 two-barrel Holley rear carburetor, B/J/R/W/P carlines, all transmissions, with E.C.S. · carburetor / part number

Transmission

  • Factory transmission manual transmission availability requires target-specific code verification
  • Factory transmission automatic transmission availability requires target-specific code verification
  • Factory transmission D21 four-speed manual (floor-shift; optional)
  • Factory transmission D34 TorqueFlite automatic (optional)

Options

440 Six Barrel reference for the 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six BarrelClassic Muscle · Reference illustration
  • A62 Rallye Instrument Cluster optional · interior · Model-line option-code evidence from archived dealer/fender-tag references; target installation not inferred.
  • N96 Fresh Air / Shaker hood optional · performance · Availability noted as model-line equipment; target-specific presence requires fender-tag or build-sheet evidence.
  • A34 Super Track Pak optional · chassis · Code-level availability needs page-level registry validation before exact ratio claims are made.

Paint

1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel in a second stock-presenting exterior viewSicnag via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Chassis

Authenticity

Rear Axle reference for the 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six BarrelClassic Muscle · Reference illustration
  • VIN engine character V for the 440 Six Barrel configuration · Vehicle identification number · fraud detection
  • Fender-tag engine sales code E87 for the 440 Six Barrel engine · Fender tag and broadcast sheet · trim correctness
  • Body and drivetrain numbers Body numbers, engine pad, transmission stamping, and documents should reconcile to the car · Cowl and radiator support stampings, engine pad, transmission, broadcast sheet · fraud detection
  • Paint and trim codes Fender tag and broadcast sheet should agree with surviving body evidence · Fender tag, broadcast sheet, hidden paint, and cabin trim · trim correctness
  • VIN plate model-year and assembly-plant positions The 13-character VIN plate includes model year 0 for 1970 and an assembly-plant character such as B for Hamtramck; V remains the 440-6 Bbl engine character. · Instrument-panel VIN plate visible through the windshield · fraud detection
  • Engine identification number format and 440 boss location 1970 engine identification uses a two-letter plant code, 440 cubic-inch displacement, four-digit date code, and four-digit daily sequence; the 440 boss location is listed at the left rear of the block near the oil-pan flange. · Engine identification-number boss on the left rear of the 440 block near the oil-pan flange · numbers matching
  • Manual transmission identification number format and location 1970 manual transmission identification uses a two-letter plant code, three-digit component code, four-digit date code, and four-digit daily sequence; A833 is component code 833. · Below the centerline on the front portion of the right side of the manual transmission · numbers matching
  • Automatic transmission identification number format and location 1970 automatic transmission identification uses a two-letter plant code, seven-digit part number, four-digit date code, and four-digit daily sequence. · Left-side oil-pan side rail of the automatic transmission · numbers matching

Still Researching

  • engine Factory parts-catalog carburetor manufacturer and service numbers are now recorded for 1970 440 two-barrel Holley front, center, and rear applications by E.C.S. and transmission where applicable, but complete casting, distributor, engine-assembly/date-code, and car-specific original-component verification remain unresolved.
  • transmission Factory ordering information now documents D21 four-speed manual and D34 TorqueFlite availability for Cuda, but complete assembly numbers and date windows are not resolved.
  • rear axle Factory ordering information documents optional performance axle packages for the 1970 Cuda 440 Six Barrel: automatic A32 4.10 Dana Sure-Grip and A36 3.55 Sure-Grip, plus four-speed A33 3.54 Dana Sure-Grip and A34 4.10 Dana Sure-Grip. The original axle in a specific car still requires its order records, axle tag, and stampings.
  • brakes Standard drum and optional front-disc dimensions are recorded, but complete option and part-number applications are not.
  • suspension Heavy-duty suspension is recorded, but complete torsion-bar, spring, shock, and stabilizer applications are not.
  • option packages Major performance and appearance options are recorded, but the complete compatibility and price matrix is not.
  • production Body-style totals are secondary-source figures and are not reconciled to a surviving Chrysler ledger.
  • paint colors The model-year palette is recorded, but color frequencies and individual-car combinations remain incomplete.
  • trim and appearance Major 'Cuda trim is recorded, but every stripe, wheel, hood, bumper, and molding combination is not.
  • interior Seat, console, gauge, and trim context is recorded, but the complete upholstery-code matrix is not.
  • authenticity markers Factory parts-catalog evidence now records VIN/body-code interpretation plus engine and transmission identification-number formats and stamping locations; acceptable date windows and car-specific reconciliation still require factory service references and inspected original-car examples.

Codes & names

Names & Engine Codes

Common names and codes are grouped so LS6 references point to the same engine, not separate pages.

Factory Brakes reference for the 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six BarrelClassic Muscle · Reference illustration
440 Six Barrel Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8
440-6 Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8
440 cubic inch V-8 Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8
three two-barrel carburetors Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8
E87 Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8
V in VIN Chrysler 440 Six Barrel RB V8

Photo and video gallery

Gallery

6 photos and videos

Sources & Documentation

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