Story
The 1972 Plymouth Cuda kept the E-body's hardtop shape but entered a very different performance year. The convertible and big-block engines were gone. A 340 four-barrel, performance hood, color-keyed grille, black rear panel, heavy-duty suspension, bucket-seat cabin, and 14-inch performance tires defined the early Cuda described in Plymouth's sales material.
The engine story changed after production began. Chrysler-Plymouth Product Information Bulletin No. 5 said the BS23 Cuda would move from the E55 340 four-barrel to the E44 318 two-barrel as its standard engine. The 340 remained available during the changeover. That makes the 1972 Cuda one model with two legitimate factory baselines, not two duplicate cars: a buyer should expect BS23G2 identity for a 318 car or BS23H2 for a 340 car and should reconcile the VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, window sticker, and drivetrain dates.
The 340 remained the enthusiast choice at 240 SAE net horsepower and 290 lb-ft, backed by a floor-shift three-speed, optional A833 four-speed, or TorqueFlite. Every 340 Cuda received the heavier suspension package, and the A36 performance-axle group added a 3.55 Sure-Grip axle with related cooling equipment. Power front discs, Rallye instruments and wheels, console, vinyl roof, sunroof, and other comfort and appearance equipment expanded the order sheet.
Reported production is 7,828 Cudas: 1,946 with the 318 and 5,864 with the 340. Those engine subtotals are 18 cars short of the reported Cuda total, so the difference is shown instead of silently forcing the numbers to agree. Surviving badges, hood treatments, wheels, or replacement engines can make a Barracuda look convincing; the complete car and its records establish what it was when new.