Story
The 1973 Plymouth Cuda was the performance model in a two-model Barracuda family. Its BS23 hardtop identity brought bucket seats, the performance hood, black rear panel, bright moldings, heavy-duty chassis equipment, and power front disc brakes. Federal bumper rules added substantial front guards and reinforcement, giving the final 340 model year its unmistakable face.
The standard engine was the E44 318 two-barrel, rated at 150 SAE net horsepower and 265 lb-ft. The E55 340 four-barrel remained optional for its final Cuda season, with 240 net horsepower, 295 lb-ft, electronic ignition, low-restriction intake and dual-exhaust equipment. A floor-shift three-speed was standard. The 340 alone could be paired with the A833 four-speed and pistol-grip shifter; TorqueFlite was available with either engine.
Both engines used an 8 3/4-inch rear axle. Ratios depended on engine and transmission, while the 340-only A36 package brought a 3.55 Sure-Grip, 26-inch radiator, fan shroud, and a power-steering cooler when applicable. The Cuda combined torsion-bar front suspension, leaf springs, anti-sway equipment, front discs, rear drums, and model-specific wheel and tire schedules. Paint, stripe, vinyl-roof, wheel, console, instrument, and upholstery choices made individual cars look very different without creating separate models.
One secondary series reports 9,305 Cudas: 2,722 with the 318 and 6,583 with the 340, with its manual and automatic subtotals reconciling exactly. Hemmings reports 10,626 instead. Because no reviewed factory ledger resolves that disagreement, the page labels the 9,305 series as reported and preserves the alternate number as an open evidence limit. VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, body stamps, drivetrain identifiers, dates, and ownership records must agree before badges, hood treatment, paint, or a replacement engine can establish an individual car's original build.