Plymouth Barracuda Picture Gallery
The Barracuda began life as an option package on the Plymouth Valiant and preceded the debut of the Ford Mustang in 1964 by two weeks. In 1965 a "Formula S" package included the Commando 4-barrel 273 engine with 235 horsepower. For 1967 to ‘69, the Barracuda was redesigned. Available engines included the 340, 383, and the 440.
It wasn't until 1969 that the official ‘Cuda version appeared. The ‘Cuda was initially a performance option package based on the Formula S option, and later it designated the higher-performance Barracudas. It was available with either the 340 (rated at 275 horsepower) or 383 (rated at 330 hp) or the massive 440 Six-Pack (rated at 390 hp).
The Barracuda, completely redesigned in 1970, became a separate model and could now be ordered with any engine from the 198 cid slant-6 to the 440 six-pack and the 426 Hemi. For 1970, a special AAR ‘Cuda model came with a 340 Six Pack engine rated at 290 horsepower, upgraded suspension and tires, and a bold graphics package including a flat-black fiberglass hood. The Cuda ended production in 1974.
