1970 Plymouth 'Cuda

The 1970 'Cuda is the muscle car distilled to its purest form. Plymouth took the humble Barracuda nameplate and turned it into something extraordinary. The 'Cuda package was available with everything from the small-block 340 to the legendary 426 Hemi. The Shaker hood scoop — mounted directly to the engine so it literally shook with the motor — became iconic. The styling was aggressive without being cartoonish. Only 652 Hemi 'Cudas were built for 1970, and the convertibles (only 14 with Hemi, 4-speed, and shaker) now sell for over $3 million. The 440 Six Pack cars offer similar theater at a fraction of the cost.

The E-body 'Cuda is a beautiful car that ages gracefully. Original In Violet, Lemon Twist, and Tor-Red pop even when faded. The fender gills and quad headlights are distinctive. Watch for rust in the trunk floor, quarter panels, and cowl area. The convertibles are especially vulnerable to water intrusion. Documentation is critical for Hemi and 440 Six Pack cars — the value difference between real and clone is enormous. The 340 'Cuda is the affordable entry point with legitimate muscle car credentials.

E-body Mopars have a dedicated following and improving parts availability. AMD makes quality replacement sheet metal. The engines are bulletproof when maintained. The TorqueFlite transmission is nearly indestructible. But the unibody construction means rust is structural. A 'Cuda with floor and trunk rust needs extensive metalwork. The enthusiast community is tight-knit and helpful, but Mopar parts generally cost more than GM equivalents. The 340 small-block is the best daily driver engine — responsive, economical, and adequate.