The following is from supercars.net:
(is all of the information true?)
1970 Plymouth Barracuda
From 1966-71, Plymouth stuffed the massive Hemi into small E-Bodies and the 1970 Hemi Cuda is widely accepted as one of the quickest and most saught after of these. Only 652 were built when new, including 14 rare convertibles, making an original Hemi 'Cuda a rare sight. These cars were forced in scarcity due to the extra $900 it cost to build one, nearly a third of the standard purchase price. At $250, the 390 bhp 440 V8 became the norm and made the Hemi Cuda an exception.
The long list of options made available for 1970 Barracudas included such goodies as rallye wheels, a range of exciting colors sich as Plum Crazy, pistol grip shifters, hockey stick sport stripes, hood pins and a variety of creature comforts. But of all the options, the R-code steet Hemi 426 was it, the most legendary muscle car engine ever made. It usually delivered 425 bhp through the solid 727 Torqueflight automatic and a 3.55:1 Sure Grip rear axle. That is, unless the car was one of the 284 that got a 4-speed manual.
With their classic shape, tire-shredding American power, limited production and huge popularity a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda can easily fetch over $150,000 USD. This is a remarkable amount for a car with the same build quailty as a mass-produced Plymouth. However, the aggressive sound of Hemi combined with visual street cred and Barrett-Jackson publicity now make these Cudas more expensive than most Ferraris produced in the same era.
Changes for 1971 were minimal and included a more complex 6 inlet grille design and fender gill louvers. Only 100 or so of these were built and the seven ultra-rare 1971 convertibles are the most expensive muscle cars money can buy. In 72, the government and EPA kicked the muscle car in the ass with emissions regulations. After that time, no more Hemi or more big block models could be ordered.
Important Examples and Sales
Documented by Galen Govier as the second 70 Hemi Cuda built on the first day of production and as Press Preview Car, this is #2 of 320 1970 Hemi Cudas in the Chrysler Registry. This car was hand built at factory before line production, and has many unique features as press car. At the 2005 Barret Jackson this car sold for record $329,400 USD.
This is the only High Impact Vitamin C HEMI 'Cuda convertible built in 1970 and is one of only 14 produced in that year. With matching numbers and an original motor with an A727 Torqueflite automatic transmission, it is sure to fetch top dollar at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction.
