The unrestored, all-original 1970 Plymouth Cuda doesn't need a HEMI to shine

When it comes to early '70s Plymouth Barracudas, everyone goes nuts for the HEMI and 440 Six-Barrel cars. I guess that makes sense, since both engines are rare and desirable, but a first-gen 'Cuda doesn't need a ton of power to shine. If you also appreciate completely original, unrestored classics, this 1970 'Cuda ticks all the boxes.

Hailing from North Haven, Connecticut, this Mopar doesn’t rely on any of the big-block V8 engines that helped the Barracuda become a full-fledged muscle car. This hardtop packs a 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) V8. Rated at 275 horsepower, the small-block four-cylinder won’t help you defeat HEMI cars on the drag strip, but this machine has plenty to brag about.

For starters, it’s one of those super lucky classics that has stood the test of time for over 50 years with all the original components intact. How many of the 48,867 Barracudas sold in 1970 can say the same? A few thousand, perhaps? Well, I’d wager fewer than that are in excellent condition and still run and drive.

The paint on this Cuda is far from perfect, and you don't have to look closely to know that. But what if I told you that the EK2 Vitamin C wrap you see here is original? It changes everything a little, right? Sure, the paint has received a few touch-ups over the years, but that doesn't change its survivor status—at least not in my book.

The interior is equally beautiful. The seats appear to be in excellent condition and I have not noticed any cracks in the dash or door panels. The floors are a little dirty, but it is nothing an experienced detailer can't fix. The headliner is also still in one piece and has not sagged, which is quite impressive for an unrestored vehicle that is 54 years old in 2024.

There’s more good news under the hood, thanks to a matching-numbers 340 V8. The automatic transmission is also factory-original, as is the 3:23 rear end. And while this drivetrain combo is considerably more common than anything with a HEMI or 440 Six-Barrel engine, it’s not as common as you might think.

Of the 48,867 cars sold in the U.S. in 1970, 6,294 were ordered with the 340 small-block engine. Of those, only 1,943 were shipped with the automatic transmission. If we eliminate the convertibles from the equation, we are left with 1,788 hardtops equipped with this transmission combination. That's just 3.6 percent of total production. The rare steering column shifter and bench seat should reduce that number to the single-digit range.

On top of all of the above, this 'Cuda is rust-free and drives like it should. In short, it really needs nothing and is ready to hit the local car shows. Of course, you could also take it to the next level with a light restoration.

To do that, you’ll have to bid more than $59,100 and hope the reserve isn’t significantly higher because that’s where the auction is right now. If you have deeper pockets, you can hit the “buy it now” button for $74,000. Yes, that might seem a little steep for a small-block, but unrestored survivors like this are hard to come by.