The Plymouth ‘Cuda stands tall among American muscle cars, celebrated for its aggressive styling, powerful engines, and performance heritage. However, beyond its iconic status, there are plenty of lesser-known details that even hardcore enthusiasts might have missed. From VIN decoding to record-breaking auction sales, here are 10 surprising facts about the Plymouth ‘Cuda:
1. It’s Not Just a Barracuda
While related, the ‘Cuda isn’t just a nickname for the Plymouth Barracuda. Introduced in 1969, the ‘Cuda was the high-performance version of the Barracuda—much like how the Shelby GT500 relates to a Mustang.
2. VIN Decoding Made Easy
Want to know if it’s a real ‘Cuda? Check the VIN. Plymouth Barracuda VINs start with “BH,” while ‘Cuda models are marked with “BS.” Here, “B” stands for Barracuda, while “H” is “High” and “S” is “Special.”
3. Record-Breaking Value
The most expensive ‘Cuda to date is a 1971 convertible with a four-speed transmission, auctioned for $3.5 million at Mecum in 2014. Its extreme rarity—just two were built that year—secured its spot as the king of Mopars.
4. Owned by Kevin Hart
The comedian Kevin Hart’s infamous crash in 2019 involved a modified 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda named “Menace”, built by SpeedKore Performance. Though heavily damaged, Hart’s love for the car hints at a potential restoration.
5. The ‘Hemicuda’ Hood Badge
Unlike other engines where Plymouth proudly displayed the displacement on the hood scoop (e.g., “440”), the 426 Hemi models simply read “hemicuda” in lowercase letters—a unique stylistic choice.
6. A Rainbow of Paint Options
Plymouth offered 25 paint colors for the 1970 ‘Cuda, including five “High Impact” hues that cost extra: Tor-Red, Lemon Twist, Vitamin C, Lime Light, and In Violet Metallic. Mopar fans often argue these colors defined the muscle car era.
7. E-Body With B-Body Roots
Built on Chrysler’s E-body platform (shared with the Dodge Challenger), the ‘Cuda needed the B-body front subframe to fit larger V8s. This made it competitive, but with big-block engines like the Hemi, it became nose-heavy.
8. The Strobe Stripe Mystery
The 1970 AAR ‘Cuda featured unique graphics: a broken stripe running down both sides. While many recognize this design, few know its official name—the “strobe stripe.”
9. Those Fake Fender Vents
The 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda stands out for its fender vents, but enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that these vents are non-functional—the only year to include purely decorative scoops.
10. Rear-Mounted Antennas for a Reason
The AAR ‘Cuda’s fiberglass hood posed a unique problem: radio interference. To solve this, Plymouth engineers mounted the car’s antenna at the rear, ensuring drivers could enjoy music while cruising.
These fascinating facts about the Plymouth ‘Cuda highlight the car’s distinctive design, engineering quirks, and cultural impact. Whether you’re an owner, enthusiast, or admirer, the ‘Cuda remains a timeless symbol of American muscle.
Shawn Henry