1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda convertible

The performance-oriented 'Cuda became a separate series, offering a standard 375-horsepower 383. But these heavier engines made for piggish handling, and the 'Cudas were a bit overdecorated even for muscle machines.

More tasteful were the base and new luxury Gran Coupe series with standard slant six and V-8 options of 318, 340, and 383 cid; the latter provided more than sufficient go. Only detail styling, mechanical, and equipment changes were made for '71, but production slipped in a faltering ponycar market.

The convertibles were never high-demand items, making them quite rare today. Notchback coupe companions carried on through 1974, after which Barracuda was abandoned, a victim of the first energy crisis.

Pluses of the 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles:

• Quite rare for the period
• Small-blocks handle well
• Good performance except with six
• "Last convertible" appeal
• Values trending strongly up

Minuses of the 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles:

• Six's poor pickup
• Very rust-prone
• Slapdash workmanship
• Prices escalating rapidly

Production of the 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles:

• 1970 base: 1,554; 'Cuda: 635; Gran Coupe: 596
• 1971 base: 1,014; 'Cuda: 374

Specifications of the 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles:
Wheelbase, inches: 108.0
Length, inches: 186.7
Weight, pounds: 3,071-3,200
Price, new: $3,034-$3,700

Engines for the 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles:

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