Posted on 08/11/2022 5:49:28 PM PDT by DallasBiff
C hrysler's Plymouth division had sand kicked in its face. Twice. First, when its all-new-fastback Barracuda's debut was completely eclipsed by the Ford Mustang, despite beating it to market by a couple weeks. Then, after redesigning the Barracuda for 1967 with dedicated sheetmetal that totally obliterated any traces of its Valiant origins, and adding a coupe and convertible, Plymouth's entry was again overshadowed, this time by the release of Chevy's first-ever Camaro.
Chrysler execs were no doubt keenly aware that the still-new personal-coupe market didn't just generate sales, it garnered lots of attention for the makers of the category's hero cars. The image enhancement enjoyed by the brand with the hippest youth cars was a prize worth nabbing, and this was likely the motivation behind Chrysler's third effort at a pony car—a pull-out-the-s
(Excerpt) Read more at hemmings.com ...
I believe that was the car used in 1979’s Phantasm.
Nope. That was a 71 ‘Cuda.
We had one similar, a 1970 Cuda 340/ 6 pack. It saved my life.
Quite a machine. Those Mopars had a certain slight ugliness about them that made them perfect.
Dumbest thing I ever did to sell her....
There was a senior in HS when I was a Freshman that had one. Beautiful car. He was a coke head and a douche bag, but other than that he was good to us Freshman as long as we played football. He was a good running back. fast as bleep.
Just think what the car companies would have been pumping out had Trump stayed in with no back-stabbers for 8 years.
This was the very first true hot-rod I was ever exposed to. It has been a dream car for me for over 40 years. While I have experienced many technological wonders in the automotive world, this very car has been the pinnacle of desirable rides to me ever since
I feel the same way about my ‘69 GTX.
Back in the day my best buddy had what I believe was a 1971 Cuda. Not the Hemi, seems it was a 340 ci. Still probably a six figure car these days in nice shape.
He rolled it on a 360 degree freeway transition fleeing the Cops back in 1980 or so. He survived, the car didn’t. He had not broken any laws, just despondent, and his parents thought he might be suicidal.
Tell me about it..
I sold my 73 ‘cuda cause it was cramping my dating styles. Bucket seats, doncha know? Bought a pick up!
My best friend had one with the 4 barrel Carter carb with the 383. I had a GM Cutlass Olds with a 350 and a 2 barrel Rochester carb.
I wiped the floor with him from/to any speed.
Color me not impressed. Mopar always underperformed compared to specs.
Less gas mileage, less power per cubit inch. And lots of stupid stuff like left hand threaded bolts, upside down keyhole for the door, the list is endless....Mopar would design stuff just to be different, not better.
You can keep your Mopar. I will keep my 60’s mustangs and 70’s GMs.
80s was all bad.
it took 2 gal of gas just to crank the engine.
It took 6 gal of gas to go 5 miles.
Lots of fun.....spooky getup and go.
Kool, but I’ve become addicted to turbocharged, ICE engined [for altitude performance compensation], box on wheels [interior volume is the ultimate luxury], AWD/4X4 [still gotta go skiing], manual xmission vehicles [if one can find one].
YMMV.
I had a 65 coronet. Three up, four down. 440 magnum.
I near went broke with that thing...and didnt care.
Yep! A “cult classic”!
Never had the big Hemi, but had a ‘71 340 4-speed Dodge Demon.
Like some ya here, I wish I still had her....
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