For many gearheads, young or old, the mid-1960s to early 1970s was the golden age for muscle cars. The 1973 Oil Crisis had a massive impact on automakers, particularly in the U.S., stifling power and vehicle performance for decades. While performance certainly isn’t everything when it comes to classic cars, it is a defining characteristic of any muscle car, new or old. The history and the stories of these cars are also a big factor, and that is what, for so many, makes stumbling upon a rare barn find such an exciting prospect.
Brad from the YouTube channel Poor Boys Garage has been checking out his brother-in-law’s collection of classic muscle cars – including two very clean Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396s and one very neglected 1970 Plymouth Cuda 383.
1970 Plymouth Cuda Prices Can Hit $2 Million, Though This Car Needs Work
1970 Plymouth Cuda 383 Specifications
| 1970 Plymouth Barracuda ‘Cuda (BS) 383 4-speed | |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 383-ci V8 |
| Power | 335 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph | 6.1 seconds (est) |
(Engine specifications sourced from Hemmings / automobile-catalog)
Opening up the first garage, David shows off his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda ‘Cuda (BS)’ 383 4-speed complete in factory vitamin C orange (HiP) paint. The 383 cu. in. (6.3-liter) Chrysler B-series V8 was the standard motor for the ‘Cuda and produced 335 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. However, this motor has upgraded Mopar Performance headers and carburetors.
It’s clear from the outset that the car is in quite rough shape – with no rear screen, a heavily cracked windshield, sun-faded paint, and bodywork adorned with chips, cracks, and surface rust. The interior, too, is pretty bad, with the driver-side seat completely torn to shreds, along with multiple missing panels, gauges, and interior rust.
David says that he’s owned the car since the early 2000s, but unfortunately, after losing his job in the 2007/08 financial crisis, he never had the means to restore it. More recently, David has spent three years restoring a 1968 Dodge Coronet, and that has meant that Cuda has once again had to go on the back burner. Used prices for Plymouth Barracudas average out at $118,760, according to classic.com. However, prices can go up to an astronomical $2 million for the ultra-rare Hemi engine convertible.
The Stories Behind David’s Muscle Car Collection
- David bought a 1970 Plymouth Cuda 383 in California over 15 years ago but has never been able to restore it. After collecting and restoring various muscle cars in CA, he took them all to Northern Carolina.
- His 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 was bought through Carfax, and before the previous owner’s 16-year-old son had a crash.
- David’s 1966 Chevelle SS 396 was bought for only $2,500 in San Jose and has a 1973 El Camino 4-speed transmission
The 1968 Chevelle SS Was Saved From An Inevitable Crash
Engine Specifications
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 396-ci V8 |
| Power | 325 hp |
| Torque | 410 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
(Engine specifications sourced from Hemmings)
The second car Brad takes a look at is David’s 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 3-speed, complete with a horseshoe shifter. David says that he found this car before the days of internet car ads through Carfax, all the way out in the Mojave Desert.
The previous owner had run the car for a few years and decided to gift the car to his 16-year-old son for his first car. However, after his son pulled a massive burnout and nearly lost control of the Chevelle, he decided that the car was too fast and dangerous and put it up for sale. David says that the car went through a pretty extensive restoration, including a full respray in factory Grotto Blue, a new vinyl top, and a complete interior replacement – all due to severe sun damage.
A 1966 Chevelle SS For Under $3,000 Is A Steal
396 V8 OVH Big Block Specifications
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 396-ci V8 |
| Power | 360 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (1973 El Camino) |
(Engine Specifications sourced from Hemmings)
The last car in David’s collection is a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, which he managed to purchase in San Jose, CA, for just $2,500 in the early 2000s. This ‘66 Chevelle SS had no paint, fenders, or motor, but he did manage to find a replacement year-correct 396 motor from a barn in Bakersfield, CA.
Interestingly, this Chevelle is running a 4-speed manual transmission from a 1973 El Camino. As a result, David says that the shift from third to fourth is a bit shaky. As the car is essentially a restomod, he would like to fit a 5-speed manual at some point.
Pricing
| Model | Average Market Value |
| 1970 Plymouth Barracuda | $118,760 |
| 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle | $43,880 |
| 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle | $57,385 |
(Valuations provided by classic.com)
While all three of these amazing cars need a bit of TLC before becoming road-worthy again, they are all beautiful examples of a golden era of muscle cars. David could make a decent profit, too, if he wants to cash out on some of his collection.
Sources:Classic.com, Hemmings, Automobile-Catalog
