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There have been many classic muscle cars made in the past but not many grew so big and still preformed like the Plymouth Barracuda. This was the only pony car that actually beat the Ford Mustang to the market. It was released only 2 weeks prior but it was still there first in 1964.

The very first Barracuda or Cuda as it is better know by today, was Chrysler’s first performance car. This was the performance option on the Valiant a-body car. This first generation of Cuda lasted just three years but had some unique features, one of which was a folding down rear seat to increase the cargo handling capabilities of the car. Unlike the Mustang, this car offered a 273 cu in V-8 the very first year of production.

classic muscle cars 1970 cuda

The second generation Cuda was introduced in 1967 with an all new look and package.  This car became into its own this year and was no longer just the performance option of the Valiant. The major difference of this pony car from all the rest up to this point was it did not have the long hood and short rear deck of most pony cars. This was also the year the big block Chryslers were fitted in under the hood. The 383 cu in motor was an option but due to its size these cars could not come equipped with power steering or air conditioning, there simply was not enough room under the hood.

In 1968 a more reasonable motor was an option to fit the car in that a 340 cu in was now available. It fit better and customers could have power steering and air conditioning. But the 383 were still the best choice for the ¼ mile drag strip.

The third generation in 1970 saw major changes including a total redesign to incorporate a long hood and short rear deck to better compete with the Mustang and Camaro. The 1970 Cuda was available with every engine option made by Chrysler including the 426 Hemi and the 440 with a six-pack on top. But this all ended in 1974 when only 15,000 cars were sold. But what a ride it was for the Cuda, one of many classic muscle cars made then faded away.

Speaking of classic muscle cars, we have just added a couple of neat videos to the post about the 1966 charger that is for sale on this website.  One of them is an original TV ad for the 66 charger, and the other is a real crazy video of a guy just obliterating a set of rear tires, up in smoke!  Check them out.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Then this video is the Great American Novel.

Roy’s collection of Vettes and muscle cars is below the radar of the average car collector, but wouldn’t we all love to have some of these babies?

Enjoy.

Leave your comments below.

A sign that reads  Classic Mustangs for sale means there should be stangs there built from between 1964 ½ and 1973.  If it is any other year then it’s not a classic mustang.  The Ford Mustang carries the title of American Classic Car very nicely.

1969 Mustang - flickr

Most people and mustang enthusiasts love the little pony car especially the early years.  As an old mechanic I preferred the older ones.   It was basic to me, I am a big guy and those early ones were so small and the engine so large they were hard to work on.

From the year 1971 thru 1973 there was enough room to turn a wrench and not bust a knuckle. This was the first time the mustang’s wheelbase was extended to 109”.  In addition only big engines were placed into the engine compartment. Gone was the mild 200 cu in six-cylinder. For 1971 the Boss 351 with 330 horsepower was the most widely produced stang that year.  But also available were 2 versions of the 429.  The standard and the Ram Air both with 370 horsepower.

The hood was longer and sleek looking while from the rear the large bold triple lenses could be seen as you pulled away from all that were behind you.

In 1971 was also the first year with the high bucket seats and power windows were an option. The Mach I trim option was still available along with the Boss trim option that came standard with the 351 Cleveland with the 4 bolt mains. The completion of the Boss package was the suspension combined with a 4 speed transmission and a Hurst shifter along with the 3.91:1 traction lock rear end made this car a dream to drive.

If you can find one of these classic mustangs for sale and they are still in good shape you have a true selection of muscle cars..

A good used muscle car is hard to find.  Remember these cars were built to run fast and look bad.  Most are over 30 yeas old and have a lot of miles on them So if you are in the market for a used muscle car whether it is a Mustang, Barracuda, Camaro, Firebird, GTO or Corvette, take your time and know the weak points of that particular model.

A perfect example is the Camaro and Firebird weaknesses.  With large engines their bodies had a tendency to twist. This was because the designers built them on a unibody.  Yes, it was not a complete frame just one that goes back about mid way where the transmission ends.  The rest is just sheet metal. I have seen many of the Camaro’s with the 396 engines that would side step down the road.

The same goes for the Firebirds and Trans Am’s, a twisted body because of so much torque from the large engines. This can be corrected in a properly equipped body shop but that costs a lot of money.  This should only be done if you are restoring a muscle car.  If you just want to build a muscle car then buy a model with a smaller engine.  You can still buy frame extensions to prevent the twisting.  Have them in place before the large engine is installed.  This is one way to be assured of ending up with a fine American classic car.   If you are like me once the engine goes in I am out on a test run.  Just to make sure it is running properly of course.  Even a test run can twist the body or at least I can do it.

Just be careful with used muscle cars. Know the model and its weaknesses so you will get what you think you bought.

This description was inadvertently left out of the original posting on this car.

Description by the owner is as follows:

“1966 dodge Charger – 383 – 3 Speed auto.

Good condition, has power steering leak, runs great, no rust.

All original with newer paint.”

Dodge Charger 1966 First Year.

Clean and Solid – 383 Engine.

Note: the car is located in Upstate New York near Syracuse.

Here are a couple of 1966 charger videos that you will appreciate.

The first is an original TV ad for the 66 Charger and the second video is of a wicked tire burnout.

1966 Charger Burnout.