What brand of car is a Barracuda?
The Barracuda is a car model produced by Plymouth, the brand under Chrysler. It is not a standalone car brand.
Launched in 1964 and produced until 1974, the Barracuda spanned three generations and helped define Plymouth’s role in the early American muscle-car era. Enthusiasts widely refer to the car by the nickname "Cuda," a shorthand that became part of the vehicle’s cultural footprint.
Brand identity and origins
Plymouth was Chrysler’s value-oriented brand, created to offer affordable, stylish cars to a broad audience. The Barracuda emerged as Plymouth’s answer to the growing demand for high-performance two-door models and became one of the era’s first notable muscle cars. The name Barracuda was chosen for its aggressive connotations, while the shortened nickname "Cuda" gained traction in press and popular culture.
First generation (1964–1966)
The initial Barracuda debuted in 1964 as a fastback two-door model built on the Valiant’s platform. It introduced Plymouth to the pony-car segment and laid the groundwork for options that would attract performance-minded buyers.
Second generation (1967–1969)
In 1967, the Barracuda grew in size and sophistication, adopting styling and performance elements aimed at rivaling Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Camaro. This generation offered a broader range of V8 options and more aggressive styling cues, reinforcing the Barracuda’s performance image.
Third generation (1970–1974)
The 1970 overhaul moved the Barracuda to a larger, more modern chassis shared with the Dodge Challenger (the E-body platform). The design emphasized a more contemporary look with improved interior comfort, while engine options continued to emphasize performance. Production waned after 1974 as market conditions shifted and the muscle-car era began to decline.
Generations at a glance
- First generation (1964–1966): two-door fastback on the Valiant platform, introduced Plymouth’s entry into the pony-car segment.
- Second generation (1967–1969): larger, more aggressive styling with expanded performance options.
- Third generation (1970–1974): modernized, longer body on the E-body platform shared with the Dodge Challenger; production ended in 1974.
These generations illustrate how the Barracuda evolved from a compact, early muscle-car concept into a more mainstream, performance-oriented coupe before the market downturn of the mid-1970s.
Notable branding and cultural impact
- “Cuda” is the widely used nickname for the Barracuda and appears in advertising and fan culture.
- Competed directly with Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro during the muscle-car era.
- Today, the Barracuda is celebrated as an iconic symbol of Plymouth’s performance heritage within the broader Chrysler lineage.
These factors highlight how the Barracuda became more than just a car model; it became a cultural emblem of 1960s and early 1970s American automotive performance.
Summary
The Barracuda is a Plymouth car model, not a separate brand. Introduced in 1964 and produced through 1974, it played a key role in the early muscle-car era, evolving through three generations and earning a lasting place in automotive history under the Plymouth banner of Chrysler.
How much is a 1972 Plymouth Barracuda worth?
The value of a 1972 Plymouth Barracuda can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $31,900 for a 1972 Plymouth Barracuda in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1970 Barracuda worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $44,733 for a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda at auction over the last three years was $220,000.
Who makes a Barracuda car?
The Plymouth Barracuda was made by Plymouth, a brand within the Chrysler Corporation. The first generation was based on the Plymouth Valiant and was released in 1964, with the final models produced in 1974.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Corporation manufactured the Plymouth Barracuda, with the car being sold under the Plymouth brand.
- First Generation (1964-1966): The initial models were a fastback version of the Plymouth Valiant.
- Later generations: The Barracuda went through several design changes over its lifespan, with the third generation (1970-1974) sharing a platform with the Dodge Challenger. The name was shortened to "Cuda" for this generation to sound more modern.
How much is a 1965 Barracuda worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $17,850 for a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda? The highest selling price of a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda at auction over the last three years was $52,800.
