Plymouth was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1928. Throughout the years, Plymouth produced a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to muscle cars and everything in between. The Plymouth Fury, Road Runner, and Barracuda E-Body are three of the most iconic models in the company’s history. If you’re a fan of classic muscle cars, you definitely need to know about the Plymouth (1962 To 1967), Plymouth Road Runner (1968 To 1974), 1970 Plymouth Superbird, Plymouth Barracuda A-Body (1964 To 1969), Plymouth Duster A-Body (1970 To 1976), and Plymouth Barracuda E-Body (1970 To 1974). These iconic cars represent a golden era of American automotive engineering and are beloved by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Introduction
- Plymouth Fury (1962 To 1967): Available in three different versions (I, II, and III), the Fury was a full-size car with a distinct look and powerful V8 engine options.
- Plymouth Road Runner (1968 To 1974): Known for its cartoonish logo and affordable price point, the Road Runner was a popular option for muscle car enthusiasts looking for a car with a bit of personality.
- 1970 Plymouth Superbird: This car was built specifically for NASCAR racing and featured a unique aerodynamic design with a long nose and high rear spoiler.
- Plymouth Barracuda A-Body (1964 To 1969): The first-generation Barracuda was a sporty, compact car with a fastback design and V8 engine options.
- Plymouth Duster A-Body (1970 To 1976): The Duster was a popular compact car that offered impressive performance with V8 engine options and a lightweight design.
- Plymouth Barracuda E-Body (1970 To 1974): The second-generation Barracuda had a more aggressive look and was available in a range of engine options, including a powerful 426 Hemi V8.
Design and Features Plymouth Fury (1962 To 1967)
- The Fury was designed with a unique style that was a mix of elegance and sportiness. It had a longer wheelbase than most of its competitors, which gave it a more imposing appearance.
- The car was available in several body styles, including sedans, coupes, and convertibles, and was known for its spacious interiors and comfortable ride.
- The Fury had several standard features, such as power brakes, power steering, and a high-performance V8 engine.
- The Plymouth Fury has become a cultural icon, thanks to its appearance in several popular movies and TV shows, such as Stephen King’s “Christine” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.”
- Fans of the car continue to restore and customize it to this day, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
Design and Features Plymouth Road Runner (1968 To 1974)
- The Road Runner was designed to be a stripped-down, no-frills muscle car that was affordable and accessible to the average person.
- The Plymouth Road Runner was a muscle car produced by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1968 to 1974. It was named after the famous Warner Bros. cartoon character, and was known for its speed and performance.
- It had a powerful V8 engine, heavy-duty suspension, and a unique appearance that made it stand out from other muscle cars of its time.
- The car was available in several body styles, including coupes and convertibles, and was a popular choice among drag racers and street racers.
- The Plymouth Road Runner has become a cult classic, and is often featured in popular car shows and movies, such as “Fast and Furious.”
- Fans of the car continue to restore and customize it, and it remains a popular choice among muscle car enthusiasts.
Design and Features Plymouth Barracuda E-Body (1970 To 1974)
- The Plymouth Barracuda E-Body was a pony car produced by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1970 to 1974. It was designed to compete with other popular pony cars of its time, such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
- The Barracuda E-Body was designed with a sporty appearance and a high-performance engine. It was available in several body styles, including coupes and convertibles.
- The car featured several advanced features, such as disc brakes and a sophisticated suspension system, which gave it better handling and performance.
- The Barracuda E-Body was also one of the first cars to feature a “shaker” hood, which was designed to increase the car’s horsepower and torque.
- The Plymouth Barracuda E-Body has become a favorite among car enthusiasts, and is often featured in popular car shows and movies, such as “Gone in 60 Seconds.”
- Fans of the car continue to restore and customize it, and it remains a popular choice among collectors and muscle car enthusiasts.
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird
Let’s start with the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, which is perhaps the most famous of the four cars. This muscle car was designed as a high-performance version of the Plymouth Road Runner, with a distinctive aerodynamic body and towering rear wing. The Superbird was built specifically for NASCAR racing, and its design was intended to increase speed and handling on the track. The car’s pointed nose, sloping roofline, and aerodynamic features helped it achieve speeds of over 200 miles per hour on the track. Some other notable features of the 1970 Plymouth Superbird include:
- A 440-cubic inch V8 engine
- Dual four-barrel carburetors
- A four-speed manual transmission
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes
- The Superbird was produced in limited numbers, with only around 1,935 units made in total. Today, it is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after muscle cars of all time.
Plymouth Barracuda A-Body (1964 To 1969)
The Plymouth Barracuda A-Body was introduced in 1964 as a sporty and compact alternative to the larger muscle cars of the era. It was built on the same platform as the Plymouth Valiant, but featured a fastback roofline and sleek styling. Over the years, the Barracuda A-Body underwent several design changes and engine upgrades, including the introduction of the famous “Hemi” V8 engine in 1966. Some other notable features of the Barracuda A-Body include:
- A variety of engine options, ranging from a six-cylinder to a 383-cubic inch V8
- A convertible model introduced in 1967
- A redesign in 1967 that included a longer and wider body
- The Barracuda A-Body was a popular car among young drivers and car enthusiasts, and it helped establish Plymouth as a leader in the muscle car market.
Plymouth Duster A-Body (1970 To 1976)
The Plymouth Duster A-Body was introduced in 1970 as a sporty and affordable alternative to the larger and more expensive muscle cars of the era. It was built on the same platform as the Plymouth Valiant and featured a sleek and aerodynamic design. The Duster was available with a range of engine options, including a 225-cubic inch slant-six, a 318-cubic inch V8, and a 340-cubic inch V8. It was also available with a variety of transmission options, including a four-speed manual and a three-speed automatic. Some other notable features of the Plymouth Duster A-Body include:
- A redesign in 1973 that included a larger body and new front and rear styling
- A “Twister” package introduced in 1971 that included racing stripes and special graphics
- A “Gold Duster” package introduced
