When it comes to Mopar muscle, few can overlook the impact the Plymouth Barracuda and specialty/performance class 'Cuda had on the street scene. A total redesign from the previous body style, the new E-body could now easily accommodate any engine from the Chrysler lineup including the mighty 426-cubic-inch "Street Hemi" V8. Aimed squarely at veteran competitors like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and AMC Javelin, the Barracuda may have been the new kid on the block, but it could be had with enough new moves to shut 'em down at the muscle car prom. Unfortunately, with rising insurance premiums, and fuel costs, sales never had a chance to really take off and less than 20,000 'Cudas were produced for 1970. Today their late-bloomer status and low production figures have the E-body 'Cuda at the top of the most wanted list and they are priced accordingly. With time also taking its toll on those vehicle numbers, it has left enthusiasts to seek out some of the 27,000 Barracudas produced as a viable alternative. Time has chipped away at their numbers as well, but they are somewhat easier to find and afford and they carry the same base DNA as the 'Cuda performance models. Back in the day, both cars came down the same assembly line and it was only the order sheet that dictated what performance parts were installed. With the proliferation of reproduction parts available for restoring the E-body cars, turning a Barracuda into a 'Cuda can be just a matter of ordering the right parts. For Jason Voogt of Carman, the name 'Cuda and the look of the car itself was a deciding factor in his choice for a muscle car and in the fall of 2000 he started looking for a restoration project. Even then, prices were escalating and he and his wife Wendy knew an affordable project to be worked on over time may include a clone. In January of 2001 he spotted a 1970 Barracuda coupe on eBay's online auction site. An original Barracuda from Bakersfield, Calif., it was predominately rust-free except for some minor corrosion in the trunk floor and around the window frames under the vinyl top. A 318 cubic inch V8 car with factory tinted glass and air conditioning and Plum Crazy purple paint, it was just what Voogt was looking for.

With the car back in Carman, Voogt went to work restoring the car into a big-block powered 'Cuda. The original 318 V8 (and automatic transmission) was removed and in its place Voogt installed a '69 vintage 440 Super Commando V8. Rebuilt by Millar Racing Engines in Winkler, it features 10.5:1 compression Keith Black pistons, Mopar high-performance camshaft and 750 c.f.m. Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor. It's backed by a rebuilt 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission with shift kit, leading to a 3.23:1 ratio Sure-Grip rear axle. Exhaust is a custom dual 2.5-inch diameter system with Flowmaster mufflers, leading to tailpipes that exit through the rear valance via bright chrome factory 'Cuda exhaust tips. Much of the mechanical work and some of the assembly was completed by Harold Hiebert from Steinbach, with various parts furnished by Amie Verrier in La Broquerie. For the body and paint work, David Preteau at Trick Hot Rods in Gretna got the nod and he finished the car in PPG base/clear Plum Crazy purple. A Go-Wing rear spoiler and 440 hockey stick side marker complete the look while a new vinyl roof from Legendary Auto replaces the original. Inside, new white vinyl interior upholstery from Year One Inc. and Legendary Auto Upholstery complete the restoration. There's even an ultra-rare and seldom ordered bench seat option to go with the automatic transmission, power steering, power front disc brakes, tinted glass, air conditioning and Pioneer CD stereo. There's also dual racing mirrors driving lamps, rocker mouldings, rally hood, hood pins, front rear sway bars, heavy-duty cooling system and 15-inch rally wheels turning on B.F. Goodrich T/A radial tires. Finished in June 2007, the seven-year restoration is as thorough as they come. Members of Wheels Car Club and the Manitoba Mopar Association, the Voogts, along with daughter Cassie and sons Nathan and Caleb, enjoy taking in many summer show and shine events. With looks, power and presence, the 'Cuda continues as one of the most popular pony cars from the early '70s and Voogt's big-block clone is as nice as they come. While the data plate numbers may not match the car as equipped, how could you possibly want it any other way.
Larry D'Argis - Winnipeg Free Press