1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 340 4-speed, 50 years in one family, early bid under half of comps

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this is a real H-code 'Cuda (BS23H VIN) with a 340, an A833 four-speed and a pistol-grip shifter, and the seller says the engine and transmission are both numbers-matching. It has been with the same owner for about 50 years, has a clean Pennsylvania title and comes with its original build sheet. It is refinished in Lemon Twist yellow with a black vinyl top.

The bid sits at $26,250 with nine days left, while 340 'Cuda automatics have been selling for $56,000 to $67,500. Bids almost always climb near the end and the reserve status is not shown, so treat this as a car to watch rather than a done deal. Even at a much higher final number, a documented 340 four-speed E-body is a strong starting point.

The value check

The current bid is $48,150. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $56,000–$67,500, so the middle of the market is about $61,750. That put this car 22% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Recent 1970 'Cuda 340 sales on classic.com ran $56,000 (Hagerty, July 2025) to $67,500 (June 2025), and those were automatic cars. The current $26,250 bid plus Hagerty's 7% buyer's fee is about $28,090, roughly 55% under the $61,750 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1970 'Cuda 340 sold $56,000, Jul 2025 (classic.com)
• classic.com 3rd-gen 'Cuda sold results ($65,800 Jul 2025, $67,500 Jun 2025)

What to check

• Bids usually climb in the last day; reserve status is not shown, and Hagerty adds a 7% buyer's fee
• The listing mentions a patch under the driver-side floor; check floors, trunk pan, rear frame rails and lower quarters, all common E-body rust areas
• Paint history is unclear (late-1970s respray vs. a later refinish); look for filler in the quarters and around the vinyl top base, where E-bodies rust
• Confirm numbers-matching claims by checking the engine and transmission partial-VIN stamps against the VIN, and decode the fender tag
• Tachometer is inoperable and the front carpet has been replaced

Making it drive like new

Keep the 340 and four-speed. A good path is subframe connectors, a tubular front end or upgraded torsion bars with a modern sway bar, four-wheel disc brakes and an overdrive five-speed swap that can be undone later. Keep the original parts so the car can go back to stock.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1970–74 Mopar E-body (Challenger, Barracuda/'Cuda). Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.