Classic · 2 models
The Cuda. The Road Runner. The Superbird. Plymouth was Mopar performance arm in the 1970s before disappearing in 2001.
ClassicPlymouth was Chrysler value brand from 1928 through 2001 and the brand that produced some of the most iconic American muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The Hemi Cuda, the Superbird, and the Road Runner are all Plymouth products that now command millions at auction in clean restored form. The Plymouth Barracuda began as a 1964 fastback variant of the Valiant compact, predating the Mustang by several weeks. The 1970-1974 third-generation Barracuda (E-body platform, shared with the Dodge Challenger) is the most collected Barracuda. The 1970-1971 Hemi Cuda with the 426 Hemi V8 making 425 horsepower (factory rating, likely more) is one of the most valuable American muscle cars ever produced. Convertible Hemi Cudas have crossed $3.5 million at auction. The Road Runner was Plymouth attempt at an affordable muscle car. Stripped interior, large engine standard, low price. The Road Runner became a cultural phenomenon; the brand even paid Warner Brothers for licensing rights to use the cartoon Road Runner character (and the Beep-Beep horn). The 1970 Road Runner Superbird (with the wing and aerodynamic nose cone) was a NASCAR homologation special and is one of the most visually distinctive American cars of any era. The Plymouth GTX, Duster, and Fury extended the muscle car and performance lineup. The Prowler (1997-2002) was a hot rod-themed roadster with retro styling and a 3.5 V6. The Neon (1995-2001) was the brand affordable compact. Most other Plymouth products were rebadged Dodge models with different exterior trim. Chrysler discontinued Plymouth in 2001 as part of corporate restructuring under Daimler ownership. The brand had become redundant with significant overlap to the Dodge lineup, and the cost of marketing two value brands no longer made sense. On WhipJury, Plymouth submissions are heavy on classic Cudas, Road Runners, Superbirds, Barracudas, and the occasional Prowler or restored Duster.
The 1970-1971 Hemi Cuda is the Plymouth crown jewel. The 426 Hemi V8 making 425 horsepower (gross rating, real output likely higher), four-speed manual, available in coupe or convertible. Total Hemi Cuda production was around 1,400 cars across both years. Convertibles were even rarer (around 130 produced). Clean Hemi Cuda convertibles have crossed $3.5 million at auction; coupes range from $200,000 to $1 million depending on condition and documentation.
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was a NASCAR homologation special. The aerodynamic nose cone (designed in a wind tunnel) and the tall rear wing were required to compete with the Dodge Charger Daytona. NASCAR rules required Plymouth to sell at least 1,920 production Superbirds (one for every two dealers). Sales were initially slow because the cars were perceived as ugly and impractical for street use. Today, of course, the Superbird is one of the most collectible American cars ever produced.
Classic Plymouth submissions reliably do well in voting because of the muscle car heritage. Hemi Cudas (real or tribute) and Superbirds are the most commonly submitted. Road Runner builds and Barracudas appear regularly. The community treats Plymouth as the dead brand with a permanent place in muscle car history.
