1973 · Plymouth · United States
V8 Only, Both Ways
V8 only: the 318 became standard on both Barracuda and 'Cuda, the 340 moved to the option list, and production rose for the only time after 1970.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
Plymouth's 1973 compact catalog kept the Barracuda and 'Cuda hardtops on V8 power only, with the 318 now standard on both models and the 340 moved to the option list for both rather than being the 'Cuda's exclusive standard engine. The 'Cuda's own standard equipment added power front disc brakes, a heavy-duty suspension with front and rear sway bars, F70x14 whitewalls, a performance hood, and a color-keyed grille with black rear deck panel, distinguishing it from the plainer Barracuda beneath the shared V8-only engine lineup. New energy-absorbing bumper guards raised the catalog's listed overall length to 193.0 in for the year.
Reference books and a period catalog put total 1973 production at 22,213, split 11,587 Barracudas and 10,626 'Cudas, while Sessler's table and a 1974 Ward's yearbook instead print a lower 19,281, split 9,976 Barracudas and 9,305 'Cudas; this record shows both lineages side by side rather than reconciling them, since a domestic-versus-total scope difference is plausible but unproven for this year.1,2,3
The 'Cuda hardtop's price carries its own dispute: the Standard Catalog prints $3,120, while Schild's production table instead gives $3,033, a difference of $87 that neither source explains. The Barracuda hardtop's $2,935 price is not disputed between the two sources consulted, so the disagreement sits specifically with the 'Cuda's own figure rather than with the pricing structure as a whole. Sixteen exterior colors were charted for the year, with Lemon Twist the only one sold at extra cost, and the Standard Catalog's own weight figures pair with its prices exactly: 3,140 lb for the Barracuda hardtop and 3,235 lb for the 'Cuda, a 95 lb difference consistent with the 'Cuda's added standard equipment.1,4
Neither the 318 nor the 340 carries a horsepower or torque rating in the sources consulted for 1973, so the engines section records displacement, induction, and availability only. The three-speed manual remained standard, with the four-speed available only alongside the 340 per the brochure's own footnote, and TorqueFlite optional across the line. Power front disc brakes were standard on the 'Cuda outright, and standard on the Barracuda only with the 340 or with the 318 paired to air conditioning; dual exhaust tips and the heavy-duty suspension package were likewise standard specifically with the 340, tying several of the year's mechanical upgrades to that one optional engine rather than to either model designation on its own.
One further claim about the 340's installation split was found but not tabulated: a single enthusiast web compilation lists a 1973 'Cuda engine split of 2,722 318s and 6,583 340s within a 9,305 'Cuda total, a figure that matches the lower Sessler-lineage 'Cuda count exactly, but since the compilation cites no factory record or established reference for its own splits, they are not tabulated here. Overall dimensions beyond the new 193.0 in length ran to a shared 108-inch wheelbase and 75.6-inch width, with the 'Cuda's 51.3-inch height sitting 0.4 in above the Barracuda's 50.9 in and both models sharing an identical 60.2/60.7-inch front and rear track. The catalog form number for this year's brochure, 81-005-7050, is itself dated as revised 12-1-72, placing the document's own printing several months before the 1973 model year it describes, though nothing in the sources consulted explains why that particular revision date was retained on the piece that documents standard equipment for the year.
Fact sheet · 1973 · United States
The numbers
1973 Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda — V8 only: the 318 became standard on both Barracuda and 'Cuda, the 340 moved to the option list, and production rose for the only time after 1970.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- The 340 V8 was optional on both models; the four-speed manual was available only with the 340.
- Lemon Twist was the only extra-cost color among 16.
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda and 'Cuda5,6,4 Barracuda and 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · V8 · not stated | 22,213 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| Barracuda and 'Cuda (Sessler / Ward's lineage)2,3,7 Barracuda and 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · V8 · not stated | 19,281 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda hardtop (BH23)1,5,6 Barracuda · 2-door hardtop · V8 · not stated | 11,587 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 'Cuda hardtop (BS23)1,5,8 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · V8 · not stated | 10,626 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Barracuda hardtop, V8 (Sessler)2,7 Barracuda · 2-door hardtop · 8-cyl · not stated | 9,976 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| 'Cuda hardtop (Sessler)2,7 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · 8-cyl · not stated | 9,305 | built, model-year | Disputed |
Rows are separately scoped; do not add them.
No 340 installation count was found for 1973.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Barracuda hardtop1,6 | $2,935 | factory price as reported, 1973 model year |
| 'Cuda hardtop1,6 | $3,120 | factory price as reported, 1973 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 318 V8 318 cu in · 2-barrel | standard, Barracuda and 'Cuda | Not yet sourced | |
| 340 V8 4-bbl 340 cu in · 4-barrel | optional, Barracuda and 'Cuda | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual, floor-mounted | standard | Not yet sourced |
| 4-speed manual | optional, 340 only | Not yet sourced |
| TorqueFlite automatic | optional | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
A51package |
Barracuda Sport Decor group | — | Not yet sourced |
A36package |
Performance Axle Package | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Rallye cluster | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Chrome road wheels (Barracuda and 'Cuda) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Hurst shifter | — | Not yet sourced |
A01sales code |
Light Package (fender turn indicators, trunk, glove box and ash receiver lights, time-delay ignition light and instrument floodlight, map/courtesy light) | — | Not yet sourced |
A04sales code |
Basic Group (AM radio, power steering, 3-speed wipers with electric washer, remote left mirror, chrome) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Air conditioning with heater (not with 3-speed manual) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
50-amp alternator (standard and available only with air conditioning) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear anti-sway bar (with 340 only) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
375-amp (59 amp-hr) battery | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Console with storage compartment and rear ash receiver | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Power front disc brakes (standard on 'Cuda; on Barracuda standard with 340 or with 318 and air conditioning) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Electric clock (standard with Rallye instrument panel) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear window defogger | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Sure-Grip differential | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Dual exhaust tips (standard with 340) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
340 4-bbl V8 (optional on both models) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Tinted glass, all windows | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Performance styled hood (standard with 340; standard on 'Cuda) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Inside hood release | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Racing mirrors: chrome remote-control left, or colour-keyed/chrome remote left and manual right | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Vinyl body-side protection moulding (not with tape stripes) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Hi-impact paint colour | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Power steering | — | Not yet sourced |
|
AM solid-state radio with push buttons | — | Not yet sourced |
|
AM radio with stereo cassette tape player (three front speakers) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
AM/FM Multiplex stereo radio (three front speakers) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear-seat speakers (single with AM, dual with stereo radios) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Microphone for stereo cassette (dealer installed) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear-spring load levelers (dealer installed) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Upper body-side tape stripes, black or white (not with vinyl side moulding) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Heavy-duty suspension: H.D. torsion bars, rear springs and front anti-sway bar (standard with 340) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Tachometer (standard with Rallye instrument panel only) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Undercoating with hood insulator pad | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Vinyl roof, black, white, green or gold | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe 14-in wheel covers | — | Not yet sourced |
|
3-speed windshield wipers with coordinated electric washers | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
JA5 |
Silver Frost Metallic | Not yet sourced |
HB1 |
Blue Sky | Not yet sourced |
TB3 |
Basin Street Blue | Not yet sourced |
GB5 |
True Blue Metallic | Not yet sourced |
FE5 |
Rallye Red | Not yet sourced |
JF1 |
Mist Green | Not yet sourced |
GF3 |
Amber Sherwood Metallic | Not yet sourced |
JF8 |
Forest Green Metallic | Not yet sourced |
GK6 |
Autumn Bronze Metallic | Not yet sourced |
HL4 |
Sahara Beige | Not yet sourced |
FY1 |
Lemon Twist (optional at extra cost) | Not yet sourced |
JY3 |
Honey Gold | Not yet sourced |
JY6 |
Golden Haze Metallic | Not yet sourced |
JY9 |
Tahitian Gold Metallic | Not yet sourced |
EW1 |
Spinnaker White | Not yet sourced |
TX9 |
Formal Black | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Barracuda and 'Cuda all-vinyl bucket seats in blue, green, black, or white | Not yet sourced |
A6B5 |
Vinyl bucket seats, blue (standard on Barracuda and 'Cuda hardtops, code A6); recommended exteriors JA5, HB1, GB5, EW1, TX9 | Not yet sourced |
A6F6 |
Vinyl bucket seats, green; recommended exteriors JF1, GF3, JF8, HL4, EW1, TX9 | Not yet sourced |
A6X9 |
Vinyl bucket seats, black; all Barracuda colours | Not yet sourced |
A6XW |
Vinyl bucket seats, white; all Barracuda colours | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 108 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall length | 193 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall width | 75.6 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall height, 'Cuda | 51.3 in | 'Cuda (Barracuda 50.9) |
| Track front/rear | 60.2 / 60.7 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
Identification
- Catalog form number
- Form No. 81-005-7050, revised 12-1-72.
Where the sources disagree
Total 1973 production
Both lineages include a period or near-period publication. Present both; a domestic-versus-total scope difference is plausible but unproven for this year.
Identification
Read a 1973 Plymouth VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1973
- AMC AMX The Javelin AMX's best year. 5,707 were built, a quarter of them with the 401, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal and the Pierre Cardin interior.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The V8 Gremlin X continued, with new stripes and an available Levi's denim-look interior. No production split has been found.
- AMC Javelin The SST name dropped away and new twin 'TV-screen' taillights arrived. Javelin production reached 25,195, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal package.
- Buick Riviera Stage One (260 hp net) joined a separate GS handling package; 1,234 Stage Ones and 3,933 GS cars of 34,080.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX On the new Colonnade A-body the GS became a Century Gran Sport package; 6,637 were built, 728 with the 455 Stage 1.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The Colonnade Chevelle's only SS year: RPO Z15 on the Malibu coupe and, for the first and only time, the station wagon, with a 245 net hp 454 available.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova Hatchback appears in the source body table; SS offered with any engine per the source. Enthusiast-compiled production: 369,509 cars; Super Sport 35,542.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The new Colonnade El Camino could still be ordered with RPO Z15 SS equipment; no El Camino SS count was found.
- Dodge Challenger The six was gone: every 1973 Challenger hardtop had a V8, the 318 standard and the 340 optional, with the Rallye now sold as a package.
- Dodge Charger The Charger's best-selling year of the original era, 119,318 cars, came as the 440 lost its Magnum name and the car moved toward personal luxury.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Renamed Dart Sport, the fastback's 340 model sold 11,315 in the 340's final year.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The 200 six became standard as the 170 was dropped; Classic Industries counts 32,350 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 15,320 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird The 429 4V was standard and the 460 4V optional in the sixth generation's best-selling year.
- Ford Torino The 1973 Torino kept the 1972 body behind a heavier bumper; the Gran Torino Sport fell to 51,853 SportsRoofs and 17,090 hardtops while the 351 Cobra Jet remained the performance engine.
- Mercury Cougar The last Cougar convertible and the last 351 Cobra Jet year, with production up to 60,629 as buyers shifted to the XR-7.
- Mercury Montego GT The Montego GT fastback's second and last year; a vehicle profile reports 4,464 built.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds On the new Colonnade Cutlass the 4-4-2 was a W-29 appearance and handling option, and the Hurst/Olds came in white or, for the first time, black: 1,097 built.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The 340's last year in the Duster produced 15,731 cars with power front disc brakes now standard, and the Spacemaker Pak fold-down rear seat joined the line.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1973 the GTX name survived only through the Road Runner's optional 440 four-barrel, which came with TorqueFlite only; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 749 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner A secondary count puts production back up to 19,056, the highest of the 1971-1974 Satellite-based years.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The Super Duty year: 4,802 Trans Ams, 252 of them SD-455s.
- Pontiac GTO A GTO option on the new Colonnade LeMans, with the 400 standard and a 455 optional; 4,806 built.
- Pontiac Grand Am Pontiac's Colonnade GT with an Endura nose and a 400 or 455; 43,137 built, the Grand Am's best year, with 1,058 four-speeds.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The Colonnade-body Grand Prix arrives, with the 400 standard and the 455 in the SJ.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Colonnade LeMans arrives, with GTO and GT options for the two-door models and a Super Duty 455 listed for the LeMans in Pontiac's dealer book.