FYI: A Vietnam-based US soldier orders a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, culminating in an enduring tale of American muscle and personal nostalgia.
The Vietnam Purchase: A US Soldier’s Journey to Owning a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda
During his deployment in Vietnam, US soldier Ray Eugenio found solace in planning his return home to Brooklyn. Instead of waiting to order a car stateside, Ray took advantage of his military resources and ordered a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda through the base’s post exchange.
From Mustang Dreams to ‘Cuda Reality
Initially envisioning a Mustang, Ray shifted his focus to the performance variant of the Barracuda, the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda. With a budget of $4,050.83, he chose a sleek Black Velvet color, a classic choice that stood out in a sea of generic hues.
Customizing the Classic
Ray opted for a fully equipped automatic model featuring power steering, air-conditioning, and a rear-window defogger, among other amenities. Upon receiving his transfer orders back to the United States, he finalized his car purchase and arranged for it to be shipped to Flatlands Plymouth in Brooklyn. A month later, Ray picked up his new car.
A Lasting Relationship
Over the decades, Ray’s bond with his ‘Cuda remained strong. There was a brief period during the late 1980s when wear and tear led him to consider selling the car. "The driver’s seat was starting to rip, and there were some [bodywork] dings," Ray recounted in an interview with Hagerty. Despite putting a for-sale sign in the window, the overwhelming response made him reconsider, and he decided to keep it.
‘Cuda By the Numbers
In 1970, Plymouth produced 55,499 Barracudas, with 18,888 being the high-performance ‘Cuda variant. A notable third of these cars were equipped with the 340 four-barrel engine, capable of accelerating through a quarter-mile in 15 seconds at 94 mph.
Timeless Appeal
The ‘Cuda’s timeless design continues to captivate enthusiasts, including Ray’s. Its vintage look, supplemented by red ‘hockey stick’ stripes added in 1996, exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars.
This nostalgic tale isn’t unique among soldiers; many have brought back cherished items from their service, much like another soldier who found a rare watch in Germany.
In conclusion, Ray Eugenio’s story highlights the enduring bond between an owner and their muscle car, bridging decades and continents. The 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda remains a testament to the power of American automotive design and personal nostalgia.
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This article was written by William Rapp, Editor of Super Cars for the automotive.fyi online publication.
