Ice Blue 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe Doesn't Need a HEMI To Stand Out

Granted, the 425-horsepower mill helps attract crowds when opening the hoop at the local cars and coffee. We're all suckers for the mighty 426-cubic-inch lump. However, the HEMI has a minimal impact on how a Barracuda looks on the outside. The hardtop you see here is the best proof that a 1970 Barracuda looks cool when finished in the right color and equipped with the right features.

A more luxurious Gran Coupe model (HEMI cars came in the sportier 'Cuda trim), this Barracuda rocks an Ice Blue finish. This hue wasn't part of the High-Impact color palette, but it's just as fetching thanks to its metallic finish and the ability to shift hues depending on lighting. And it works great with the black vinyl top and the hockey stick "440" stripes on the rear fenders.

Moreover, it's one of those cars ordered with a matching interior. It also sports bucket seats, a center console, and fake wood trim that provides a remarkable contrast against the bright blue upholstery. And it's a color combo you don't see very often.

One of more than 25 colors available in 1970, Ice Blue wasn't among the most popular hues. Rallye Red was the top choice that year, as it found its way on more than 11% of all Barracudas. It was followed by Blue Fire Metallic and Lemon Twist, both with 9.2%. Ice Blue Metallic was ordered on only 2.8% of the cars, which accounts for around 1,400 units. How many of them also got the matching blue interior? Well, there's no statistic to run by, but I'm guessing fewer than 500 left the factory in this layout.

What's under the hood, you ask? This Barracuda is a bit of a trickster because it packs a four-barrel 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB V8. Just like the HEMI, this engine was restricted to the sportier 'Cuda trim. The Gran Coupe, on the other hand, was available with either the 225-cubic-inch inline-six, the 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8, or the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big-block. The "G" in the VIN suggests this Mopar left the factory with a 318 V8. That's right, this Barracuda got a transplant at some point.

That's something hardcore Barracuda enthusiasts might scoff at, but it's a cool upgrade. Gran Coupes are nowhere as rare as the HEMI and 440 cars, so no harm done here. Much more so since many 318 vehicles are being left to rot due to this engine not being desirable. But it's worth noting that 318 manual Gran Coupes are actually rare, with only 170 fitted with the three-speed and just 164 equipped with the four-speed. This car was an automatic, though, which is more common at 4,742 units built.

The 440 V8, on the other hand, was one of four engines available with the sporty 'Cuda. Rated at 375 horsepower, the four-barrel version slotted between the 383 (335 horsepower) and the 440 Six-Pack (390 horsepower). Had it been an original 440 automatic car, this Barracuda would have been one of only 618 hardtops made like this. But it's not, and that's perfectly fine as far as I'm concerned. It's a gorgeous Gran Coupe with a rare color combination and a cool one-of-none status. Check it out in the video below.