Torch's Cuda article got me thinking

"oldirtybootz" (oldirtybootz) 07/16/2014 at 23:21 • Filed to: None

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About the whole "the Cuda came before the Mustang" thing. I just can't imagine why the Mustang gets the credit for creating the pony car segment rather than the Barracuda...(that's sarcasm, for the record)

ly2v8-Brian > oldirtybootz 07/16/2014 at 23:23

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Sales numbers.

oldirtybootz > ly2v8-Brian 07/16/2014 at 23:25

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Clearly, but the Valiant Barracuda was also far from a looker, especially compared to the Mustang.

GhostZ > oldirtybootz 07/16/2014 at 23:30

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Mustang outsold the barracuda about 10x over in its first year, due to aggressive marketing, cheaper prices, better looks, and

The barracuda was trying to be a unique sports car with a big motor. The Mustang was a car for everyone, especially your wife.

lone_liberal > oldirtybootz 07/16/2014 at 23:32

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According to Wikipedia, so take it with a major grain of salt, the Barracuda only predated the Mustang by two weeks and given the huge disparity of sales and cultural impact it's only natural for the Mustang to overshadow it.

thebrothernamedbigsby > oldirtybootz 07/16/2014 at 23:41

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Pretty much what everyone else is saying. Mustang was a lovable sporty car on the cheap (it shared A LOT of parts with other cars, like the Galaxie). It defined the pony car segment: inexpensive, 2-door, great engine options, RWD, yadda yadda yadda.

It isn't THE original pony car; it shares that title with Corvair Monza and a couple others. It was the template for what pony cars would be. It was the standard.

oldirtybootz > GhostZ 07/16/2014 at 23:44

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I do hope you all realize I was being facetious and poking fun at the ugly duckling 64-66 models. Even the 2nd gen Barracudas, which I quite like, simply weren't as attractive as 67-69 Mustangs, Camaros, or Firebirds.

And to be fair, the 273 wasn't a "big" motor conpared the Ford's 289. The Hi-Po 289 made quite a bit more horsepower than a 273 Commando.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 00:02

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Mopar never gets the credit it deserves. But, for this one I think the sales numbers did the talking.

lone_liberal > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 00:10

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Oh yeah, I was just agreeing with you. The mustang was a huge phenomenon with models from secretary specials to hi-po 289 powered models. The aesthetically challenged Barracuda just didn't measure up.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 01:11

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what if Dodge made a new Cuda like a mini Changer, well i guess the name Dart would be more fitting...wait.

oldirtybootz > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/17/2014 at 09:40

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Hmmm...

oldirtybootz > lone_liberal 07/17/2014 at 09:41

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Plus it was essentially just a Valiant trim. 1964s were even named thusly. Imagine if the Mustang had just been a Falcon fastback.

oldirtybootz > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2014 at 09:42

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Indeed, Plymouth in particular gets little love. My favorite of all the muscle cars is the 1970 Roadrunner though.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 09:52

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I'm more of a 1969.5 Roadrunner guy, but still very underrated. Also, 1970 Super Bee.

oldirtybootz > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2014 at 10:15

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Ehh, I like the 68-69 Plymouths, but the 70 is just sexxxxxyyyyyy. The earlier models are kinda frumpy looking IMO. I wouldn't kick one out of bed though. My friend's father has a 68 GTX with a 440 but it was originally a Hemi car. I love that thing.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 10:17

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Why did that swap happen, and where's the Hemi?

oldirtybootz > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2014 at 10:20

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A previous owner, unfortunately. Id imagine it either blew up or went into a race car. At least they didn't replace it with a 383.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 14:58

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Or a 318

oldirtybootz > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2014 at 15:16

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He does have two New Yorkers so a 413 swap is a possibility too I suppose. At least it has a 440 and is a survivor in good condition. Far better than other alternatives.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > oldirtybootz 07/17/2014 at 15:20

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Way better that most. Auto?

oldirtybootz > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2014 at 15:31

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Unfortunately yes.