# 4747 - 2013 First-Class Forever Stamp - Muscle Cars: 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

U.S. # 4747
2013 46¢ 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
Muscle Cars
America on the Move Series

Chrysler introduced its two-door Barracuda model in 1964.  Manufactured by the company’s Plymouth division, the first-generation Barracuda was a coupe based on the Plymouth Valiant.  The model was heavily redesigned in 1967-69.
 
But Plymouth’s engineers were preparing for bigger and better things.  The 1970 model would no longer be based on the Valiant.  And the hood would be widened by five inches, while the front and rear tracks were increased by three inches.  When the redesigned 1970 model was ready for production, the Barracuda’s engine bay was large enough to hold the granddaddy of racing engines – the 426-cubic-inch Hemi.
 
To add to its appeal, the 1970 ‘Cuda was available as both a coupe and a convertible.  Suspension components and structural reinforcements were upgraded to help transfer power to the road.  Other options included high-impact colors like “Vitamin C,” “In-Violet,” and “Moulin Rouge,” along with decal sets and hood modifications.
 
In spite of these beefed-up features, buyers weren’t interested and only a few were preserved.  Original Hemi super stock Barracudas are prized collector items today, with many unaltered cars commanding high prices.
  
Carl T. Herrman designed all five Muscle Car stamps, using the oil-on-hardboard paintings by artist Tom Fritz. 

Value: 46¢ First-Class letter rate
Issued:  February 22, 2013
First Day City:  Daytona Beach, FL – at the Sprint Fanzone at the Daytona International Speedway
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Method: Photogravure printing in sheets of 200, in 10 panes of 20
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut ¾
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 7,000,000 stamps

The 2013 Muscle Car stamps are the third set in the America on the Move series.  The series began in 2005 with stamps picturing 1950s Sporty Cars and continued in 2008 with 1950s fins and chrome.