Late to the model line-up, sounds like Dodge got caught with their collective pants down by Plymouth, planning to offer the 'Cuda with the 340 as a no-cost option. This also would explain the decals on early cars as the lead time for an emblem would've been greater & they needed something fast.

Is it 340 MAGNUM or 340 FOUR BARREL?

I'd like to see pics of the top & bottom of "no-crush-zone" R/T hoods without holes for emblems.

I'd like to see pics top & bottom of the clearance holes for hood pins on a "no-crush-zone" flat hood.