Plymouth redesigned their Barracuda pony car in 1970 using a new E-body platform that was shared with the all-new Dodge Challenger. The buying public responded positively, and sales increased by 50% from 1969. Part of that growth may have been contributed by the also-new Gran Coupe, the upscale version of the revised Barracuda. This ’70 Gran Coupe is rare in that only 182 were built with a 225 “Slant-Six” engine and an automatic transmission. Not running and wearing what appears to be original “In-Violet” (purple) paint, this project Mopar is available in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and here on eBay for $17,500.
Barracuda production in 1970 called for 48,867 cars of which 7,230 were the Gran Coupe as a coupe (a convertible was also offered with the same name). The lion’s share of them was assembled with the 318 V8, which seems a more logical choice with the audience the cars attracted. However, a few hundred Gran Coupes with a 383 were also built. The original owners of the car narrowed the number like it that was produced to less than 182 units by specifying the Hi-Impact “purple” paint of which only 10% of Barracudas received, and a white vinyl top. This combination makes the seller’s car one of a few that have likely survived.
We don’t know the history of the seller’s car, only its current condition which is “Fair” at best. The bodywork needed keep the body shop busy, including the roof (there must be issues under the vinyl) and floor pans. The undercarriage is also rather crusty and there are holes in places. The seller can’t get the trunk open, so the condition of the luggage compartment is unknown. However, the interior seems to have fared better, though there are some cracks in the upholstery and the black carpeting has run its course.
The Slant-Six was one of the most popular motors ever built by Chrysler. It’s not locked up from age or lack of use, but we’re told the engine does crank and spin when a battery is applied. However, the seller says, “the alarm keeps going off, so the car will not start” (not sure what that means, so perhaps there are electrical problems with the Plymouth). Once restored, this Barracuda will be a cool anomaly as the In-Violet paint (known as Plum Crazy at Dodge) will draw a lot of attention and on-lookers will be surprised not to find a V8 stuffed under the hood.
Hmm…one definitely, possibly both rear quarters, trunk pan, (holes at the bottom of window), floor pans and a crusty undercarriage. Rust on interior components always give me pause. The cost of restoration for this one won’t be cheap. IMO, it’s definitely a rare fish, and this may convince someone with DEEP pockets to view it as an investment. GLWTA!! :-)
Only alarm going off here is a lot of money for a six cylinder non 🏃.
I think it’s a cool combination of options or maybe lack of options. I hate to say it but I’m not sure the value vs. cost equation makes sense. Would be a serious conversation starter though. I mean we all love a hemi cuda but this is cool. Imho.
Seems like 70% of all E bodies were either a SS or 318. People seem to forget that. I think almost 20% was either a 198 or 225. Nice to see some survived. They were nice all around cars.
I would like to know how much it was bought for !
A lot of potential with the need for a big pocket book to do it right.
Never cared for the straight 6 in anything so this would not be the e-body for me because I couldn’t leave it alone, I’d have to drop in a v8 just as I would have done in the 70s if I had this car. Yes this would tick off the purist but I don’t care…
Had a 70 Cuda same Color with automatic with a 383. Fast and very nice ride.
The seller has it listed as “all original” , but its been repainted -the turn signal fender lights and the door strikers have been painted over – Its also not hard to open the trunk, pull the back seat out and with a long extension you just remove the latch bolts . On a car with a short trunk like this its not a big job at all.
Hurricane Sandy survivor? Lots of rust
“GLWTA”? I give up!
If you have the 50k+ that it will take to buy and restore this car, keep the six. Dual turbo it to get some much needed power and keep the exhaust note quiet. It would be a nice car but I believe in a few years it will be a Hemi or 440/6 “tribute”.
Funny, this car reminded me of how many of the purple E body cars of that era shedded the paint in huge areas like this car, of course back in 1970 or so. Guess that would make it possibly a correct original patina!
Its been repainted, and not very well.
Kills me…do this..no,cost to much…no do that…nah, won’t be original…how about…uh-uh, it’ll be one of those ” tribute” cars, not real.. maybe,just maybe it could be sold for what it’s worth (sorry, ain’t no 10k ride) to someone who has never had a cool car and let them work their own voodoo. It’s supposed to be an entertaining hobby not always a retirement investment. Most hotrod lovin’ people have been priced right out of the game. Average person can’t play anymore. Now…go ahead and cut me to pieces. Owned ’69 Z/28, ’72 SS Nova, ’72 V8 Vega over the years, 42 of them I’m 61, so I’ve lived it and have seen alot of changes. It’s just ashamed it’s gotten so expensive,but what hasn’t. Somebody,get this Barracuda and do something, anything with it. You’ll be glad you did.
All great views…..im.am.the newest owner of this car….i will be keeping it as stock as possible….i am a guitarist …..my license plate will say purple haze abbreviated …..i was a purple passion soda drinker ….. will be blasting Grand Funk Railroad Tunes out of it godwillingly someday soon ……it will be a.clean driver not a complete overhaul……a fell for the gran coupe galvanized back.lights panel the best that it’s factory silver and not the color of the car….. I have a set of original Magnum 500 rims from a friend who owned a 66 dodge ….. it will be garage kept for the remainder of my life….. and yes I understand the owner previously mentioned about an alarm system it has to be aftermarket….. I was hoping it was a Chapman lock LOL those are easy to disconnect….. I read up that the slant 6 was a very dependable motor that made me smile…… I always thought I would own at least a 318 but I’m looking forward to this and I’m curious about the power I hear the torque is pretty good…..im a billboard luver not sure which 70 style i would.choose someday after paint…. if anybody could tell me the best Facebook Barracuda page I’ll join and keep everyone updated……thanks for all.the valid inputs ….Right On Guitarist Slade