The Plymouth Barracuda got a new lease on life in 1970 when it received its own platform, then shared with the Dodge Challenger rather than the Valiant. Buyers would respond enthusiastically and year-over-year production went up by 50%. Unfortunately, both the pony and muscle car markets were peaking by then, and 1971 would be the last year of big-block ‘Cudas. This ’71 edition has barn find qualities and we’re told it could be the only one built with black paint and orange seat covers. Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the car is available here on eBay where brisk bidding has reached $58,700 but not the reserve.
After a successful re-launch in 1970, the Barracuda was little changed for 1971 – except that it gained quad headlights, a one-year decision (they went back to singles in 1972). Because of rising insurance costs, muscle car sales were on the decline and since the performance ‘Cuda was such a big part of the Barracuda offering, production dropped off substantially. Assemblies went from 48,867 in ’70 to 16,492 in ’71 and of those, just 501 were ‘Cudas with the 383 V8 engine and a 4-speed manual. The seller says this car is 1 of 1 because of its colors and trim, but I can’t find any online data to support that.
As the story goes, the seller bought the car about a year ago and may have intended to do a cosmetic restoration, as the original paint and body panels are far from perfect after 50 years. The photos provided suggest a before-and-after situation. The car is dirty and there is no chrome trim on its wheels in some pics, whereas it’s nice and shiny in others with Rallye wheels dressed up. We would guess he found the car when it was being stored and has cleaned it up since.
The 383 V8 and axle are numbers matching, but the 4-speed is not, having been replaced at some point though the claimed mileage is just 50,000. The car’s fender tag is present to support the roots of the car, but no build sheet was ever found. The car wasn’t roadworthy when the seller found it, and recent improvements include new brakes, gas tank, and fuel lines along with a renewed radiator that hasn’t been installed. Also, the motor has been rebuilt as well and the car treated to a set of headers and a newer Holley carburetor at some point.
Cosmetically, the Plymouth is going to need work. While the floors and trunk are said to be good thanks to factory undercoating, there is rust in at least the lower rear quarter panel and there is an assortment of small dents and dings. The seat covers will need to be replaced and a new set will accompany the car. The carpeting has already been taken care of.
The seller is happy with his treasure, but another car has piqued his interest so this one must go to make some room. The title has a lien against it and the proceeds from the sale will be needed to satisfy that lien. So, buyers need to understand that the cash has to be handed over before the bank will release the title as free and clear. These ‘Cudas can fetch some big bucks online, but this car is going to need work and the reserve may eat up much of the car’s ultimate resale value.
Cool Cuda.
Good luck on sale…
Interesting or sad a 50 k car needed rebuild but setting not driven hurts a car in so many ways.
This car will bring big bucks as it what the market bears now…
Based on the way the ad reads and the work done it’s highly unlikely the seller was planning on restoring the car. It’s rough, but presentable in it’s current condition. Even though it’s expensive, it’s fully functional as it sits, there is no reason to perform further cosmetic work if the next owner plans to use it for more than driving it to and from the closest car show.
Unrestored cars have been gaining in popularity for years, especially as restoration costs skyrocket. Cars in this condition make sense for someone that can’t be bothered with a car that’s primary purpose is to split time being parked in the garage or at a show.
Steve R
Currently at $58,700, so apparently whatever the value of the bank lien is is not an issue with the 20 bidders thus far. Trust me, the cost of the lien is in addition to whatever the car sells for. Winning the bidding war gets you the right to negotiate with the bank. End of story.
That’s not how the ad is written. It’s like buying any other car with a bank loan, once the payment is made the seller will use that money to pay off the bank so the can release the title. The buyer won’t have to pay the bank on top of the auctions winning bid.
Steve R
Not to argue with you, but the way I read the ad is my statement above. The problem comes in the form of a bank lien, not an unpaid loan balance. For all we know it may require legal services to unravel the lien. This is my concern. It’s an interesting car, but no different than any car offered for sale minus a clear and free title. Tread cautiously!
I agree with Dave, wouldn’t touch it with a ten footer. 58Gs? That could buy an awful lot of great cars, many of them brand spanking new with a warranty, pretty paint job, more power/better handling/full amenities to boot. I know where I would put my money. Not sure of the value here for 50+ big ones. Only 500 383 4 speeds, so what? My car has a bad stain in the rear seat where a grandkid spilled chocolate ice cream. Makes it a one of one with that stain in that pattern via that kid. Doubt anyone else would apply value to it. Time people stop this pricing insanity and think things over better. Getting the money men out of the game would be a good first start.
Lots of suspect scam bidding, and the worst suspect now has the high bid. She looks good but the lien is troubling. You would think that the seller would hav taken care of this before selling. Too many things smell bad here, Good luck and know what you are buying.
Cheers
GPC
Having a lien on a car is nothing new. All you worry warts out there will never get a car like this as you are too slow on the trigger. Analysis paralysis!
These cars are rare, desirable and sell fast. What is so difficult about flying out there and going to the bank with the current owner??
I will take the 63 ford r code for 58.000 before I would take this.
I have three vintage cars and am considering a fourth. I have no liens on anything and would pay cash for the next one. Taking out loans for toys has always seemed a fool’s errand to me. I would bet this guy took out a loan for something else (the new car?) against the value of this one. That happens a lot, and the owners often find themselves upside-down when they can’t recover enough by selling to cover the loan.
I love this color combo, but to me the buy-in is way too high for a base engine.