When is a coupe a convertible? When it’s any 1970 Barracuda, of course. Actually, though it sounds a little funny today, the phrase “Convertible Coupe” was common in the pre-war era, like this stunning Packard. With its M91 Luggage Rack, black paint, and white convertible top, this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda would have struck a classic pose itself when new. The Manahawkin, New Jersey rag-top has seen better days, including the day before its right rear was brutally crushed. Now the well-optioned TX9 Black Velvet Plymouth seeks a new owner with the skills, budget, and optimism to give it a second life. The listing here on eBay shows some optimism too with a $25,500 Buy It Now price. At least nine bidders have upped the ante beyond $16,000 for the rusty and partially crushed convertible coupe.
Ouch. Let’s get this view out of the way and move on. Could this have *not* relocated the unibody frame rails? The seller says both rear rails are bad. The listing provides numerous undercarriage pictures showing plenty of crusty bits intermingled with the occasional heavily undercoated and preserved locality. Though not visible here, this black and white beauty left the Hamtramck, Michigan factory wearing V5R side molding surrounded by red boxed pinstripes, a 1970-only option that would be worth recreating as authentic visual jewelry to top off the restoration. Check out the opposite treatment, a V5X (black) on red here at Moparts.
Nicely focused pictures of the VIN and matching fender tag describe a well-appointed BP27 convertible, black inside and out, with a white drop-top, C16 console with wood grain, air conditioning, L31 fender-mounted turn signals, A01 Light Package with time delay, and more. Thanks to the decoders at E-bodies for some details.
The 230 HP 318 cid (5.2L) V8 looks all stock. The upgraded 26-inch radiator would have kept things cool even with the air conditioning on. Sidelined by the wreck and parked since the late ’70s or early ’80s, the Barracuda’s engine compartment shows mostly monochrome rust, a treatment that likely includes the engine internals too.
Unlike the in-your-face ‘Cuda, the Barracuda presents as more of an upscale 2+2, and the 318 is perfect for a nice V8 exhaust tone without sparring for a throw-down at every stoplight. Would you pay more than $25,000 for the privilege of restoring this long-parked Plymouth?
Looking at the pitiful remains of this once fine car, (IMO) the final bid price and the restoration costs are going to SINK someone deeply underwater. I’m afraid that if this car were chemically dipped, it would collapse into a pile of fragments. Kudos to the brave souls dreaming of restoring this one!
GLWTA!! :-)
Looks to me that it’s already spent considerable time underwater. Ocean water, that is. That’s a shame because once upon a time this was a good looking car that would have been fun to drive around in. I can’t find anything that won’t need replacement.
People are idiots.
That’s the biggest problem in this messed up world. PEOPLE. Is this going to GYC for a $125,000 fix up?
I’ve always been a fan of the optioned-up Gran Coupes. This one needs, well, just about everything. I’ll be watching Saturday to see if this one makes it to reserve to satisfy my curiosity.
Hurricane Sandy, were you there? I’m talking to the car.
She said save me!
Obviously, it will be saved. I applaud the winning bidder.
Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. Ger er done.
Father/Son, daughter? No smooozie project, it’s for real challengers, no cupcakes. I see it done. Screw the money as you can’t take it with you
I wonder if Dynacorn is gonna make a ’70-71 cuda body – smaller than brother Chally.
Hot in almost the same area as my first car, ‘69 mach. The frame rails, even driveshaft, motor mounts and trans mounts are probably broken. Lots of time on a frame jig! It can be saved!
Probably a fine car new, but needs everything! A Hemi transplant and all new panels would make a fine six figure Restomod for sure!
I bet the graveyard cars guy would run away from this project
He follows the Ghostbusters mantra:
No job is too big
No fee is too big!
Bring a trailer (load of Bondo)…
New this must have one fantastic looking car, now it’s just depressing to look at. But hopefully someone will bring her back to life.
’70 and ’71 Cudas, ’68 – ’70 Chargers and Road Runners = Rusty Gold, and sellers are pricing them that way.
if you have to have close to 70 to80 grand its not for me i can get one in mint shape for that with out the head ake
Where are you getting $80 grand from? You just write them checks out like crazy? Learn how to do your own restoration and repair. Will not even cost $5k. Also the paint is in great shape, doesnt need repainting. Hammer out the rear 1/4 panel and weld up the floors and it is good as new. All easy as pie with a rotisserie.
Buyers are creating these prices along with sellers reacting to this current market
Whatever the seller is smoking, he better quickly get off of it ! That stuff is killing you man !
Graveyard cars would add this to their collection of heaps in the back lot. I agree tho. Chemical dipping would crumble this. Why do people have to be so idiotic to say that they have something here. Looks like someone went magnet fishing and took this car away from the Mother ‘cuda. Good luck to the new owner. You’ll need it
I forgot to mention it in the article but that must have been some hard hit to knock the trailer hitch upside down. :)
I wouldn’t say its been underwater, it looks like most 10 year old cars did in New England (minus the crunched 1/4) – rusty worn and tired. Judging by the trailer hitch I’d guess it wasn’t treated well at least for the last part of its life. Luckily it went into some kind of storage otherwise a ragtop in the elements would likely be broken in half by now. It looks bad, but if someone was to restore/mod it, the rails and quarters would all be coming off anyway as that’s a common rust out area for these cars. We have all seen cars in much worse shape than this being restored, and this is a rare car now