The renewed Plymouth Barracuda had a banner sales year for 1970, outselling its previous model year by 50%. Though the VIN identifies this car as having come from the factory with a 383 V8, it now has a 318 and 3-speed manual (floor shifter), which in itself would have seen a production of fewer than 1,600 copies. This one is a project car that’s been owned by the same party for more than 20 years. No doubt seeing that a restoration isn’t happening on his/her watch, the seller has listed it here on eBay for the starting bid of $14,999. No takers so far on this pony car in Haysville, Kansas.
From its inception in 1964, the Barracuda shared its underpinnings with Plymouth’s Valiant compact. That changed in 1970 when the new E-body platform was designated for both the Barracuda and the debuting Dodge Challenger. From then until 1974 when both cars were discontinued, the Barracuda sold 115,000 units, a goodly number but not what the Mustang had accomplished a few years earlier. This Barracuda’s engine (and maybe transmission) is not original and there is no fender tag or build sheet to dig any deeper into this car’s background.
The seller has owned this Plymouth for two decades and it’s been kept in a garage for most of that time. So, the condition you see it in now is likely how it looked in 2001. The mileage is unknown for both the car and the transplanted motor which has pieces missing that will have to be replaced before attempting to start it. Corrosion is a big problem with the Barracuda, but fortunately, several replacement body panels will come with the deal. So does some extra glass to substitute for what’s missing.
If you were to tackle a restoration on this car, you have two options: stick with the 318 and 3 speed because they’re already there, or source another 383 and maybe a 4-speed and shoot for making the car as close to original as possible. The auction hasn’t seen any action yet, perhaps because the cost of acquisition will eat into the budget needed for restoring the Plymouth.
$14,999. starting bid??? You have to be brave to rebuild this.
The VIN shows it as a G code…I thought that was for a 318, not a 383…for that engine, it would show an L or N…like Mike says, you would have to be brave, plus have mad welding skills to tackle this one…and my guess someone will…
Factory 318 car, engine code is G,= 318 not 383!,
Yessir, 318 it is in serial number. Very early car.
Without a plate or build sheet, first week date.
Saran Wrap is NOT gonna stop the spread of rust.