340/4-Speed: 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda

This 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda demonstrates the importance of not judging a book by its cover. It looks pretty rough and ready, but the news is positive when we delve below the surface. The seller states that it is rock-solid, and with a healthy 340/4-speed drivetrain configuration, it is a turnkey proposition offering immediate classic motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the ‘Cuda listed here on eBay in Celeste, Texas. The seller set their price at $36,500 OBO.

Plymouth performed a minor mid-cycle cosmetic refresh to its Third Generation Barracuda range in 1972, limiting further annual changes between then and the end of 1974 to primarily comply with evolving safety regulations. This 1972 example is the sporty ‘Cuda variant, which would have looked stunning in its prime. The first owner teamed Code GY8 Gold Leaf Poly paint with a Black vinyl top. It looks pretty sad today, with the vinyl all but gone and the paint exhibiting significant deterioration. There is evidence of Bondo, and a few accumulated dings and dents. But with the panels generally appearing solid, I believe it should be possible to whip the exterior into shape without replacing any panels. The exception may be the area around the back window, which exhibits developing small holes. There is plenty of dry surface corrosion, and the trunk pan has a couple of holes that may justify cutting out and replacing the pan to achieve a rust-free state. The floors look solid, seemingly supporting the seller’s claim that this ‘Cuda spent its life in California, where rust tends to be less of an issue. The shopping list to replace missing or damaged trim pieces will be quite long, but the glass looks okay.

Pursists contemplating the long-term investment potential of this ‘Cuda will welcome the news that it is numbers-matching. The first owner ordered the car with a 340ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The V8 was still a pretty respectable performer in 1972, placing 240hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. This engine bay doesn’t present well, with surface corrosion and other cosmetic shortcomings. However, the seller states that the car runs and drives well, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.

I scrolled through the seller’s images before commencing this article. I did so partly to compile a list of required parts to return the interior to a pristine state. I concluded that it needs seatcovers, foam, carpet, a dashpad, a parcel tray, and a headliner. The door trims and rear trims look pretty good and are comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade build. It would be wise to spend time researching the costs before committing funds to the interior, because a trim kit may prove more affordable than sourcing each piece. After all, most enthusiasts welcome the idea of saving a few bucks where possible, as long as the finished product meets their expectations. Therefore, a few hours on a computer might be justified.

So, what would I do if this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda found its way into my workshop? I would replace the trunk pan and treat and seal the remaining underside surfaces to minimize the risk of future rust. I would strip the exterior to bare metal, replacing any panels I couldn’t massage to perfection before returning it to its factory form. An interior retrim and detailing of the engine bay would be the final pieces of the puzzle, ensuring this classic is presented as it deserves. Do you agree? If so, are you willing to transform the dream into reality?