Whenever the urge hits to tackle an automotive project, taking over a vehicle that’s already a work in progress often creates its own set of challenges compared to starting from scratch. However, this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda actually seems to be at a decent point for the buyer to jump in and complete the restoration. While it may not be a walk in the park, much of the heavy lifting and mechanical work has already been completed, and hopefully, this one will be roadworthy without excessive additional effort. If you’re ready to take the reins, this one’s located in Anderson, California, and can be found here on eBay, where the current high bid is resting at $5,700, which is still under the reserve.
Thankfully, the fender tags are still present, and that’s plural, as this one came loaded with options from the factory, so it required two of the metal plaques under the hood. The BS23 confirms this one’s a real factory ‘Cuda, and that it did indeed come equipped with a 340 V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller reports that a date-correct 340 is in the bay now, having been recently rebuilt with zero miles. Ditto on the transmission, as it’s also received an overhaul, along with the 8 3/4 rear end, which features 3.55 gears. Hopefully, there’s not a lot left to do mechanically, other than get behind the wheel and enjoy the drive once the rest of this car is finished.
The only specifics the owner provides about the body are that it’s nice and has no rust, along with a confirmation that the original color is True Blue Metallic, with the underside already painted in this shade. There’s no confirmation on whether any significant sheet metal work was performed before the exterior was sprayed with gray primer, but the panels appear straight and sturdy, so it’s possible that this one’s not too far from being ready to receive a fresh coat of GB5 blue. A few of the outside parts are reported missing, but the seller confirms that both bumpers and all of the lights are included.
Quite a bit of interior work has already been done, including a restoration of the dash and fresh material on the front buckets and the rear seat. It’s often puzzling when someone gets this far along yet isn’t able to complete a restoration, but life happens, priorities change, and funds sometimes run short. Thankfully, this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda appears to be a very decent point to take over, and I’m guessing there’ll be lots of competition among those eager to continue where this one has stalled. Is this an E-Body you’d be interested in completing?
Last time this car was listed for auction it has a high bid of $19,860, with 70 bids, but did not meet the sellers reserve. Figured this auction will have similar results. This suggest the 1970 Barracuda with the swapped in 340 and a $33,000 asking price featured yesterday isn’t particularly overpriced.
Steve R
Yesterday’s was a clone – this is a real deal 340…..and it’s a rare 4 speed….
high bid of 20k and still needing at least another 25k or more. they should have sold it. stupid not to finish.
When the car is that close to completion, the question bears asking: why didn’t they finish? Something tells me some deep secrets lie underneath,
It’s not that close to completion. Close would be painted and only needs a few components installed.
It’s in California, have you checked the price of paint supplies and labor in the state?
Steve R
As a matter of fact yes. The very high quality paint job for my 1973 BMW 2002tii was about $10k using PPG Envirobase products…and that was 3 years ago. I think at least $6k of that was paint, primer and prep materials (and its a small car). The guy that shot it gave me a deal on his labor because he’s a friend. I can’t imagine what the same paint job would cost if I paid a commercial shop to do it today.
Death ?
Needs at least $5k quality paint and missing trim items. My cousin had a ‘72 Cuda 340 that my aunt took over payments on. Pictures a middle aged gal roddin’ around in a 340 ‘Cuda.
Remember Earl Scheib! “I’ll paint any car, any color only $29.95” Some would drive down to Tijuana for a paint job! I have seen some spray paint can paint jobs that looked decent! Will be a beautiful car when finished!
In defense of the unfinished nature, this is a highly optioned 2-tag car.
Here is the decode:
(first tag)
BS23: Plymouth Barracuda Special, ‘Cuda 2 Door Hardtop
H2B: 340 240HP(net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL 1972 Dodge Main, Hamtramck
259988: Sequence number
E55: 340 cid 4 barrel V8 275hp
D21: 4 Speed Manual Transmission
CB5: Bright Blue Metallic (Dodge), True Blue Metallic (Plymouth, Chrysler, Imperial) Exterior Color
A6X9: Trim – Basic, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
000: Full Door Panels
C09: Build Date: December 09
109086: Order number
CB5: Bright Blue Metallic (Dodge), True Blue Metallic (Plymouth, Chrysler, Imperial) Top Color
U: USA Specifications
B51: Power Brakes
C56: Bucket Seats
G11: Tinted Glass (all)
G37: OS Dual Racing Mirrors
H31: Rear Window Defogger
H51: Air Conditioning with Heater
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J52: Inside Hood Release
J54: Sport Hood
L25: Trunk Lamp
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
M31: Belt Moldings
M88: Decklid Moldings Treatment
N23: Electronic Ignition System
N41: Dual Exhaust
N42: Chrome Exhaust Tips
N85: Tachometer
N95: Emissions Control
CTD: Codes Continued on 2nd Fender Tag
(second tag)
BS23: Plymouth ‘Cuda, Special Price Class, 2-Door Hardtop
H2B: 340 240HP(net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL 1972 Dodge Main, Hamtramck
25998: Order number
R35: AM/FM Stereo Radio (10 Watts)
V5X: Body Side Stripes, Black
26: 26in Radiator
EN2: End of Sales Codes
I’d love to see the original sticker on this pup. I’m no expert, but I’d be willing to bet there were not many ’72 340 Cuda’s this loaded. It is definitely worthy of completion, IMHO.
Yep….looks like the hard parts are done to the body – seats, under body – engine compartment….basically just needs outside pait – like Steve R said Cali is a money pit – car will go somewhere else to be finished up….it’s a 1972 and allready at $25,000….
the price of paint supplies is expensive no matter where you live. a friend had his 72 GS convertible done in a dirty back door deal at reputable new car dealer. most of the body was done and just needed finessing. it cost him 12k all in all done. normally it would have been close to 25k.
Sold on 4/21/2026 for a high bid of $23,600, there were 51 bids from 16 bidders.
Steve R
After reading the article and comments in Barn Finds, I decided to purchase the ‘72 ‘Cuda & bring it back to my South Louisiana home & let my local auto restoration shop tackle the paint. My other goal is to enjoy all of the body tag option codes previously commented on by Leslie; especially the AC option. It should be a stunning car when finished in the original True Blue Metallic color (~$700. gallon) plus the addition of a solid black 340 stripe kit from the rear panels to the doors.
Well played @Neil G.
Congratulations and best wishes to you on completing the restoration. I’m sure it will be a fun and beautiful ride when you do!