With all the spunk the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda and especially the ‘Cuda had to offer when it was introduced as a 1970 model, some of the magic was dwindling just a couple of short years later, with big blocks and convertible tops no longer an option from 1972 until production ended at the end of the ‘74 run. Timing is important in the auto industry, and unfortunately, it wasn’t favorable for the E-Body, with muscle cars quickly becoming a dying breed. However, the car retained its same basic shape and styling until the end, and it still looked good even without one of those monster motors under the hood, with this 1973 Plymouth Barracuda seeming to be in the condition I’d consider a nice driver.
This is one of those listings that leaves me with a couple of questions, even after reading through everything a few times, but in the end, there’s not very much that would make me shy away if I had the garage space for this one. The paint is initially referred to as being a vibrant blue color and then gold, but unless I’ve suddenly gone colorblind, it looks more like Sahara Beige. Whatever the hue, the finish is said to be a professional paint job, although no information is given as to what sort of bodywork was done before the respray. Regardless of how it got there, this one sure looks good enough on the outside for me to enjoy cruising around in.
For the 1973 model, the only two engine choices remaining were the 318 and 340, although further into the production year a 360 replaced the latter. The seller says this one’s a 340 which has recently gotten a comprehensive tune-up and is said to be running great, with a YouTube link provided that highlights the motor in action, which seems to back up this claim. Barn Finds readers Moparman and Philbo427 have hit on evidence that the original engine is no longer present, as the “G” in the VIN indicates a 318 was in the bay when this one left the Hamtramck assembly plant. Two different mileage numbers are also listed, neither of which coincides with the odometer reading. A peek at the ticker shows a reading of 19,369 and five-tenths, so I’m speculating the actual amount of travel is likely that plus a hundred thousand, or it could be a possibility that the digits are still on their first time around.
We don’t get a wide-angle view showing the entire interior, but there are enough close-ups that it’s probably safe to say the inside still looks to be in nice shape overall. A few additional gauges have been installed, and I’m guessing that’s an aftermarket Stereo sitting on the hump under the dash, as there are also custom speakers in the package tray and an amp behind the rear seat. This one was purchased new in Chicago but now resides in Portland, Oregon, and it can be seen here on eBay. So far, 2 bids have taken the price up to $19,000, and with 77 watchers it has the potential to continue climbing. What are your thoughts on this 1973 Plymouth Barracuda?
WOW! Great new format here on BF!!!!
This little Barracuda would be a nice one to clean up and just drive-good motor/trans match (tho most of us would prefer a manual).
GLWTS
Not sure what happened since I made the above comment but it’s back to normal now..
First of all, the “Barracuda” was the non performance model; whereas the ‘cuda would have been the one with the 340 engine. This one also is also missing the scooped hood, and the rear valance w/ exhaust tips exiting through it. Would like to see the VIN to quantify the provenance of this car. Aside from the (IMO) awful color, this one might end up as a good buy, but as states,there are some questions that need to be answered! GLWTA!! :-)
The VIN is in the eBay ad.
Steve R
DOH! I only looked at the pictures, and didn’t read the copy! :-)
I’ve done that too.
Steve R
Moparman I don’t see anywhere the author or eBay ad claim this to be. Cuda?
And base barracuda’s did not have the scooped hood or exhaust cut outs
The author and ad also state THIS car was originally a 318 but now has a 340
Not a bad car but out of my price range I knows it’s the going range for e bodies just too rich for me
The car is a 318 V8 Barracuda, they replaced the motor with a 340. $20k it’s well worth that.
I wouldn’t trust what any seller says without verification on my part. There is no information provided about the engine other than them saying it’s a 340, was been recently serviced and has a new carburetor.
Steve R
Since they removed the front 5mph bumper guards they should have done the same for the rear.
There is more than a little wrong with the ad. It was written like someone was using a script, it’s being sold in Portland but has New Mexico plates, it’s an auction with no reserve on a little used account. This may be legitimate, but it’s following a pattern of several fake auctions for “muscle cars” on eBay recently, several of which have been featured on this site.
Steve R
This is a nice solid car and was originally a 318 car per the 5th digit on the VIN, which explains the missing rear valance cut outs and scooped hood. I’m more familiar with Challengers and base Challengers for 1972 (not sure about 1973) could be ordered with a 340. But again, this was originally a 318 car.
The 340 is a nice step up but I would check the casting numbers the make sure it’s really a 340 and not a dressed up 318. Check the tranny to make sure that was upgraded too . The 340 should be mated to a TorqueFlite 727 while the 318 could have been mated to a Torqueflite 904.
Looks like a good driver. Auto, air and upgraded (?) motor. I love old man tan but I like brown and green, too.
The front bumper guards are easy to remove you look up from beneath and you can see the bolts On the back guards you have to take the whole bumper off to get to bolts for the bumper guards Adding the power bulge hood to these cars makes a big difference the car looks much more aggressive
June 71…. home from the Army… I bought a dealer demo 70 Barracuda Gran Coupe… 318 column automatic. a/c… very similar to this car. The 318 was more than adequate….it was a very nice car. That the venetian blinds, scoops and hood pins are NOT there is a big plus for this car… there is plenty of other stuff to remove from it..
This car is just cool. I had a ’72 Grand coupe in the mid 80’s. I regret not turning it in to a real hotrod. They just look badass with the big & Littles. The prices have just gotten out of hand for most of us.
This color was actually called Honeydew — kind of beige, but ever so slightly more colorful.
SOLD for $19,000.
A very good deal, IMO.