The North American automotive world was heading into The Malaise Era in 1972 as legislative requirements sapped power from many vehicles that had built their reputation on high performance. The Plymouth Barracuda was no exception, although the seller has taken steps to right that wrong with this 1972 example. A mechanical upgrade gives this striking classic genuine muscle credentials, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting a vehicle that is far more than a one-trick pony. You will find the Plymouth listed here on Craigslist in Newman Lake, Washington. The seller set their price at $53,000 for a vehicle that should satisfy anyone with gasoline flowing through their veins.

I once was asked to choose a favorite vehicle from every post-war decade to park in my dream garage, and the 1970s proved the most challenging. Many cars represented a triumph of style over substance, but I decided that almost any vehicle from Chrysler’s E-Body range would be a strong contender. The styling was suitably muscular, and both Plymouth and Dodge offered engines that did the appearance justice. Therefore, I find this 1972 Barracuda particularly attractive. The striking Meadow Green paint won’t appeal to all tastes, but it guarantees that this Plymouth won’t blend into the background. It looks extremely good, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there are no signs of rust. The trim and glass look very nice, and the Magnum 500 wheels suit the car’s character. However, the rear spoiler and decals on the rear quarter panels suggest that this Barracuda is more than a pretty face.

The first owner ordered this Barracuda with a 318ci V8 under the hood. Its power and torque figures of 150hp and 260 ft/lbs may sound asthmatic when compared to the previous year’s 230hp and 320 ft/lbs. However, it is worth noting that the automotive industry had begun quoting Net figures during this model year, so there was actually minimal loss when compared to the previous year’s offerings. The seller has rendered these facts irrelevant, ditching this Plymouth’s original drivetrain in favor of a 440ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Posi rear end. This combination will provide effortless performance, while the power-assisted steering and brakes mean that the driver won’t receive a workout behind the wheel. The engine features some obvious upgrades, including an aluminum intake and a better carburetor, aluminum cylinder heads, and headers. The seller doesn’t quote an output figure, but it is guaranteed to be far higher than the 150hp that the first owner had at their disposal. How the Barracuda runs and drives isn’t revealed, but I suspect that it is a turnkey proposition.

I’ve been searching for something to genuinely criticize about this Barracuda, and I have drawn a blank. Its interior is possibly even better than the exterior, and appears to have benefitted from a recent retrim in Black vinyl. This isn’t mentioned in the seller’s listing, but the lack of wear and other shortcomings suggest that is the case. The speakers mounted in the front doors suggest the presence of a hidden stereo, and the gauges by the driver’s left knee will help to monitor the beast under the hood. Rounding out the interior is a pistol-grip shifter that should make swapping cogs a joy.

There is no denying that this 1972 Plymouth Barracuda possesses the “wow” factor. Its exterior promises so much, and the mechanical specifications should allow it to deliver on that promise. I can’t spot anything that requires attention, and there is something that some potential buyers could consider. Leaving the car untouched would be a popular choice, although there is scope to further personalize this modified classic. Some may wish to swap the existing wheels for something from Chrysler’s catalog for authenticity, while others may view a chin spoiler as the perfect finishing touch. What would you do if this Barracuda found its way into your garage?