The third-generation Plymouth Barracuda is a good example of how just a few short years could take its toll on a fine automobile in the early to mid-seventies, and while numerous other cars suffered a similar fate in the decline of performance some of those models soldiered forward, but Plymouth pulled the plug on its E-Body on April Fools Day in 1974, and unfortunately it wasn’t a joke as we never got to witness a revival. The seller of this 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda says his car isn’t flawless, but it sure looks good enough if you ask me plus there’s also a sweet upgrade under the hood. The Mopar is in Severn, Maryland, and can be seen here on eBay where bidding has already reached $43,400, but not enough yet for a sale as the reserve has not been met.
To put things in perspective of just how far muscle car desirability tanked during the final era for the Barracuda, sales figures for the ’70 model totaled just shy of 49,000 cars, but by 1974 fewer than 12,000 found homes, so if there’s any good news here it’s that the last year model is by far the rarest of the entire third-generation of production. This one’s also got a prominent pedigree for the period, as it was originally equipped with a High Performance 360 from the factory including a 4-barrel on top, as good as it got here for ’74, but in the bay now is a 1,200-mile 440 which the seller states is making 530 horsepower and nearly 500 pounds of torque.
There’s no mention of a fender tag and the VIN doesn’t provide the paint code, so it’s unknown if Yellow Blaze is the original color, and no information is given on what kind of work was needed to get the body looking like we’re seeing it now. It’s apparent that this one’s gotten a respray, as the underside is painted the same yellow now as the exterior panels, but I’m not spotting anything that makes me believe the exterior finish is at all lacking in quality.
We do find out most of the interior is new, with the dash listed as one of the items that hasn’t been replaced, but it’s still looking decent and the gauges are more recent Dakota components. This one’s also got the pistol grip shifter, and I’m not spotting anything inside I’d want to address and only one item on the entire car that’s not to my preference, that being the wheels but what an easy change to make if you’d rather go for a more traditional standard presentation outside. I’d love to start my new year out with this 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda in my garage, how about you?
Big block, pistol grip 4 speed, nice paint, clean as they come with tasteful mods, whats not to like! Doubt its even close to reserve.
Agree but don’t forget that the price of a late 60s era cuda vs a 74 is way different, and not just the cuda, but all MOPARs. I would want way more info before opening my wallet for this one. In this case, add no numbers matching and no mention of whether paint is even original. And it is lovely but I don’t think I would want a post 71 cuda. 65-70 MOPARs are just my personal taste and 2c worth.
Not to be “that guy” but as I’m sure you know, there was no “late 60s era cuda“… the first one appeared for MY 1970. But I agree with you, as you go farther into the ‘70s the Mopar lineup gets less desirable/valuable. For E-bodies that’s mostly related to the bumper styling and narrowing powertrain options available. And I say this as a former owner of a 1979 (!) Roadrunner :-D
I also hate being “that guy”, but there was a ‘Cuda in 1969.
The ‘Cuda, based on the Formula S option, was available with either the 340, 383 and, new for 1969, the 440 Super Commando V8.
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Nice!
BADASS! (with Cragars) 😉
I think I’d take his shop over the car, and he can even keep the Mustang.
I don’t know what my brother in-law’s 67 formula S was if it wasn’t a Cuda ? This particular car looks good and it has a killer build so who cares if it’s not a numbers matching original. At cars and coffee this get much attention. A Cuda with a killer build that will kick butt. I can see the envy and hear it from some of the comments.
those go-wings will never not look tacked on to any Mpar no matter what you do.
Nice car, should make a fun driver.
Does anyone know what year Nash Bridges yellow Baracuda convert was? That car with white interior was a stunner. Does anyone ever remember NASH BRIDGES? One of my all time favorite detective shows, set in SAN FRANCISCO.
1971 ‘Cuda Convertible for Nash.
As Joe Dominguez might say, Muhas Gracias , Dude. Much better fit for NASH, than a MARLIN!
The 1969 ‘ Cuda was a trim and performance option for the Barracuda. From 1970-4 the ‘Cuda was a stand alone model. I own a 1974 ‘Cuda 360 4bbl 4speed pistol grip matching numbers car. A dog compared to my 1972 Javelin SST with A 390 4speed from a 1968 AMX. Both look awesome though!