The Plymouth Barracuda got a whole new lease on life in 1970. That included the ‘Cuda 340, which was the small-block performance edition of the “pony” car. This rusty example has been picked clean and partially cut up and would be a roller if it had wheels. Located in Independence, Missouri, this ‘Cuda was once finished in “In Violet”, Plymouth’s version of Plum Crazy paint. Complete with VIN and fender tag, this Mopar is available here on eBay where 11 bids have reached $1,300.
Barracuda sales grew from 32,000 to 48,000 from 1969 to 1970, so the all-new E-body car should have been considered a success. But it was still far below that of the market leaders, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, even when you add in the sales of the all-new Dodge Challenger. Muscle car sales had peaked, and Plymouth only delivered 1,800 ‘Cuda 340 coupes with an automatic transmission (with 275 hp). When you consider the number finished in purple paint, that population wasn’t huge.
We don’t know the history of this Mopar, which would barely still be considered an automobile. The car had a black vinyl interior, the best color next to In Violet, except for maybe white. The drivetrain and related parts have long since taken flight. Without a front suspension, we wonder how the seller moves this thing around, if at all.
If you’re looking for parts, there aren’t many that haven’t already been liberated. We’re told the body numbers match the newly reproduced VIN tag, and the original trim tag has survived, perhaps its biggest selling points. A luggage rack was one of the options, not commonly seen when new and gone now. If you took the plunge, what would you do with this ‘Cuda after commissioning a forklift to move it?
I would give it a proper Viking funeral.
The rear in that car is a 7.25″ axle, which did NOT come in a 340 car. That axle came in a 6 cyl or 318 only. A 340 car would have a 8.75″ rear. This thing is so far removed from salvageable, it would be a good ashtray.
O Brother. Y Bother. Not even good enough (or enough weight) for a boat anchor.
Shoot it already, jeez,,
What Howard? Only four words? Now we KNOW this car is a crusher candidate!
Bring a fork lift all right..and a flatbed truck..and clear directions to the metal recycler.
O come on now!!!
$1300 bid? Take the money and run! Run far! Run fast!
The neighbors will be most pleased when it’s gone.
True, they might be the one bidding on it, and then take it to the scrapper.
The VIN, sadly, will probably end up on a Barracuda and then sold as what this car was.
“There is a clean title, the original trim tag, and a newly reproduced VIN tag.” Yup, that’s exactly what people are bidding on here.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all… better look again!