First glances can be really deceptive. At first glance, this 1970 Barracuda Convertible appears to be a major restoration job. However, the work may not be quite as difficult as it first seems. Listed for sale here on eBay, it is located in Traverse City, Michigan. Offered for sale with a clear title, some very spirited bidding has seen the price reach $24,100.
The first thing to note about this Plymouth is that underneath that primer, the car appears to be absolutely solid. The car has been sitting for the past 20 years, and it has held up well over that time. The seller provides a good catalog of shots of the floor and the underside of the car and not only does the car appear to be quite straight, but it also appears to be pretty well rust-free, The car also comes with the shaker hood and various other parts including extra wheels and other, unspecified parts.
The interior is going to require a complete re-trim, but items such as the dash appear to be complete and in good condition. This Barracuda appears to have started life as a white car, but with it dismantled to its current state, it would be up to the new owner to decide how they would finish and re-trim the car.
The engine bay is currently empty, but it used to house a 383 backed by a 727 automatic transmission. The good news is that the transmission is still present. There is an engine with the car, but I’m unsure as to whether it is the original unit. Regardless, it is currently torn down. The seller seems to believe that all of the components are present for a rebuild.
Okay, this Barracuda is still going to represent a fairly decent project for someone. The good news is that it appears that the new owner is not going to be faced with a litany of rust repairs to have to contend with to bring the body up to scratch. It appears to be largely complete, and once restored it will be a very nice and quite desirable car.
These are about as valuable as them rusty 356’s…
Don’t bother with a numbers-matching 100 point restoration. (unless you’re just wired like that)
I’d go with a FRANKENBEAST restomod.
New braking…suspension…stance…wheels…shaved bumpers and door handles…Demon Hemi…muted Black with Orange interior and exterior accents.
I love that idea. Even a used hellcat assembly would rumble really nice for half the price (Cleveland Power). This car is ready to become someones updated dream machine not a trailer queen!
Certainly some bonehead has totalled a Hellcat by now, making the drivetrain available.
Go for it!
A Mopar from Michigan with a solid body??? How is that possible?
IMO, the late ’60’s – early 70’s was a period when styling was at a zenith at the Plymouth Division. Even in its current state, this car still cuts a great profile and looks great.
Pretty sweet & rare opportunity to build your own ragtop Cuda from a solid beginning.
Completely agree on going restonod with it but would do NA modern Hemi & 6-speed manual instead of supercharged.
Pretty confident 700hp+ would lead to lots of issues with this chassis.
At least the way I drive…..
Nice non original hood convert car !👍👀
Hang on I’m on the phone with loan officer on selling the house and buying a trailer err mini home 🏡 to luv in…
I figure the other option is to live in a storage unit with the car. I can stare at the car as an art piece and sleep in a sleeping bag beside it .
I hope this lucky flipper gets his 70 grand for “could of” had money for life in lieu of someone who has money 💰 money 💰 to burn ..,
Nice non original hood convert car !👍👀
Hang on I’m on the phone with loan officer on selling the house and buying a trailer err mini home
🏡 to live in…
I figure the other option is to live in a storage unit with the car. I can stare at the car as an art piece and sleep in a sleeping bag beside it .
I hope this lucky flipper gets his 70 grand for “could of” had money for life in lieu of someone who has money 💰 money 💰 to burn ..,
bidding has gone into the stratosphere it would have to be a labor of love and $$$ a 383 car is still a potent car as for me? am too old and not enough $$
Where’s the Beef, I mean Rust? I know you’re hiding. I can hear it. Well, no matter, how many converts are out there? Left? Just don’t lie it is a Hemi Cuda when done. Barracuda converts, 1,554. Cuda converts, 635. Joe
Hey Jo;
Can you tell me how many Barracuda’s were made with the 383 and pistol grip 4-speed? I tried to hire Galen Govier but he never got back to me. I heard he had some legal issues due to giving false figures. email me at: kch126@hotmail.com
Not enough info. Year, body, Gran Coupe, coupe, conv? Cuda, Barracuda?
Sorry, I left the year out. It was late when I wrote that, 1970 Barracuda (not ‘cuda), 383cid, 4-speed. Govier’s secretary said over phone that they made less than 300. What’s your thoughts. I have fender tag info, VIN, and build she if you need any of that info. Thanks (attached picture is of my car when it was close to new.
1970 Barracuda (not ‘cuda), 383cid 4-speed. Galen’s secratary said there were less than 300 with this combo. I have the build sheet, fender tag and VIN if needed for further info. Picture is when it was near new.
Mark, is that a 57-58 Chrysler in front? Anyway, BH of serial is the H should be your second digit. 383-4speeds were 602 made. 383-3speed stick made, 52. Interesting. I also have how many of each option made, color, etc. Been collecting the cars and info since they were new. Was a time when you called Chrysler and they would quote the number on the phone. Sad today. Joe
Hey Joe;
Thanks for that info. The second digit is a “H”. I attached picture of my VIN. As far as bringing that number down factoring the options, here are the “options” on mine:
Bucket seats with NO console; no power- windows, brakes, steering, and no A/C. Very basic. Color: Vitamin C orange with white seats and black dash and black carpet.
As you can see in the picture my car is a very early production, built 9-1969. Is there anything else you need to know? Can we communicate by way of my email address?
Doesn’t take much in the way of a drop top Cuda (or Barra) to be worth $40k.
Generic resto mods pull 6 figures without complicated,and expensive modern Hemis,or any other major upgrades.Just a drool worthy body style to every car person,regardless of brand preference .
I like that the seller put it up for auction without reserve or an inflated BIN. This car will find its own market value due to that strategy. Sellers like this generally are willing to take their profit and move on, there is nothing wrong with that.
Steve R
Hellcat swap and leave it crusty . JMO.
He mentions a fender tag but does not give codes or show it ?
Wonder if there is a build sheet under that back seat ?
Something’s up with them quarters. Too square at the door openings. Bondo for sure all over them.