Chrysler saw demand for both of its “pony car” offerings fall off after 1970. That was due – at least in part – to higher insurance premiums on performance models and a detuning of engines after 1971 for lower emissions. This 1973 Plymouth Barracuda may be a ‘Cuda, which might not be too exciting since the muscle car could now be had with a 318 cubic-inch, 2-barrel V8. Located in a cluttered dark garage in Wadsworth, Ohio, this Plymouth is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $9,600. Thanks for the Mopar tip, Tommy T-Tops!

After seeing a 50% surge in sales in 1970 due to an all-new body, the Barracuda was selling barely 19,000 copies by 1973. Production was split about even between standard Barracuda models and the ‘Cuda. If the seller’s car is a ‘Cuda (which the “premium” code in the VIN suggests), it would be one of 1,832 that had both the 318 and the automatic transmission. But the “Cuda label doesn’t appear anywhere on the car (that we can see) nor does the seller use that word anywhere in his pitch.

At 44,000 miles on the odometer (could it be 144,000?), we’re told this once blue Barracuda with white stripes (also suggesting a ‘Cuda) has been stored inside and not out in the weather. The drivetrain is original, which is a plus for the car even if the engine is basic. Even though the car has bucket seats, the shifter is on the column rather than on the floor between them. Though the hood looks to have been primered on the top and bottom, we’re told rust is limited to the surface variety (though the trunk floor looks worse).

The interior may clean up with only a tear in the passenger seat being noted. The seller says the carpeting is okay but just needs shampooing. Items like the grille and front bumper have been removed from the car, hinting at a previous start on restoring this Plymouth. But we’re told the parts are still there and will follow the car home on a trailer. If you should decide to restore the car to its original condition, a few heads might turn at Cars & Coffee when seeing the small V8 under the bonnet.