For this week’s Barn Finds Face Off, we turn to some more conventional choices that pit two project hot-rods against one another: a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback here on eBay for $3,500 against a just-uncovered 1973 Plymouth Barracuda 340, listed on eBay with no reserve and bidding already over $6,000. While both hail from an era of muscle car prowess, they wear different badges and elicit an emotional response from die-hard fans of Fords and Mopars. So we’ll dive into these two drag-strip heroes, and let’s hear it in the comments section for whichever one is more likely to get your blood pumping on a Saturday night cruise!

When I look at this Galaxie purely on the basis of its listing, I see a rather affordable way to get into a domestic dogfight with Mustangs and Camaros. I know Galaxies aren’t the most prized possession of the muscle car breed, but at least this one is a manual with a running 390GT engine and limited slip rear end. It may not even be that fast, but with some finishing, it could at least look the part and sound good while doing it. The bodywork and interior are its biggest sins, and I’d definitely want to bring this fastback a bit closer to the pavement with an aggressive suspension setup – not to mention a more attractive set of wheels than what it’s currently wearing.

Now, right off the bat, I can see why this Barracuda is seeing some impressive bidding activity. It’s a barn find in the most classic sense, but will need a fair amount of work to get to running condition – a stage the Galaxie is already past. But, it is an original 340 car with A/C, and largely untouched (except by rust). Although the numbers-matching motor is a plus, the fender tag is gone – a loss stemming from years of sitting and the occasional theft, which is why the rear seat is missing. There’s a lot of corrosion to contend with, but the interior is actually better than I expected for a car sitting since ’92. The seller will even throw in some body skins to contend with the rusty rear quarters – a nice gesture or a sign that the project has too many needs. You decide!

Whichever way you choose, both of these cars will need time, money and dedication. One of the most challenging aspects of taking on projects like these is being able to check things off a list – slowly. Otherwise, frustration can build up that the car doesn’t resemble your vision in the time-frame you had originally expected. Unless, of course, you’ve got pockets deep enough to ship it off for restoration and get it all done at once! In which case, happy bidding on whichever basketcase strikes your fancy. For the rest of us, though – which one would you choose?