Sometimes there’s nothing quite like having a relative that owns a new car dealership. That is the story behind this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe Convertible. The original owner’s brother ordered the car on her behalf through his dealership located in Sour Lake, Texas. While the car left her care many years ago, the brother still owns Sour Lake Motors fifty-one years later. Being a man in the know, he loaded this Barracuda with a pile of options that make it a particularly desirable classic. It remains complete but has been off the road since the early 1980s. It needs someone to return it to its former glory and return it to its rightful place on our streets. If you feel that you could achieve this, you will find the Convertible located in Alma, Arkansas, and listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has hit $40,483, but this figure is short of the reserve. He also offers a BIN option, which he has set at $49,500.

It seems that the original owner and her brother pushed out the boat when they ordered this Convertible. They chose to cloak its swooping and stunning panels in Top Banana paint and added a Black power top for good measure. The seller indicates that a previous owner treated it to a repaint at some point in the 1970s, and there is evidence of repairs and Bondo in the rear quarter panels. Otherwise, the body looks pretty straight. The buyer will need to strip the car to perform some essential repairs before it is ready for a repaint, but as you will see, the seller provides a headstart on this task. They will also need to invest in a new top because while the bows and mechanism look serviceable after a spot of TLC, the top itself is pretty shredded. The original tinted glass is in good order, and the external trim and chrome appear to be in an acceptable state or fit for restoration.

I haven’t been avoiding the question of rust with this Convertible. However, I thought I’d include this shot because it demonstrates what the buyer will face whipping the body into shape and the parts that the seller includes to get the ball rolling. These include a new AMD trunk floor, quarter extensions, left quarter patch panel, and front left and right floor pan sections. With these parts welded into place and the existing panels properly prepared, the car will be ready for a fresh coat of stunning Top Banana paint.

The seller says that the Galen Govier reference material that he holds confirms that Plymouth only produced 596 examples of the Barracuda Gran Coupe Convertible for the 1970 model year. That makes this a relatively rare vehicle, although it isn’t the end of the story. He has confirmed that it is 1-of-54 cars ordered with the 383ci 2-Barrel V8. That’s what we find still occupying this engine bay. The original owner also chose a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. This combination would have made the vehicle a comfortable and relaxed cruiser, but one capable of impressive performance if the driver poked it with a sharp stick. Pointed at a ¼ mile, it would have covered the distance in 15.4 seconds. The owner confirms that this classic is numbers-matching, which is a slice of positive news for potential buyers. Considering that this Plymouth has been sitting for around four decades, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that its V8 doesn’t currently run. It does turn freely, with the seller saying that the oil and green coolant both look remarkably clean. However, he also has significant experience with these classics and recommends that potential buyers consider rebuilding the 383 before hitting the key. The Convertible has been the victim of a mouse infestation, so the buyer may face some electrical repairs to make this classic reliable.

I initially indicated that the original owner’s brother was in the know when he ordered this Barracuda. You only need to look at the original Window Sticker to understand what I mean. This classic comes with air conditioning, power windows, a six-way driver’s seat, a console, cruise control, deluxe seat belts, leather trim, and an AM radio/8-track player. All of this equipment remains intact, and the seller has performed some work to return these items to a functioning state. The vehicle had suffered a significant rodent infestation, so he dismantled the dash to remove the nests. He has repaired some of the resultant wiring damage, but there will be more for the buyer to tackle before everything works as it should. They will also face the cost of replacing the carpet set, dash pad, and some of the upholstered surfaces. However, plenty of pieces are fit for restoration, and the final result should feel pretty luxurious as the next owner cruises our highways.

Once restored, this 1970 Barracuda Gran Coupe Convertible will offer its new owner a winning blend of luxury, good looks, and performance. Its relative rarity alone would justify a faithful restoration, and the result of this cost and effort would be a classic that would turn head and receive admiring comments. So, what do you say? Are you tempted to park this diamond in the rough in your workshop? If you do, I could hardly blame you.