Plymouth’s Barracuda got renewed vigor in 1970 with a new platform that finally distanced it from the Stalwart compact, the Valiant. Sales increased by 50% from the year before, with nearly 50,000 examples leaving the assembly line. Less than 4% of those had the credentials of the seller’s stalled project, a ‘Cuda coupe with a 383 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. Located in Newark Valley, New York, this freshly painted roller is mostly ready to be put back together. The seller’s goal is to collect $32,000 from the buyer here on eBay.
Unlike a lot of cars like this that we find, the seller has put a lot of effort into telling us what’s here and what’s not. The car was stripped down to the basics, had whatever body work that was needed done, and repainted in its original Limelight color (aka Sublime Green over at Dodge, one of Chrysler’s Hi-Impact colors). Stripes have been redone, reminding us this was a 383 car, one of 1,905. But how many of those 4-speed Mopars left the factory in Limelight and have avoided the crusher after 55 years?
We won’t go into all the work that was done or is still needed because these lists would be long. Major parts that are currently MIA include the transmission and clutch, driveshaft, brakes, exhaust, front suspension pieces, gas tank, carpeting, and upholstery. Also, the rebuilt 383 (numbers matching?) will have to be put back together once you’re sure you have all of it in hand.
This ‘Cuda once had a black interior and a matching vinyl roof, though evidence of the latter seems to have been carefully eradicated. If you like Humpty Dumpty projects where some of the heavy lifting has already been done, does this ‘Cuda float your boat? After 55 years, most of them are approaching rarity (although they pop up here frequently), and ones built like this Mopar should be harder to find, regardless of condition.
I’m not sure if there is anything scarier in the automotive world than dropping $30k+ on an early-70’s Mopar roller being sold with fresh paint from the heart of the rust belt, what could go wrong. This might be the best paint job ever, but I’d want to see it in person and bring along someone that was a skilled paint/body guy that knew E-bodies inside and out.
Steve R
Steve R,
If you don’t run through a forest fire wearing gasoline undies, or wear a paper suit in a rain storm or drive a restored rustbelt car in the winter, you will be just fine.
Some may spend The Green ($ $ $) on this Cuda, BUT IMO it can’t compare with Nash Bridges yellow Cuda convertible! I’d love to cruise the Castro and all The Streets of San Francisco in THAT Cuda. Funny how cities, cars, and TV shows become synonymous. THOSE memories still light the corners of what’s LEFT of my mind ✨️.
Cruising the Great Highway or 3rd Ave would have been a better option if you were looking for automotive action.
Steve R
Sounds like a Gas! TANKS for the tip. Sounds like I missed out on some Hot spots! Hasn’t part of The Great Highway become a park? Still California Dreaming, way back to 88,when I piloted a rental Town Car through San Francisco to a DRUMMER contest! As Archie and Edith sang, Those WERE the Days! To all my fellow BARN FINDERS, try to stay Cool as temperatures rise 😎
It’s only missing nearly all its important pieces. For $32k!
Quite the parts list in the ad. Never knew that the anti-spin axle wasn’t std equipment on these powerhouses.
Is it me, or for the asking money there is a whole lot of parts that don’t go with this one that makes it not so hot a deal.
How many of these have avoided the crusher after 55 years? Not nearly enough of them based on what I’ve seen here on BF. Still, this particular car is off to a great start, but OMG all the missing bits and pieces! Plus, assembly required. And $32k ? It will have to be a DIYer project and how much will the needed doodads cost? You’re looking at a six-figure car here when done, and as for me there are a lot of other six-figure cars I’d rather have.
I’m a Cuda fan, i returned from the homiddle east in 1980 (Navy) and bought a 73 green Cuda with white hockey sticks. It had white interior and 318 auto. It was in excellent condition inside and out. Thought about selling it in 82 to get a neighbors hopped up Camaro. I left out to sea for 2 weeks and came back to the Cuda gone and the Camaro gone, no money left and the .guy got out of the service. So .basically it was stolen. I reported it but never seen either again. I’ve wanted another since but family came and I could never afford it.
This one is nice but I wonder if the paint covers anything up or there is other unseen problems. 30k is alittle much to take that chance.
No thanks. Another crazy priced mopar needing a ton of money and time and when you’re done you’ll have another non matching car. Even if the engine numbers match you’re still missing the rare piece of the trans. Looks like the seller is selling off a ton of parts seperately, wonder how many of those came from this car?
He’s priced it to keep in my opinion. It ended with no sale and he relisted it lol
Too much money for too little. And a ton of work ahead. If married, you best have a very understanding wife. I drove several Cudas 50 years ago. They ride like crap. To each his own.
sister in law had one, sorry Mopar fans, she bought it new, it was cheaply made with a lousy ride, big noisy doors , not a fan of the cars but loved the engines and the bullet proof 727 Torque flights.
Great car if your stuck with a rust bucket in search of a donor body.
This has to be one of the most informative project car auction descriptions ever on EBay.
I just read the e-bay add and a better price is $15k maybe with a missing trans and other missing parts. This is a major project and I agree with most comments here!!