Most people think the Ford Mustang started the pony car race, but the Plymouth Barracuda actually got there 17 days earlier in 1964. The car’s popularity would pale compared to the successful Mustang and by 1969 sales were 32,000 units. But a whole new car was coming for 1970 that would breathe new life into the Barracuda. Convertibles represented just five percent of total Barracuda production in ‘69, with only 34 built with a 340 V8 and 4-speed manual. This car has since been converted to an automatic but comes with the hardware needed to reverse that decision. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, this Plymouth is available here on eBay for $13,000 and no reserve.
This Barracuda has seen a few major changes in its lifetime. First, it left the factory with a 4-speed manual, but someone apparently didn’t like changing gears and dropped a 727 TorqueFlite from 1972 in there in its place. The seller is throwing in an A-833 transmission, bell housing, shifter, linkage and pedals should the buyer wish to turn things around. Second the 340 isn’t numbers-matching as one from 1971 is sitting under the hood now. Third, the original B7 blue paint job was replaced by orange about 15 years ago and is starting to get a little tired. And last, the fender wells were cut to accommodate some headers, but a new set of inners are also coming with the deal if you want to change that, too.
All that being said, if you’re looking for a weekend cruiser, this car might be it. The seller says it runs great and sounds even better, with glass packs attached to the headers. The car has an 8 ¾ rear end that houses a 3.55 gear ratio with Sure Grip gearset. We’re told this car has never seen any rust, and the frame rails, interior floors, trunk floor and all body panels are straight and solid. It’s always been garaged, at least during the seller’s period of ownership.
The interior is newer with reupholstered black bucket seats, good carpeting and original door panels. The convertible top has also held up, but there is no boot. The trunk was drilled for a luggage rack and one is included with the sale, but it’s not a factory unit. The seller is confident in the drivability of this car. He wouldn’t hesitate to make a cross-country run in it just the way it is.
While this Barracuda is 1 of 34 built, all the changes make that number a little fuzzy these days. Hagerty estimates the average resale value of a ’69 Barracuda at about $15,000, but that’s for a coupe and one with a 318 engine. Convertibles and 340s would be higher, but how much higher with all the modifications made to the car? Would you buy and drive it just as it is or undertake going back to its original color and mechanical components, even though the numbers won’t match?
Four speed is going back in it a paint job and new wheels and tires and a daily driver it is. Nice car
These final-year A-body Barracudas have really started to grow on me lately. I think this is a quite reasonable price for a 340 convertible. Yeah it needs a few things here and there but you could be driving it while restoring. Nice find 👍
17000 seems like a fair price for a turn key runner if you include the convertible premium. Swapping the 4 speed back in would be nice but not essentail. I would lose the boy racer do dads and head for Cars and Coffee
Dad had a ’69 fastback and I had a ’69 Dart 340 4-speed; that was a really fun car. This Cuda should have never lost the 4-speed and there was no reason to cut those fenderwells for headers. Although a tight fit the under chassis headers will fit. This could be a really nice car for the money.
Financially, a restoration wouldn’t be worthwhile. This one needs restoration as a passion project by someone who will keep it for life. 340-4speed is the perfect powertrain from the factory. A 5 speed replacement would make it a better cruiser as long as the modifications wouldn’t be too extensive. I would love to have this in my garage.
I would definitely take this toy, also put the 4sp back in for more enjoyment might even see if he’s interested in a trade for my Vette since it’s just sitting collecting dust, would have more fun driving this than the Vette….r u interested in a 93 40th anniversary?
This isn’t a restomod–it’s evidence of vandalism. Please: Somebody rescue this beautiful car and give it some respect! My question would be: How much money would it take to put it right? Tell you what I’d do: Lose those stupid headers, heal the body mods, give it a complete new paint job, and throw in a modern 5-speed. THEN you’d have a delightful cruiser.
That is a nice ride for the bucks. 4 speed back in and a little TLC and have fun!
Changed the four speed to an automatic?
Hmm, that’s just wrong.
Yep…and it says sold to a “0” feedback top bid. They made a bunch of 1967 and 68 but total production for 1969 converts was about 1440. And yep they do make a good under car header so not sure why they went fender well – it was beneficial on the 1966 back A-bodys..
Worth buying, yes back to 4-speed,yes back to b-7 blue,and regular headers,and enjoy,too much money to do total restoration and #s matching, this will be an excellent cruiser.
SOLD for $17,100.
My sentiments exactly.