Plymouth beat the Ford Mustang to market by 17 days in 1964 with its new Barracuda. Like its competitor (Mustang/Falcon), the Barracuda had its roots in an existing compact, the Valiant. But the Valiant wasn’t a car that made buyers go “wow” so the Barracuda got its own platform in 1970, the new E-body shared with the Dodge Challenger. The revitalized Barracuda saw five more years of production, including this ’73 Cuda 340, which was the performance model. But the motor, color of the car, and the front-end clip have all been changed out as we’ll detail below. Located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, this Plymouth is available here on eBay where the current bids have attained $40,100.
Buyers responded favorably to the new Barracuda in 1970 with a jump in orders by 50% over 1969. But the newfound success was short-lived as the muscle side of the pony car market was starting to retrench, fueled by higher insurance premiums and the need for lower emissions. As a result, sales dropped to 16,000 in 1972 after a new record at 48,000 the year before and then managed a slight uptick to 18,000 in 1973. The seller’s car appears to have been restored, at least partially. But the car is different from how it left the factory.
For example, this car wears a clip from a 1971 Barracuda, the only year the car had quad headlights (the 1970 models had singles as did 1972-74). We’re told the car was never hit in the front, so the prior owner no doubt liked the looks of the ’71 ‘Cuda better than the ’73. A second departure for this Plymouth is the bright yellow paint job, while the cowl tag identifies the original color as Honey Gold, two colors that you would not mistake for one another.
A third change is under the hood. The original 340 cubic inch V8 has been replaced by a 360 which is said to be “fresh”, so we don’t know if that means rebuilt or brand new from the crate. But the 340, with whatever ills it may have, is still around and will come with the Plymouth when it changes hands. The seller says this ‘Cuda is ready to drive anywhere and if you want to see a video of it doing just that, you just need to ask.
I’d like to to see it turned back into a 73 Cuda. So many 71 clones these days it’d be refreshing to see 72-4 E bodies left to be 72-4.
Looks like reserve has been met, only a day left.
All that work, but not change the quarter marker lights and tail panel to ’71 style? Do it right or don’t do it at all. Pretty cool car though.
I agree, looks half done. It almost feels like a waste of money to put a ’71 nose on this.
It doesn’t really increase the value, just makes it look…odd.
How’re you coming along with yours, Chris?
The quad headlights do look better. Similar to the quads on the Charger, in the same time period. As my first car, a 1973 Charger SE.