Plymouth’s “pony car,” the Barracuda, was reborn in 1970, finally shedding its six-year heritage with the Valiant compact. The new E-body platform was exclusive to the Barracuda and Dodge’s new Challenger, though they shared no sheet metal. Sales increased by 50% but would quickly taper off as the muscle car segment of Barracuda’s business took a dive. This 1972 edition of the ‘Cuda 340 is in rough condition but has a numbers-matching drivetrain (which is getting harder to find). Located in San Antonio, Texas, this Plymouth is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,700, which may be negotiable. Tip of the hat to Bruce J for this Mopar find!
Through 1971, you could get a 440 cubic inch V8 in a ‘Cuda as well as the 426 Hemi. But all that changed the next year after insurance companies made these cars way more expensive to own. For 1972, the biggest engine was the 340, which saw 1,700 installations in a ‘Cuda with an automatic transmission. The seller’s Barracuda is one such car and had an exterior restoration started at one point, at least getting as far as removing the black vinyl top and applying grey primer everywhere there was blue paint.
But much more work is going to be needed. Both quarter panels are severely damaged, the rear valance and bumper are missing, and the seller says the Plymouth needs floor pans. We’re also told it has “some rust on frames” which could be minimal or scary bad, we don’t know. The seats in the interior don’t match front to back, but that doesn’t matter because you’re probably going to pull everything out and redo the passenger compartment anyway. This was a factory A/C car, but that hardware is MIA.
The seller says the motor turns over from the ignition switch, but that’s as close to running as the car has gotten of late. A super sweet version of this ‘Cuda could be worth more than $60,000, so at the seller’s asking price that gives you $45,000 for a restoration and to stay even. Can this Plymouth be restored properly for under that amount?
Looks like it came out of the same lake as the T Bird.
Numbers matching = money pit
I’m with you cell block, been their to. Just got a 22 5.0 mustang GT, PP2, Track Pack, Black, show stopper red interior, custom ordered. At almost 50yrs of age and having finally the ability to purchase a toy, nothing classic at 50 large fit the bill. In 5yrs, I’ll be able to get a steal on a classic to park along side of it. BTW, do time easy bro, no need to buck.
Thanks friend. I am being good, want this over ASAP. But you know? I deserve to be here. My own fault. Poor choices have a price, and I need to pay it so the lesson sinks in. Thanks for the concern.
AHHH,!!Another pile of junk.Just save the hood and grill scrap the rest…
Money pit is not the word.
Question Cell Block, How are you able to be on the internet while in the bucket? Unless you have yourself a cell phone. Just wondering.
Minimum security place with good behavior says I can have a tablet (but not a phone) They randomly check my tablet to see where I have been, and the wifi has all sorts of blocks on it too. A good reason to do what I am told, because without this distraction, I really would go bonkers. Love this site and a few others like it.
Glad you are given something to pass your time. Stay clean, program and never come back. Life is way too short to play the man’s game.
Best of luck.
If this had a 440 , 4 speed or even a hemi, might be reasonable price, but not worth s@#$ like this
Yet folks are paying high dollar. It actually has several upgrades; 340, air conditioning (though it is no longer on the car), center counsel, power bulge hood, rallye lights…and best of all, it is a CUDA. Like it or not, that Cuda badge means dollar signs.