1971 was a year of lasts for the Plymouth Barracuda, and unfortunately, not really in a good sort of way. Gone for the ’72 models were the convertible offerings, and more significantly, big block powerplants. Even the Barracuda Gran Coupe was nixed, but some good news was that buyers could still drive home in a bonafide ‘Cuda, such as this 1972 model for sale here on eBay. This one’s gonna take some work, but if you’ve been looking for an E-Body project there are plenty of far worse cars out there to choose from. The Plymouth is located in Leland, Illinois, with one lone bid so far of $16,000, but it’ll take more than that to be yours as the reserve has not yet been reached.
There’s a negative right off the bat, as the fender tag is missing, never something to be taken lightly when it comes to Mopars. But we do get to see a legible build sheet plus part of another not-so-good one under the passenger seat, with affirmation from the seller that his car is indeed numbers-matching. The car does have some rust, and unfortunately, it was originally equipped with a vinyl top which has caused the roof to become more compromised, both inside and out. However, if a ’72 ‘Cuda is your dream machine, maybe this one is at an OK starting point, all things considered. Wonder what the story is on the red B-Body in the driveway?
A 340 was top of the pecking order in a ‘Cuda this year, which made 240 horsepower, and the car was available with either a manual or an automatic transmission. This one has the latter, a 727 TorqueFlite, a fine component more than capable of handling all the 340 could give it. Both of these are the original fixtures, with the engine stated to have been running until last year when a carburetor fire caused it to stop, but no further information regarding the blaze or anything that was compromised under the hood as a result. There’s also an error in the listing about the motor, as 440 is typed in instead of 340 in the item specifics section.
Inside, what’s still there is going to need some attention and sprucing up, with a new headliner and carpeting on the next owner’s to-do list. I’m kind of glad the carpet is gone, as it lets us view the floor, which is going to need replacing along with the trunk pan. The seller also mentions a couple of areas on the frame that will need repairing. While I’ve seen considerably worse condition starters, this one may be a bit beyond what I’d feel comfortable tackling, but I’m guessing someone with the time and skills is going to be happy to acquire this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda. Is this an E-Body you’d consider taking on as a project?
16k for this and reserve not met? I’d be thrilled to get 16 k for this wreck if I owned it. Pass .
At least it’s not rust-ee, hee, hee, hee…
Just watched the Bud Lindemann road test on these. Yikes
Thanks for the suggestion, I just watched it. Brutal slalom!
Does anyone know if the color-keyed front grille was an option on the ‘Cuda? I remember seeing them, but not in large numbers.
I had a ‘72 Barracuda, 318 car. Rally Red, black vinyl. The grill was factory grey-silver color.
Autoworker, I had a ’73 318 auto. Same grey-silver grille. I’ve seen body colored grilles on Cudas only and am wondering if they did that at the factory or if it was something owners did to make their car look unique.
In 1972, V21 was the option code for the hood and color keyed grille. The hood was painted black with body colored stripes from the rear of the hood scoops down to the header panel.
16 grand? You have to be kidding me. As I said in another post, this is not going to last.
If I remember correctly, my 1972 “Cuda” 340 Auto had a color-coded grille.
Let it go in the late ‘70’s for $1K…sob, sob.
I have see lately some 70 & 71 Cuda race cars for sale. What I noticed mostly was the bodies were in extremely good shape. Price points of 18-30K, some are in great shape and even have interiors.
There was one in particular on eBay that was 25k 1970 Cuda 440 Auto. It had been a Super Stock car it’s whole life. I’m thinking out loud here, but it seems they are easy converts compared to rusty ole complete restos. Just saying
This car was purchased by my Dad for me in Mineral Point WI In 1980. In 1981, Dad was killed in a fire. He was a great all-around mechanic and also taught me some body work and painting This was to be out project car. After his death, I decided to go to work on the Cuda. I replaced the front fenders. Many expensive engine components. Billet crank. .030 overbore. Full B&M trans kit. Chrome moly rods, bolts, studs etc. I prepped and painted it as best I could. The seats were white with black console. Jim Wyttenbach in Monroe WI bent all the dual exhaust for me. When it was all done and running, I sold it to a good friend who recently passed away. I recognize the striping from Cherry Signs in Freeport IL, the Direct Connection stickers, etc.
What a blast from the past to see this car again.
Al Soper
Argyle WI
The cam and lifters were from Summit Racing. B&M high stall converter. I remember driving it a couple times in spectator races at what is now Madison International Raceway. With the RH torsion bar cranked up, it did pretty well but others were more willing to hit the wall than me as this was my only car. Biggest DieHard battery available was in the trunk with welding cable to the front. Ran real snow tires on white rims in the winter.
For that 727, I recall following all the instructions very closely for the extra holes drilling, all the clutch packs added, etc. so it ended up with the heaviest duty spec. The grill was always orange. I did not remove the fender tag. But, the original intake parts may have been scrapped. Did some porting on the heads, manifold, headers. Badger Engine Rebuilders in Madison WI did the cooking, boring and balanced the short block.