Things were looking up for the Plymouth Barracuda in 1970. Chrysler had given it a fresh new platform (E-body) that finally separated it from the Valiant. The improvement in looks and performance resulted in a 50% increase in sales over 1969. Yet, a year later in 1971, demand plummeted by nearly two-thirds as the “pony car” market had become saturated and insurance companies were wise to performance automobiles. The seller’s ’71 edition has its factory 318 cubic inch V8 and was originally painted in Sassy Grass Green, but the vehicle hasn’t been on the road since 1984.
Doing the math, the seller’s car may be fairly rare in terms of salvageable examples still being around. Of the 16,492 Barracudas built in 1971 (the only year the car had quad headlights), just 7,696 had the 318 with an automatic. If you generously assume that 10% were finished in FC6 paint, perhaps only hundreds like this one ever existed. With a white vinyl top and interior, this Plymouth with its “Hi-Impact” paint would have been quite the standout when it was new.
Based on the information the seller was given (he/she is the car’s third owner), this Barracuda only had one driver. It was sold new in Oklahoma and was piloted by an 18-year-old girl (high school graduation present?) for the next 13 years. During this time, she chose to repaint it in blue and that paint was neither done well nor has held up in the 40 or more years since. But otherwise, it’s an unmolested, numbers-matching automobile that doesn’t run.
Though the floors in the passenger compartment and trunk are quite soft, the exterior sheet metal may be mostly okay. However, when the vinyl roof covering was removed, it revealed more serious corrosion that must be addressed in a restoration. The interior is toast, especially the back seat which apparently caught fire at one point! If you buy the car, it will come with rollers for wheels as the seller is keeping the ones in the photos (too bad). Located in Everest, Kansas, this Mopar is available here on eBay where the current bid is $20,071.71, which is close to the Buy It Now price of $26,500 and the reserve is somewhere in between.
Sold at the BIN price. Lots if desirable options, good color, complete, no wonder some pulled the trigger to end the auction early.
Steve R
I guess I just can’t imagine paying that kind of money for a car that’s toast.
Neither can I. I’m cheap thus I’m a value shopper. When I’m in the market for an “enthusiast” oriented car I look for one that fits my criteria, then buy the best car that fits my budget. Not everyone approaches the market in the same way, especially if they have a “dream car” and only that car will do, they will spend this kind of money. If the can afford to, good for them.
Steve R
Actually, the Valiant variant Barracuda ended in 1967 with the 2nd generation. By the 3rd generation, it had grown to un-ponycar proportions. I did like when they switched from dual to quad headlamps.
67 through 69 were the same A body car ; it was 1970 the went to the E body
I love FJ6 green as well as Cudas & Challengers & I admit if I stretched I could probably afford to have this one & restore it. But my mind can’t get past spending that BIN then the work *starts*. Not when there are lots of cool old cars ready to drive for that kind of money.
Should be nice when restored…but…alot of serious metal work will be required. Floors, Trunk floor and the scary windshield area. That’s only a quick look. Likely underlying support structure in need of attention too. Even though I love the look of the 71 Cuda, this is a Baracuda and not quite the same. Alot of time and money to bring this one back. Not for the faint of heart…or wallet.
Sold at $26,500 BIN price, so let’s see, add $10K for floors, trunk, roof, another $15K for Paint, another $6K for interior, another $10K for engine trans rebuild, $2K for tires / steel wheels and another $2k for various other issues not listed….so $65K for a base 318, but with great factory options…..or is the seller building a Tribute ‘Cuda with a late model 6.4L Hemi? Now that would pull maybe $130K…..maybe not such a bad deal, did Mark from Graveyard Cars pull the trigger?
High School graduation present? I got a used suitcase in 1977! I was already enlisted in the U.S.A.F. at 17 years old. Today’s my birthday! 65.
Funny how so many try to legitimize the expenditure of funds to buy and restore something like this. I get it if you’re in the business of just flipping cars and looking for a quick profit.
But for those of us who love the restoration process, appreciate the rarity of these things these days, this was not an out of line ask at all. Sure you’re going to invest a lot to bring it back but it really comes down to how bad you want it.
Not too far down the road finds like these will become more and more scarce and unobtainable simply because they’re all going to be gone. And that is why these things are worth it if you want one. Wait and see what the prices look like then.
I’m just glad that there are people out there willing to spend the money to get a car like this looking great and back on the road where it belongs.
Must be me . I follow all these adds and sometimes wonder where did I go wrong in my life. It’s not about 30 or 40 years ago I could have had that car hundreds of dollars but now who has the many to spend 30 or 40 thousand dollars for a car whether fixed up a project car. I am 65 and unless it was under 10 grand I can’t even think about those cars
Wow, that high school girl was hot! (I’ll show myself out)
Looks like a ModTop guys
Why the raised white tire letters facing the wrong direction?
Rust is now at a premium.
Big Plans for this one. It’s in great hands.
https://youtu.be/PdOV9Xp9t-E
Thanks for posting this, Daryl.