When the Plymouth Barracuda was redesigned in 1970, the ‘Cuda version stood for performance. The ‘Cuda engine choices were a 340, 383, 440, and the 426 Hemi. But the focus changed in 1972 as rising insurance premiums had buried the big-block engines and a ‘Cuda then came with a 318 cubic inch V8 as standard fare. That’s how this one-owner ’73 ‘Cuda left the factory, but that basic motor has since been replaced by a 340 small-block (275 hp) from ‘69. Located in Springfield, Oregon, this Mopar presents well enough but has been idle for a time and isn’t quite roadworthy – yet. Available here on eBay, the current bid is $17,600 with the seller’s reserve unmet.
Barracuda sales increased by 50% in 1970 when the all-new E-body was introduced. Shared with the all-new Challenger, this platform would serve the pony car market for five years before Chrysler withdrew from that market space. Barracuda production in 1973 had dropped to under 19,300 units of which 9,300 had ‘Cuda badging. A further dive shows that just 1,900+ ‘Cudas were assembled in 1973 with both the 318 and an automatic transmission.
Cosmetically, this single-family Barracuda is mostly original. The sheet metal has been untouched and most of the black paint is the finish the car left the factory with. The interior is also original and is as nice as you’re likely to find without having been redone. The odometer reads less than 50,000 miles which could be legit, but why replace that engine that soon unless more power was the objective? Though the motor was changed out, the transmission was not.
The tires on this car are old and likely should be changed (the original spare is still in the trunk). And the brakes are a bit erratic. Plymouth once had factory air conditioning, but some of that hardware is missing. For an unrestored automobile, this should be a capable weekender once you get the mechanical details sorted out from being off the road.
A 3.55 or 3.91 gear would blend in nicely w the Torq-flite and the 340s hi-winding preference.
Springfield, Oregon. Must be another Mark Worman vehicle from Graveyard Cars.
Clean and straight. Solid looking car with the engine swap done. Not a ’70 or ’71 but a great, short lived car.
I’ve always liked the Barracuda over the Challenger. It had a more menacing look and stance IMO.
It is one of Worman’s cars, and no matter what you have heard or think about him, he is not only maybe one of the most knowledgeable people on the planet when it comes to Mopar’s, but he is also a straight shooter. You won’t get any typical salesman BS when shopping a car from him. He knows what the car is and isn’t, and he we tell you the truth. I like Cuda’s and Challengers, but I’m not a big Mopar guy. Nonetheless, this looks like a decent car to me.
Funny that he likes to play the B.S. typical ’70’s salesguy on TV.
You do know that a lot of the show is satire right?
Of course I do. Been watching it for years and enjoy most of it. Being a Mopar fan, how can you not?
Although they have cut back on the schtick, they need to do a lot more.
My point is that, although he is a straight shooter and knows his stuff, he feels like he has to play the exact opposite when in front of a camera.
They should have at least painted the engine Mopar corporate blue ; it sticks out with the early paint color on a 72 car
Keep the Cragars with the 40+ year old bias ply tires on them and mount them for shows.
These are what my ’73 wore, back in the day. Standard size in the front. Wides with airshocks in the back.
i hate seeing his listing here !!!!
Well, none of them sell anyway.
oR i hATE sEEING hIS LiStINGS hERE !
Why in the world would you hate to see his listings here? Last time I looked, this is a site for people that have cars for sale, and he is someone that has cars for sale. Seems like a perfect fit to me.