A quick glance at this 1974 Plymouth Barracuda gives the first impression that it might be a promising project, and it undoubtedly is for those with strong sheet-metal skills. It seems the tin worm has been gnawing on a few sections of the body, but his appetite didn’t stop there, as some of the underside is showing a considerable amount of corrosion as well. This one’s also a roller, but in a marketplace where E-Bodies are still such hot commodities, this 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda here on eBay may be one of the most affordable restoration candidates available, at least on the front end. It’s sitting somewhere in Manahawkin, New Jersey, with a current bid of $1,974, which is not enough to eliminate the reserve not met status. Another possibility is to own it today for $7,500.
By the end of the run for the ‘Cuda, engine options were down to two, with this one originally coming equipped with the better of the pair. The 318 was now standard, but once upon a time, a 360 was in the bay here, taking over where the 340 left off. By ’74 standards, 245 net horsepower wasn’t sounding all that shabby, made even more satisfying when paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, another missing component here. The fender tag confirms that’s how this Mopar left the Hamtramck assembly plant, and it’s pretty cool that this car has two of them, indicating a highly optioned Plymouth when new.
Code V1W stood for a vinyl top, and while it once complemented the green exterior nicely, this material eventually proved disastrous for many E-Bodies that were left outside and exposed to the elements. Enough has already peeled back to expose a lot of rust around the rear window and sail panel, and there’s likely more underneath what’s still attached, plus the rocker panel on the passenger side isn’t looking too healthy either. Fortunately, most of the existing sheet metal appears relatively straight, so if a trained bodyman can repair some of these rusted sections, the solid areas may not require extensive massaging.
The interior has already been robbed of several useful components, so it will need plenty of love before this one’s ready to drive again, along with replacement or repair of several parts underneath, as there’s quite a bit of rust down below. The herd of final generation Barracudas is thinning, and I hope enthusiasts with the talents needed to save them will come forward before many that remain completely return to the earth, and this one’s well on its way. Are you seeing much hope for this 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda?
That is some expensive scrap metal there boys😂😂😂!
Personally, I feel that this would be better thought of as a parts car. There is so much rust underneath in the structural members, let alone the body panels. This IS a uni-body car, and rust is like an iceberg…the bit you see is accompanied by a LOT that you don’t! If someone were to undertake this project, even as a labor of love, they’ll end up just like the RMS Titanic, deeply underwater!
Stephens dial up 📞 1-800-the-hook
🛻🪝
no motor or trans NO WAY it’s a rust bucket and for being a 1974 not worth the time and money, you will end up with more in it then it’s worth
It’s a good project for whoever is getting paid to repair the rust.
Steve R