In 1970, the Plymouth Barracuda was riding high with its best sales numbers in years based on a new platform. Less than five years later, it was gone, a victim of changing market conditions and demand. This 1973 edition decodes as a regular Barracuda, not a ‘Cuda as the listing suggests. That helps explain the 318 cubic inch V8 rather than a 340. Located in Denton, Texas, this project is available without a title here on eBay (the current bid is $2,150 with no reserve).
After rebounding to nearly 50,000 units sold in 1970, the Barracuda couldn’t crack the 20,000 mark by 1973. Gone were the big horsepower engines (383, 440, and Hemi V8s). Rising insurance premiums had done them in, and the demand for muscle and/or pony cars was exhausted. Even the market leader, Ford’s Mustang, was down by 75% from its high-water sales mark in 1966. The seller’s car has the basic 318 V8 with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and their running condition is unknown.
From the looks of the body, it’s impossible to determine the original color of this Plymouth. There are traces of pink here and there, suggesting Moulin Rouge, but that color was off the books after 1971. The console looks to have been painted pink, too. The cowl tag indicates Rallye Red. This vehicle hasn’t escaped the rust bug but doesn’t appear to have been bitten very badly. The interior may at least be partially complete.
If having a title is essential to your buying a classic car, then this Mopar would have to be a hard pass. A bill of sale will have to suffice to help you get a new title issued in your name. Surprisingly, the Cragar wheels on the car look brand new, and there is no mention that they’re not coming with the car when you show up with a trailer to haul it home. Would you buy this one to restore or use to help get another ‘Cuda back on the road?
Don’t need a title.
Just reinstall the anchor chain, a line and a buoy to grab the mooring.
ha ha!
That is not the original carburetor or intake manifold. It looks like it was converted to Electronic Ignition. Will need a rear valance panel. It would be nice to know what else is missing besides the title.
All Chrysler products had electronic ignition in 1973
Wow…..50 % positive feedback – never seen one that low….
Watched it sell for $8,900, just now!
Whoever bought it has got a loooooot of work to do. Right now, it looks like something out of Mad Max.
I know what I’d do with it. As it sits, it’s a perfect candidate for the Pro Stock Nostalgia Association. They race American cars from 1970 to mid-1980s. They look nostalgic from the outside but with modern safety features inside. They have quite a few Fords and Chevrolets, but they need a Plymouth to round out the mix. It’d look really cool with a race HEMI, giant slicks in the rear, and a set of Keystone Classics on all fours.