In Plymouth parlance, there really is a difference between the Barracuda and the ‘Cuda, the latter being the “performance-minded” version, according to 1970’s sales brochures. This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda left the factory with light green paint a 318 cid (5.2L) V8 under the hood. Later in life it swallowed a monster 440 and a beefy 727 automatic transmission. In-Violet paint and a host of ‘Cuda parts nearly complete the transformation into a ‘Cuda tribute/clone. For sale here on eBay, the Trenton, New Jersey classic shows a bunch of rust. That won’t stop folks from drooling over this flashy E-body with the big motor. At least a dozen bidders have nudged the market value of this purple pretender over $13,000, mere chicken feed in the world of rusty Mopars.
You could still get a Street Hemi in a ’70 ‘Cuda, but the 440 cid (7.2L) mill was the largest displacement motor fitted to the E-body, or any Chrysler for that matter. This non-running mill’s vintage and internal components are unknown, but it turns by hand, and you can bet it makes (or made) more power than stock.
The listing states this Barracuda has been off the road for about 15 years. Credit the seller for showing close-ups of some problem areas. That’s the way to do it!
The interior looks like parts of it might come around if you’re not inclined to simply replace everything.
Just so you’re not thinking this car needs a simple fuel system cleansing and maybe spark plugs before you hit the road, here’s an undercarriage picture graciously included by the seller. Bubbles under the paint in various places hint at body filler and hidden rust as well. This car’s Barracuda beginnings mean anything goes regarding originality, and collectors and investors won’t drive the price into the stratosphere. How would you build this neglected purple fish?
Although this ’70 Barracuda appears to be less rusty than the ’73 also listed earlier, there are still a LOT of areas of serious concern. In the long run, it might be a less costly resto than the ’73, but as has been said “rust is like an iceberg…” I wonder why the steering column wasn’t replaced when the console was installed, it looks goofy; but the interior components might clean up well. GLWTA!! :-)
Rebuilt steering cols aint cheap! & if this one is still good, the new owner may be able to simply remove the PRND21 “display” on top of the column (& remove or at least saw off the shifter that sticks out the side – if it’s still there – lol).
I know someone who got a great deal on a rebuilt gm collapsible column shift steering column(for $150!!) for a beater ’67 camaro & installed it, even tho the car has a floor shift. He wasn’t gonna shell out a ton more money to rebuild his orig one with over 300k miles on it whose bearings were shot.
From the looks of the rust on the valley cover under the intake manifold I’d say that seawater courtesy of Superstorm Sandy flooded a once nice car. Swim away, swim away!
Good Cuda to flip…. Very easy to make a nice driver.
I’m a mopar man,and agree with Dave,lots of rot…but again if a passionate soul with deep pockets can restore, it at least make,solid and safe,it’s a win for the hobby.
I don’t remember seeing this before, when was this car featured prior to today?
Steve R