Sometimes you find out too late that your rough but mostly-original classic in need of “cosmetic updates” is really a project car in disguise, and that can mean a whole lot of “BS,” work you never anticipated. In the case of this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda in Ormond Beach, Florida, there’s no mistaking the work it needs. The seller includes many pictures and a good description here on eBay, so the only “BS” on this once-powerful Plymouth is the BS code that identifies it as a true ‘Cuda as opposed to the lower “Barracuda” model. The VIN also confirms the top-shelf 340 cid four-barrel engine. The seller includes the original numbers-matching block and all parts on hand for the car. At least five bidders have lifted the market value above $2500, a fraction of what similar cars can bring.
Caution! A bright shop light waved beneath the floorboards could easily blind an unsuspecting potential buyer. While that’s not ideal, at least you know what you’re buying. Plenty of cars have little but spore-infested carpeting holding their floor metal together, and you discover this view only after you overpaid. The sale includes the instrument panel, front and rear seats, heater box, and more.
While the rear subframes are shot (decent used ones included), the front looks solid. It sounds like the original transmission may be AWOL, but you could build the factory 340 block on the road to a nearly factory restoration. Though once fitted with wild engines like the 383, 440 six-barrel, and the mighty 426 cid Hemi, the 1972 E-body ‘Cuda featured the Trans-Am-inspired 340 as the top option, and this car has it. The seller mentions other choices, including a 440 cid and 727 automatic if you want to make a deal on a non-original powerplant.
All glass except the windshield comes with the sale. Like other Pony cars, the Mopar E-body maintains a strong following and consequently make a good investment dollar-for-dollar spent. Only the future will tell if this ‘Cuda’s buyer can turn a profit, but putting it back on the road in any form beats more years in an unfinished state. Does this project car have the right kind of BS for you?
If you’re looking at this car only to turn a profit then you’re part of the problem of overpriced everything. We all complain of overpriced cars and the overpriced market. If we truly want our hobby back then stop looking at every car as a way to make money. Once upon a time we would start with cars in this shape or better shape and put them back on the road. Why? Because that’s what we loved and did. It mattered not what Dollar amount we could sell it for. We did it because we loved the vehicle.
You are right on point! If one is in the business of restoring cars, then looking at these as a way to make a profit is ideal (won’t stay in business long if one didn’t) but most of us enthusiasts just want to be able to own one to relive memories or obtain something that wasn’t obtainable at the time for whatever reasons. Writing these articles in such a way that the only reason to look for projects like this is to turn a profit is inaccurate at best.
Truer words never spoken.
I own a 25,000 73 Grand Prix, never seeing that money again, but it’s my car
Absolutely correct!
No thanks.
Way closer to the scrapyard than the showroom.
Even as a shop owner, I couldn’t afford to restore this. And yes, there are those of us who have a passion for cars, like my 63.5 Galaxie 500XL I’m getting back on the road, but not necessarily restoring. I’m building it because it’s my Frankenstein and I’m the doctor.
I’ve done that with numerous CB and ham radios over the years. You do it because you can. My “rarest of the rare” is an almost 60 year old Polycomm pair, a Model B single channel FM rig and the matching 100 watt Poly Booster amplifier. If you Google them the photos are of my radios, that’s how rare they are.
“BS” is oddly the response I’d give when considering a restoration on a car in this condition.
i have my 72 cuda 42 years now, paid $2,000
In March 1972 I ordered a ‘72 cuda. I received the car in May ‘72. It was a 340 with auto and honeydew in color with white stripes. I loved that car, it was kinda a dog, compared to others cars of that era, but man it was good looking. I got married in September and new wife didn’t like the no air conditioning. So, in June of ‘73 I traded for a new Sebring Plus. I regret that trade to this day, I still miss that car!!! (And I’m still married to her , my wife)