The Plymouth Barracuda hit the market 17 days before the Ford Mustang, but the latter got all the attention. That was in 1964 and it wouldn’t be until 1970 before the Barracuda would shed its Valiant heritage and get an all-new platform (that it would share with the new Dodge Challenger). This 1972 Barracuda looks like a “regular” model with a “regular” engine and transmission – 318 V8 with an automatic. It’s said to have been running when parked, but how long ago was that? Needing lots of attention, this Mopar is in a dirty barn/garage in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and is available here on craigslist for $20,000 OBO.
The all-new 1970 Barracuda was well-received, and sales improved by 50% over the holdover 1969 models. But the changes may have come too late as the auto was largely associated with the muscle car movement and when that began to unravel in 1971, the Barracuda went with it. Sales declined to 16,500 units in 1971 (from 49,000) with a slight rebound to 18,500 in 1972. This ’72 Barracuda was one of 7,300 built with the basic 318 engine – and not as a ‘Cuda. If it had been the latter, especially a 340, the restoration of this automobile would likely come without question.
We’re given only a few details about this Mopar. It may have been running at some point, but from its surroundings and covering of dirt, that wasn’t recently. We’ll assume the paint was either red or burgundy when new, but it’s faded badly over time. And rust has begun to creep in, especially in one of the rear quarter panels. Parts of the interior may be okay, but the nasty-looking fuzzy covers on the bucket seats don’t help with an evaluation.
While we appreciate seeing cars in their current state, pulling this Plymouth out of the garage and hosing off the dust would help with the seller’s desire to collect $20k for this project. It would probably already be gone if it was a ‘Cuda 340, but this looks like the routine “secretary’s car” which might find itself becoming a ‘Cuda clone shortly.
Without the performance engines, these could not justify the huge difference in cost over an equally good looking Duster. Plus the Duster was at least 100 pounds lighter and had a more comfortable seating arrangement as you sat up taller. Much easier to get in and out of. Chrysler should have cut the price instead of cutting the car. I have heard that part of the reason was to make way for the Volare. Now there was a huge mistake.
20 grand? I have to think that this car either belonged to someone famous, has a sneaky surprise under the hood, or some other unique situation exists to warrant that much money for a car that looks like it’s been forgotten for decades and will obviously require many hours and many dollars to get it anywhere near driveable. This guy’s been watching too much BJ, and believes that just because his car is what it is, it’s worth a fortune. I’d be into this car for not a dime more than 10 large, as it’s going to take at least 30 of those to put it where it needs to be. And then, being not-so-special of a car, will probably only fetch just north of that number in a resale. Brother needs a reality check… Glwts!
Roadkill seat covers give it that special luxury touch.
Yes. It definitely ” ran at one time.” I’m thinking the Carter administration, at the latest. At $20k? I’d say dream on. But we’re talking Mopar fans here.
If you want 20K for this, at least put in a little bit of effort by taking some decent photos and a description that actually describes what is for sale.
If not willing to do that, then just let the poor thing alone.
As my dad used to say, “Good night Irene, Good night Irene”.
Period.
Nothing left here but the storage space it’s sitting on.
My honest opinion.
Craigslist is loaded with overpriced junk. Anything from parts to the cars. You can purchase the parts new or buy them at one of the swap meets for a third or less in most cases. Rarely is there anything reasonable. There are dozens of overpriced projects and escapees from the scrapyard on there. Most of the sellers are vagabond junk guys or dreamers with some deceased relatives stuff. At one time it was the ideal place to get your parts cars to finish whatever you were playing with, no more. If you are desperate for a Barracuda, go for it. Most of these folks with junk like this aren’t much fun to deal with.