Every once in a while, a listing pops up that doesn’t fit neatly into any one category, and this 1973 Plymouth Barracuda on craigslist is one of those builds. Located in Natick, Massachusetts, this project takes a classic Mopar shape and pairs it with a Gen II 8.0L Viper V10 drivetrain. It’s described as a custom build that’s still a work in progress, but one that already runs and drives. The seller is looking for someone ready to take on something different, not just another stock restoration. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
According to the listing, this Barracuda was a long-term passion project by the seller’s late uncle, who spent years building unique cars. That backstory adds a personal element to the car, and it’s clear this wasn’t thrown together quickly. The drivetrain comes from a Viper, including the V10 engine, and the car is said to have under 30,000 miles. The listing doesn’t clarify whether that mileage applies to the drivetrain, chassis, or build as a whole, so that’s something a buyer would likely want to dig into further.
One of the more unusual aspects mentioned is the chassis setup. The car is mounted on a Chevy Colorado ladder frame, which moves it even further away from a traditional Barracuda build. That kind of modification usually changes how the car behaves and what it takes to finish it, but the seller doesn’t go into detail beyond noting the setup. It does, however, underline that this is not a stock or lightly modified example.
Inside, the car is fitted with Viper seats and gauges, tying it visually to the drivetrain choice. The seller notes that the door cards are currently off but are included with the car, along with other parts. That suggests there are still areas left to complete or reassemble, which lines up with the “work in progress” description.
The listing states the car runs and drives, and it has a clean title. It’s also noted as being garage-kept, though no further detail is provided about how long it’s been in its current state or what still needs to be finished. Like many custom builds, it seems to sit somewhere between functional and unfinished, depending on how far the next owner wants to take it.
For enthusiasts, this kind of project can go a few different directions. Some might see it as a chance to finish a unique build, while others might approach it as a starting point for something even more personalized. Either way, it’s clearly not aimed at someone looking for originality or factory correctness.
Neat car. Workmanship looks top grade. I’d bet it’s a hoot to drive.
This could be nice when done, but a non-original engine could bring its value down.
You better have some fabrication skills to finish and maintain this one. I imagine you’d deal with gremlins of some sort basically forever, and who knows if the combo would go straight under power or handle well in the twisties…then, of course you’ll eventually need to stop straight as well. There are lots of proven component options for getting e-bodies to work well, but I’ll wager none of them will apply to a Colorado frame.