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.
I’m not sure how much value a ’73 AAR with a vinyl top would have – the engine (probably a 340) would have lost some of its gusto anyway. But, collectors are a funny lot…
The AAR Cuda was available as an option for 1 year only, it disappeared in 1971, never to return. Someone added the side stripes which are readily available for under $200.
Steve R
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 chassis.
…and it will only cost you 40k, to play… Wasn’t there a yellow one just posted here? Ah, yes, April 13, posted here… Asking 114k…
That was a more highly sought 1970 convertible. It didn’t sell, but I think if it had a more modern Hellcat engine it would have had a better chance of finding a buyer.
These Viper engine swaps date the build into the mid-2000’s or earlier.
Steve R
That’s alotta motor. Expert drivers only machine. 🏁
I’m sure this frame is OK, but the boxed frame of a Colorado/Canyon driven in the Northeast has a nasty habit of rusting right in half. I am curious how the builder mated it to the Barracuda. Too bad there are no photos of the bottom.
A very interesting and cool build. Too bad it killed an AAR ‘Cuda. Everything we can see looks first class and the car does not sit appreciably too high. So the modification of frame to fit the car appears just what it needed to reinforce the uni body. Because with the Viper torque monster up front. This poor little “E” body would want to twist. Yes, I know this chassis came with possible Hemi lump up front. But most likely it was done for crossmember issues AND additional chassis strengthening. I would love to have and complete this man’s vision. But not $40k worth.
The vinyl top probably killed the AAR appeal anyway. Given that it is a 1973, it had already lost a bit of its punch due to smog regs. A Viper V10 does seem a bit extreme, though…
They didn’t make AAR Cudas in 1973 (they were a one-year-only 1970 model.) This is just a regular Barracuda with AAR stickers, so you can feel better about it.
This might be the worst article I have ever read on here and if Barn Finds doesn’t stop with the damned pop up ads I won’t be reading anymore articles period
Scam? Price is way off if a check on current prices are followed.
I like these Viper builds, they’re just different enough from most custom Mopar builds to make them interesting.
Since this is a ’73, I would have left off the AAR stripe and spoiler.