Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.
Here’s the thing. You can spend as much as a million dollars on a Hemi Cuda, and the crazy thing is that only a few people will understand why the Hemi powered car is worth so much. Or you could get a Barracuda like this one, powered by a 813 with an automatic and get much the same driving and showing experience, not to mention the fun, for a fraction of the cost of the top tier Hemi-powered car.
The seller listing this car describes it as a restored example that is powered by a rebuilt 318cid V8 and backed by a rebuilt three-speed automatic transmission, both of which are said to be numbers-matching. Features include power front disc brakes, factory air conditioning with an R-134a refrigerant conversion, power steering, bucket seats, and a center console. Finished in yellow and equipped with a black vinyl top over a white vinyl interior, this Barracuda comes from the selling dealer with the original broadcast sheet and a clear title.
Now to me this Barracuda is a lot of car just the way it is. The seller adds that during the restoration in 2020, the exterior was refinished in yellow and equipped with a new black vinyl top. Features include chrome bumpers, side impact trim, a driver-side mirror with a manual remote, a fender-mounted antenna, a black trunk-mounted spoiler, and a black taillight panel. It rides on a set of set of silver 14-inch Rallye wheels with 225/70R14 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
The interior is just as nice looking as the exterior. The front bucket seats and the rear seat are upholstered in white vinyl. Features include a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter, black trim and dashboard panel, factory air conditioning, power steering, manual windows, and a three-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim. The carpeting, door panels, armrests, package tray, sun visors, and sail panels were replaced during the restoration in 2020.
The mechanicals are just as good. The seller details that the numbers-matching 318cid V8 was also rebuilt during restoration and is backed by a rebuilt numbers-matching three-speed automatic transmission. Additional mechanical issues addressed include a new steering box, a PerTronix ignition, new brake and fuel lines, and a rebuilt brake booster. After taking a look at the pictures, I would guess that the suspension and rear end were also rebuilt, as they look perfect. Same goes for the floors from under the car.
Finally and importantly this car includes its original Chrysler Corporation Production Broadcast sheet (Chrysler build sheet) as part of the sale.
I honestly think this car has had everything attended to in order to make it a great addition to any car collection. Sure, it’s not as fast as a Hemi car, but the reality is that a Hemi Cuda will be blown into the weeds by a V6 powered new Dodge Challenger. If you want a classic Barracuda with all the great styling and 1970s pony car feel, this example would fit the bill and guarantee it will not cost a million dollars to buy.
The online auction for this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda ends on Friday, July 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
