The “pony car” market was starting to decline in sales by the time Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda in 1970. And the addition of the similar Dodge Challenger that year didn’t help much. Chrysler would exit that business in 1974, so the seller’s car was built when the end was in sight. This Burnt Orange Metallic project is numbers-matching (per the seller), but it’s not a ‘Cuda and has a 318 V8. Located in Mount Airy, Maryland, this former runner is available here on craigslist for $10,500. Another Mopar tip brought to us by Tony Primo!
Barracuda sales were also impacted by the declining demand for muscle cars. By 1972, the 383, 440 and 426 Hemi engines were no longer on the options list. And soon thereafter, no one wanted six-cylinder power, either. In the Barracuda’s last outing in 1974, only 318 and 360 V8s were left (with the latter only offered in the ‘Cuda, replacing the 340). Barracuda production was 11,734 units in ’74, and 57% of those were the “regular” coupes like this one.
We’re told this Plymouth has been sitting for three years. The engine will turn by hand, though no recent attempts have been made to get it running (the car does have 105,000 miles to its credit). A TorqueFlite automatic transmission is along for the ride, status unknown. It was a well-equipped car when new, including power steering and brakes, factory air conditioning, and Magnum 500 wheels. We’re told the machine is 99% complete (so what’s missing?).
The paint may be an older respray, and the car’s black vinyl top is long gone. The Barracuda has a white and black interior, which needs a makeover, including the headliner. Some sheet metal repair is in order, and we don’t know why the Plymouth leans so severely to the front. We’re told the seller has no time to restore the automobile and won’t send more details or pics to prospective buyers (that’s a clever way to eliminate your audience).
Contact to buy; https://barnfinds.com/numbers-matching-1974-plymouth-barracuda/
