On the surface, it doesn’t look like much. It’s a roller and it’s a bit rough but it is intact. And since it’s partially dissembled, there’s one task the new owner won’t have to undertake. And being a 1974 model, it’s one of the last produced. So, what do we have? It’s a 1974 Plymouth Barracuda roller, located in Houston, Ohio, and available here on eBay for a current bid of $10,000, reserve not yet met.

Make no mistake, this is a Barracuda and not the more desirable performance-oriented ‘Cuda. The VIN verifies this Plymouth as being initially powered by a 318 CI V8 engine. Well, there’s no engine or transmission, and thus the opportunity for a fresh start and one part of a process that won’t require disassembly.

From what can be gleaned by the accompanying images, the body of this Barracuda looks fair. The seller makes no mention of body specifics,  so we’re on our visual own based on the eight images. There could be drive’s side rocker panel rot and the quarter looks like it has been introduced to some Bondo. Beyond that, there is no noticeable invasive corrosion or crash damage evidence. The seller does claim that he has all of the trim and the hood scoop insets.

The interior is an interesting exercise in color-clash, it started out in blue but is now rockin’ some avocado green seats. It doesn’t matter as it will need a complete redo. Things like torn, mismatched seats and split dash pads are expendable. The rest of the interior appears to be there, however, as in the instrument panel, steering wheel, center console, and shifter. The interior image isn’t real clear but the floors look a bit shakey from a rust perspective but it may just be surface-rust covered with other detritus that is visible.

So, what’s this Barracuda’s calling card? Well, it’s not so much what it is, but what it can be. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to review a colleague’s ’70 Barracuda that has undergone a complete makeover, and it is impressive! The owner told me that it was his daily driver for twenty years until he decided to build what he considered the ultimate, streetable Plymouth. The ’70 body is straight and in great condition (don’t know if that was always the case) and underneath is an aftermarket, steel frame chassis. For power, there is a NASCAR spec Dodge engine in place with a massive turbocharger. The engine has an intricate belt drive system that has been initially designed in wood and will serve as the template for aluminum milling. Specific pulley brackets have been created in plastic from a 3D printer, they too will serve as prototypes for later milling. For brakes, there are 14″, ceramic, slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers. The differential is a Ford nine-inch unit that will house a 3.21 ratio as the owner will want to road-race this Barracuda, not drag race it. Interesting inclusions are the parking brake system from a Dodge Viper and an A/C system snagged from a Grand Caravan, minivan. And through all of this transition, this Barracuda will remain streetable.

You can see where I’m going, what can this ’74 Barracuda be? Granted, the owner of the ’70 that I reviewed yesterday has been both a Mopar mechanic and a trainer for years. His mechanical, steel fabrication and welding skills are top-notch. But his extensive undertaking is way beyond what one would have to do with this ’74 example to design a really unique, fun car. The world is your oyster! The initial question here is the price. There is one day to go with the auction and twenty-six bids have been tendered. No idea what the reserve on this Barracuda is but this may be a bit rich for a project-based car. And I’m not suggesting investment and potential return, just straight-up financial outlay. What do you think, worth taking the plunge, or too much for the effort necessary?