Hot 407: 1970 Plymouth Barracuda
The enormous hood scoop proudly proclaims that this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is more than a pretty face. The V8 nestling beneath should provide power to burn, guaranteeing this classic will pin occupants in their seats when the pedal meets the metal. The car presents well, having no apparent urgent needs or shortcomings. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Gretna, Nebraska. They set their auction to open at $35,000 but have received no bids.
Chrysler introduced its E-Body range in 1970, and the Third Generation Barracuda was one of the vehicles developed on that platform. Its muscular good looks made it a prime candidate for high-performance variants, with vehicles like the Hemi ‘Cuda now considered legends. This Barracuda is a tidy classic finished in dazzling Rally Red with a Black hood. The seller is candid about its presentation. They state that the Plymouth wouldn’t look out of place at a local show, although the buyer shouldn’t expect to walk away with any trophies. They describe the paint as “a good 10-footer.” That suggests a close inspection will reveal flaws and defects, but the overall shine and straight panels should still attract admiring glances. There is no evidence or mention of rust, which is a minor victory in a car with a reputation for being prone to such issues. The trim and glass are in good order, with the Black steelies and dog dish hubcaps adding a touch of menace.
This Plymouth’s interior is tidy and serviceable, but like the exterior, it is unlikely to win show trophies. The Black vinyl seatcovers are free from wear and damage, while the dash, pad, and console exhibit no significant problems. Interestingly, the Fender Tag indicates this Barracuda originally sported Red interior trim, but it has undergone a color change at some point. There is a hole where the factory radio should be. Still, the lack of originality across other aspects of the car makes installing a modern stereo a viable and acceptable alternative. There are rough edges on components like the kick panels, but the problems don’t require immediate attention.
The first owner ordered this Barracuda powered by the 383ci V8, churning out 330hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, producing a classic that could scorch through the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds. Potential buyers must first recognize that this Plymouth is no longer numbers-matching. The engine bay houses a replacement 383, and the transmission has been swapped for a three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite. The seller supplied no engine photos in their listing, so I lifted this shot from a YouTube short linked to the sale. The motor isn’t any ordinary powerplant, having been bored to 407ci. It is balanced and blueprinted, wears Edelbrock cylinder heads, and is packed with updated components from companies like Wiseco and other renowned manufacturers. It is realistic to expect a significant power boost from an engine that sounds purposeful in the YouTube video. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition, with the seller throwing in additional parts to sweeten the deal.
This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda won’t appeal to everyone, but it could prove irresistible to enthusiasts seeking a classic that can effortlessly transform tires into smoke. It is a raw animal of a machine, focused more on performance than luxury. It has received no bids, which is slightly surprising. That situation may change, and even if it is beyond your reach, monitoring the auction could be interesting. Do you think it will find a new home? What do you believe the sale price will be if that happens?
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Comments
Opening bid $80,000.00 for a BH23N0B barracuda not a Cuda. Yes the 383 is bored out stroke after 407. Big horsepower here. And yes the Barracuda looks damn cool with that hood. For the pictures I seen starting bid should be $50,000.00 . I would not mind owning this and racing my brother in his 70 Challenger RT 383. That would be fun. Also red and black. Well.. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
A Barracuda (not ‘Cuda) with 383/4-speed is actually pretty rare and desirable. I had one many many years ago. (But no, I don’t think 80k desirable, esp in this driver non-matching-numbers condition). This needs to be returned to 4-speed glory!
Just so it’s clear, a 383 can’t be overbored to achieve 407 c.i.. At .60 over a 383 becomes a 394 which is max on any 383 without going to a sleeve. A .30 over 400 will achieve 406.
Stroker crank kit
can go to 496 ci I think.
Looked like the notes say it’s a 400 block.
You are correct, it came with a 383 4 speed from the factory. Now it has the 400 with the automatic transmission.
Looked at the 68 Dodge Coronet RT Hemi for $83,000.00 . Original Dodge that’s worth the price this is not sorry . Like I said maybe $50,000.00 🐻🇺🇸
Also on this Barracuda..D21.. 4 speed stick. Replace with a auto. I hope it’s a 727. The shifter handle is from a 72 and up . The dash has a big hole where the radio went. Too many questions for $80,000.00 I doubt they really want to sell it. If they did it would be more realistic price. I love the way the Mopar looks. But……. 🐻🚶
As to $80,000…from the seller’s eBay post:
“1970 Barracuda. My apologies. I just raised the price because I couldn’t end the auction. I took the car out today and it has a mechanical and electric backup fuel pump. At high speeds it was starving for gas. I’m won’t sell the car with mechanical issues. Please stay tuned. I’ll get it fixed and repost it. My apologies.”
Two Holley blue pumps, a pro regulater and problem solved.
I have been hearing that about 32 Fords for a long time but prices don’t reflect it. Ramblers have even become sought after.
Get a stock dual scoop “Mannix” hood.
Agreed. 6 pack scoop just doesnt look right on an E body, especially with that low deck Big block not even needing the extra room.
It seems to me this car screams x-race car, I don’t know why but that’s my feeling. Nice but I can smell the 102 octane from here.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. It looks to me like it was built for the track rather than the street.
You know it! As one born in ’60, I’m waiting about another 5 years for the prices of everything I like, to start coming down.
Most under 50 now uninterested in these. Wives will look forward to unloading these things with joy that got more attention than their husband’s gave them!
I have patience.
If any one read the Ebay ad he raised it to $80,000 because there’s an fuel issue and he can’t figure out how to cancel the listing.
So far no one took the bait! That’s good we all meet a seller like this before.Jack up the price and don’t care if it sells. And if it does he made big cash . I also seen cars like this get parted out if the owner doesn’t get his number. As I type this up this Barracuda has 2 hours left. I wonder if someone shows up with cash like Richard and bargain would it sell? I just wish this Mopar was closer to me. 🐻🇺🇸
Early 80’s I had a 71 ‘Cuda 383 pistol grip 4 spd, Blue with black vinyl top & Int. Sold it for $75 after breaking a rod, just another fast car back then and easily replaceable for $1,000 or so, Hindsight 😕
I love this car. And guess what I am only 44 years old. I would love to have it in my garage. Only thing I would do is convert it back to manual. A six speed. Why not it’s already been modified.