• Seller: Dale W ilkinson
• Location: Amelia, Virginia
• Mileage: 99,000 Shown
• Chassis #: BS23G3B519039
• Title Status: Clean

The Third Generation Barracuda range remains one of the most attractive vehicles to roll off an American production line. The low roofline and muscular stance, especially in ‘Cuda guise, makes them a firm favorite among Mopar enthusiasts. This 1973 ‘Cuda project stalled due to the owner’s deteriorating health. He would rather see it head to a new home than watch it sit on this lift to deteriorate beyond the point of no return. Therefore, the owner has listed this promising Plymouth project with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to understand what this ‘Cuda offers the winning bidder. The photos suggest it rolled off the line wearing attractive True Blue Metallic paint that hides below the existing Black. It gives the car a tired and worn look, but don’t let the appearance fool you. There is rust in some lower body extremities, like the driver’s side rocker and rear quarter panels, but this classic is surprisingly solid. It is also present in some areas on the roof. However, these areas are patchable. Stripping the car for a nut-and-bolt build would be wise to eliminate the existing surface corrosion for a high-end result. The steel required to address any penetrating rust is readily available and affordable, and welding it into place would be easier with the ‘Cuda entirely dismantled. The trim condition ranges between restorable and pieces that would respond well to polish, and the glass is generally pretty good.

Plymouth’s entry-level V8 offered in the 1973 ‘Cuda was the 318ci powerplant, generating 150hp and 265 ft/lbs of torque. The original owner of this classic teamed that motor with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, producing a car that offered very respectable performance in a 1973 context. The owner indicates the engine and transmission are gone, leaving the winning bidder with infinite choices. Sourcing a date-coded 318 shouldn’t be challenging and would be the obvious choice for those preferring authenticity. However, Plymouth offered more potent options, with the E-Body range capable of accepting anything up to a 440ci V8 without modifications. The world will be the buyer’s oyster, but they could transform the ‘Cuda into a classic that doesn’t ask for respect. It demands it.

This ‘Cuda’s interior is a blank canvas for the new owner. Some desirable items are present, including the Rally gauges with a factory tachometer, a console, and a factory sports wheel. The photos reveal the first owner ordered the car with factory air conditioning, and reinstalling it as part of the build would be straightforward. It appears the bones are there to return the vehicle to its former glory with faithful Black vinyl trim. Many existing items could be cleaned and reused, saving money on the build. Alternatively, the buyer could pursue the custom path with cloth or leather seat covers. Both are readily available, and that approach would help this Plymouth to turn heads. Interiors are one aspect of classic builds that offer scope for an owner to let their imagination off the leash, which could happen here.

This 1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda is a promising project candidate with sound bones. It is ripe for restoration, but the form it takes will be a matter of the next owner’s taste. Returning it to its original form is possible. However, bolting something more potent under the hood may prove irresistible. Values remain strong in the classic market, regardless of whether or not a vehicle is original. Recent history suggests that a high-end build will not only provide motoring pleasure but could make this ‘Cuda an excellent long-term investment. That makes it worth serious consideration.

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