1972 was a painful year for the Barracuda series as a whole and the ‘Cuda in particular. Plymouth made several changes that reduced the car’s customer appeal, including the unfortunate ditching of big-block engines.
The 383, the 440, and the 426 Hemi were no longer available in the lineup, so ‘Cuda buyers could only go as high as a 340 V8 with either manual or automatic transmissions.
As a result, it’s no surprise that the 340 became a favorite pick among ‘Cuda buyers. No less than 5,864 customers picked this engine, of which 1,701 paired the V8 with an automatic transmission.
Plymouth also offered the ‘Cuda with a 318, but only 1,946 customers ordered this engine, so the market continued to be interested in top performance on Plymouth’s superstar.
A 340-powered ‘Cuda emerged from storage recently, trying to convince a brave soul that it deserves a complete restoration. The car has been sitting for years, and you can tell this is true by simply checking out the photos shared on Craigslist.
Everything on this ‘Cuda is rough, starting with the undersides. The rust has wreaked havoc on the floors, so you’ll need new panels. The body also exhibits extensive damage, requiring urgent repair to remain in one piece. The interior is rough, too, and in addition to the huge holes in the floors, you’ll have to repair the front seats. The rear ones look much better, as they don’t seem to come with major rips.
The original engine is still in the car. The 340 4-barrel unit comes with an automatic transmission, but you won’t get any good news from the drivetrain. The engine doesn’t rust, though it’s unclear if it’s stuck or turns over by hand. The owner emphasizes that the car has been sitting for many years, which could be a sign that the engine is seized from the long tenure in hiding.
A ‘Cuda in such a terrible shape is bad news for the automotive world, especially considering this nameplate’s legacy. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that this is a rare ‘Cuda, as only around 1,700 units rolled off the assembly lines with the 340 and an automatic transmission (the manual unit was much more popular this year). On the other hand, the owner seems to believe the car can still be saved, and this is why they listed it at a fair price. Anyone can take this ‘Cuda home if they pay $8,500, though the rust could make many people walk away.
If you want to see it in person, you can find the ‘Cuda in York, close to Harrisburg. Considering its overall shape and the non-working engine, you need a trailer to take it home.