Given that Plymouth built over 64,500 Barracudas for this model year, finding one that is worth a full restoration shouldn’t be too difficult, but few of them are still available in a state that permits a simple overhaul.
The Commando you can see in the photos made its way to Craigslist a few days ago, flexing an intriguing offering that could be a double-edged sword. This Barracuda can be either a complete wreck or an unpolished diamond, so you’ll have to pull it out from that garage, thoroughly clean it, and only then figure out if it’s worth saving.
Says on Craigslist that the vehicle has been sitting for many years, and you can tell this is true. I don’t see any critical body damage, and the vehicle looks solid overall, but the owner says they don’t know much about it.
Although I would put it on a lift, inspect the undersides, and check for corrosion in the typical locations, the mystery Barracuda has been dozing in this family store for the past few years and is still complete. Although there was some surface rust here and there, the owner claims that “overall, it is a pretty solid car.”
It’s unclear if this Barracuda is still original and unmolested, but I believe it is, as it wouldn’t make sense to restore a car, bring it back to a tip-top shape, and then forget it exists by moving it into a shop under a pile of garbage.
The Barracuda hides a little surprise under the hood in the form of a 273 engine paired with the factory 4-speed transmission. The 273 received a major upgrade for this model year, with the Commando getting a four-barrel carburetor that increased the power output to 235 horsepower. The same engine is sitting inside this Barracuda, though its condition is unknown.
According to the report, the engine was running when the car was driven into storage, so bring a reliable mechanic and ask them to examine the drivetrain. The 273 might still be alive depending on how long the car has been sitting, so I’m hoping I can flip it over by hand since I don’t think it will start right now.
The automobile is fully functional, still uses its original engine, and doesn’t suffer from serious rust. It’s parked near Portland in Hubbard, and you’ll need a trailer to transport it home and out of the garage. Since I don’t believe the wheels are stuck, it is likely that the car may slide effortlessly onto the trailer.