With the arrival of the mid sixties car design started changing quite a bit and the "pony cars" were king. Chrysler had a few entries into the ring and under the Plymouth wing introduced the iconic Barracuda. They were produced from 1964 to 1974 with the first generation being built on the Chrysler A-body platform and sharing a majority of bodywork with the Plymouth Valiant. This was also the case for the second generation but in the 3rd, which arrived in 1970, the Barracuda was giving the dedication it deserved with its totally own look. It was now based on the E-body which was exclusively shared between the Cuda and the Dodge Challenger. This generation only lasted until 1974 when the Barracude name was dropped but in those short years they cemented their place in the Mopar history books. In 1972 they received a new grill, 4 rounded taillights and the bumpers were also redesigned to fall in line with current safety standards. These cars have turned out to be wildly popular among collectors and Mopars continue to break records every year across the auction block. This very cool 1972 Plymouth started life as a base 'Cuda but has been completely gone through and meticulously rebuilt to transform it into something that's 1 of a kind. It was a full frame off build that took around 7 years to complete. The inspiration was drag cars from the 70s/80s and was a design that with countless hours and dollars invested was achieved perfectly. The car has never seen the track but isn't just a tribute to looks because should you want to go that route, it was built to handle it. In this vintage of Mopar they were known for their bright colors and this one wears a beautiful Hemi Orange with a slight metal flake that has an excellent shine. The body panels are all solid, straight, and all rust free. It has the 'Cuda hood which incorporates dual scoops trailing off into the dual cowl vents. The Black grill has a unique double opening and it also has a painted Black panel in rear for the iconic rounded taillights that seem to be among the favorite designs in the 'Cuda fandom. The tinted glass is in great condition throughout and is free of any damage or issues. The car has an aggressive stance to let you know it means business and rides on 1970 Shelby 500 4x15in front slotted wheels with 5 inch drag tires and 1970 Shelby 500 4x15in aluminum slotted rear rims with 15x14x31in Mickey Thompson street drag radials.
If the wheels and tires weren't enough to clue you in then surely the presence of the rear wheelie bar let you know it is packing a bit more than its stock 318 V8 under the hood. It is now propelled forward by a professionally built blue printed all aluminum Indy Max 528 Hemi motor. Dropping in a Hemi fits the car perfectly but this isn't just some off the shelf crate. This motor was assembled by an expert craftsman who insured from top to bottom things were done right. It runs very strong with an estimated 710 horsepower and the reaction of popping the hood to reveal a great looking Hemi is always appreciated at shows. Check out the following table to get an idea of the components incorporated into the drivetrain. There is so much going on that it is certain we have left something out. However you can rest assured that any thing used on it was new and top of the line.
See the photos for a detailed table breaking it all down.
As you can tell this was not thrown together car but a meticulously detailed and planned high end build. The car sounds amazing through TTI full length ceramic coated 2 1/4 in headers into Max Flo stainless steel mufflers. It delivers exactly what you want to hear when you to turn the key. Cooling is provided via the new aluminum Summit radiator with aluminum radiator shroud, and a Summit high volume electric fan. Paired with the motor is a complete Tremec 5 speed kit for a Hemi Cuda along with an aluminum flywheels, steel bell housing, dual disc ram clutch and hydraulic kit. From there power is transferred back through the aluminum Tremec drive shaft to the narrowed rear end with 4:10 gears and sure grip locker.During the build it also received all new chassis bushings, all new 4 wheel disc brakes, new Mopar leaf springs, NYK adjustable drag shocks, Summit rear air shocks, weld on Slide a Link ladder bars, new Year One wiring harness, new steering box and so much more. Nothing has been left untouched. It has also been strengthened throughout with things like a rear end housing strengthener so the car can handle its new found horsepower.
Just as much love and attention was shown to the interior where you will see that same vintage drag strip them continued in things like the 6 point Weld roll cage. The upholstery work is all Black and in good condition throughout. It has high back front bucket seats and both front/rear seats have G-Force 5 point racing seat belts. The seat cover and headliner were all new from Year One. Through the floor is a new pistol grip Tremec shifter which moves through the gears with ease. The dash on the car is new from Paddock and eliminates any AC openings. All the components were also replaced with a combo of parts from Year One, Paddock, and Moparts. The gauges are all working and it has an added Auto Meter Street tachometer. The trunk of the car is all finished out and houses the relocated battery in a Taylor aluminum case.
This is really a car you need to review in detail to truly appreciate. This Mopar would make a great addition to any collection especially at a fraction of the build price. It comes with a detailed auto appraisal valuing it at $155,000 and when you start to look it over it becomes apparent that the amount invested likely exceeds even that.
