The former factories were not very popular, however. Because of expensive insurance costs, only 3,436 customers opted for the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB and the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI in 1970. That accounts for just 7% of the total production. This number decreased even further in 1971, the final year for both engines. Plymouth only sold 368 units, which is a mere 2.2% of the total output.
When we combine these figures, we are left with only 3,804 units and a ratio of just 5.8% over the span of two model years. This is exactly what makes the 440- and 426-equipped Plymouth ‘Cuda a rare and highly sought-after treasure. And when it comes to HEMI cars, it is also a classic worth a million dollars. However, these high-compression engines tend to overshadow the third-generation Barracudas that were produced until 1974.
Certainly, I understand why post-1971 Barracudas are not considered true muscle cars. It is a bit disappointing not to have 375-to-425 horsepower at your disposal. But these later third-gen Mopars were not exactly slow either. While the 318-cubic-inch version was far from impressive with only 150 horsepower, the 340 V8 delivered a respectable 240 horsepower, and the 360 unit came with 245 horses in 1974.
And we are talking about net figures here. There is no exact formula to determine the gross output as they used before 1971, but it would be close to 300 horsepower, which is not bad for a smaller vehicle like the Barracuda. Moreover, I believe that the 1972-1974 version is more visually appealing thanks to Plymouth’s choice to incorporate round quad taillights and a V-shaped front.
All in all, these post-1971 Barracudas do not receive the recognition they deserve. To make matters worse, most of them have been neglected for many years, making it increasingly difficult to find examples in good condition. Naturally, I get excited whenever I come across a survivor emerging from storage. This 1972 hardtop in Basin Street Blue is one such example.
Featured on YouTube’s “Nobody’s Show,” this Mopar was recently retrieved from long-term storage. It shows signs of weathering both inside and out, but surprisingly, it remains structurally sound despite not receiving proper maintenance for many years. It is safe to say that it is one of the fortunate ones that was stored in a garage rather than a barn or exposed to the elements.
However, it is the completely original and unrestored status that makes this Barracuda a rare find. It was owned by a single individual until recently and remains in its original condition. The exterior is still coated in the factory-applied Basin Street Blue color with white stripes. Similarly, the white interior has never undergone restoration.
The 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8 engine under the hood is the original matching unit, as is the automatic transmission with a console shifter. According to our host, the only modification made to this car is the exhaust manifolds. However, the original components are included in the trunk, allowing the vehicle to be returned to its factory specifications immediately.
Certainly, it requires significant attention and exhibits some corrosion in the C-pillars, nevertheless, it remains one of the most pristine unaltered specimens I have encountered in quite a while. This particular Barracuda stands out as it doesn’t rely on a HEMI engine to showcase its brilliance. Take a look at the footage provided below.
According to the Source autoevolution.com