Very Rare 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Discovered, 1-of-5 with 383-Horsepower
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda was a muscle car produced by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation. It was available in a variety of body styles, including a hardtop, convertible, and a sporty fastback. It was powered by a range of V8 engines, including the base 318 cubic-inch V8 and the optional 340 and 383 cubic-inch V8s. The top-of-the-line option was the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8, which produced 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
The 1971 Barracuda featured updated styling and new options, such as a “Shaker” hood scoop and a “Cuda” package. It was known for its bold styling, powerful engines, and excellent performance. It is considered a collectible car today, and it can fetch high prices at auction.
The 1971 Barracuda that we have here is totally a collector’s dream without even shining bright like a diamond. The owner states that its drivetrain combination is rare, and a spot of investigation on my part seems to support this claim. The Barracuda runs and drives and holds the promise of a rewarding restoration project where the finished car will possess a perfect combination of good looks and performance.
There’s a bit to unpack with this Plymouth, but before we reach the nitty-gritty, we probably need to confront the question of paint color. The owner claims that the Barracuda rolled off the production line wearing Amber Sherwood Metallic paint and that its previous owner performed a color change to its existing shade.
The body has accumulated a collection of minor dings and dents, but these appear repairable. There is some of the usual rust visible in the lower extremities, like the rear quarter panels, but once again, it doesn’t look that bad. The supplied photos reveal a rusty trunk pan that is beyond salvation, and there is no information on the state of the floors and frame.
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, as claimed by the owner, is a rare find. With only 5 units produced for the 1971 model year featuring the 383ci HP V8, four-speed manual transmission, and fixed rear windows, this vehicle is a unique piece of automotive history. Additionally, the configuration with a three-speed manual transmission was even more scarce, with only two units built. This combination of performance features made the Barracuda a formidable force on the quarter-mile, with a recorded time of 14.8 seconds.
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda’s interior, like the exterior, requires some attention. The original owner had specified Rally gauges, bucket seats, a console, and a distinctive pistol grip shifter, all of which are still present. However, the new owner will have to put in some work to restore the interior to its former glory. It appears that many people like what they see, and they don’t seem fazed by the issues with the A-pillars.
