Rare Mopar Muscle: The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 318 Four-Speed

Rare Mopar Muscle: The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 318 Four-Speed

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The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda marked a significant redesign for the model, moving to the E-body platform shared with the Dodge Challenger and adopting more aggressive and muscular styling. This generation is highly sought after by collectors, especially in convertible form. This particular 1970 Plymouth Barracuda convertible is a rare example, reported to be one of only 58 built for the model year equipped with a 318 cubic inch V8 engine and a desirable four-speed manual transmission. The car underwent a refurbishment in 2014, which included a repaint in vibrant red and a re-trim of the interior in black vinyl. Featuring a black convertible top, dual exhaust outlets, racing-style mirrors, a sports hood with hood pins, and a host of interior upgrades such as a center console, Rallye instrument cluster, and Hurst pistol-grip shifter, this Barracuda convertible offers a blend of classic Mopar muscle and open-top cruising enjoyment. It rides on Magnum 500-style wheels with power-assisted front disc brakes, providing a touch of iconic styling and improved stopping power.

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Striking Red Convertible: Originally finished in Rallye Red (FE5), this 1970 Barracuda convertible was repainted in the same eye-catching hue during its 2014 refurbishment. The black convertible soft top provides a stark contrast to the red exterior. Adding to its sporty appearance are painted racing-style mirrors, 340 badges (likely added during the refurbishment), dual exhaust outlets neatly integrated into the rear valance, and a distinctive sports hood featuring dual simulated scoops and secured with hood pins. The overall aesthetic captures the aggressive and desirable look of the early 1970s Barracudas.

318 V8 Power and Four-Speed Fun: Under the hood lies a 318 cubic inch V8 engine. Rare Four-Speed Configuration: While the fender tag indicates the car was originally equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and rated at 230 horsepower, a four-barrel carburetor has since been installed, along with a “340 Four Barrel” air cleaner decal, suggesting a potential performance upgrade. The power is channeled to the rear wheels through a highly desirable A833 four-speed manual transmission, controlled by a Hurst pistol-grip shifter located in the center console. This combination of the 318 V8 and the four-speed manual makes this particular Barracuda convertible a rare and engaging driving machine, offering a more connected and sporty experience compared to automatic-equipped models.

Iconic Wheels and Upgraded Brakes: The Barracuda rides on chrome-accented 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, a classic muscle car look that complements the car’s era. Braking performance has been enhanced with power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, providing improved stopping power compared to the original non-power disc brake setups that were less common with the 318 engine.

Black Vinyl Interior with Rallye Pack: The interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in black vinyl, providing a clean and classic muscle car aesthetic. Interior appointments include a center console with woodgrain trim, a Sony stereo unit for modern audio entertainment, and the aforementioned Hurst pistol-grip shifter, a key element of the four-speed manual driving experience. The Rallye instrument cluster adds a sporty touch with a 150-mph speedometer, a tachometer integrated within the woodgrain-trimmed cluster, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, alternator charge, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 4,500 miles, which is reported to be the mileage accumulated since the 2014 refurbishment.

Fender Tag Decoding: The provided fender tag reveals valuable information about the car’s original specifications, including: E44 (318ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor), D21 (four-speed manual transmission), FE5 (Rallye Red paint), X9 (black upholstery), A62 (Rallye Instrument Cluster), B51 (Power Brakes), C16 (Console w/woodgrain), C55 (Bucket seats), G36 (Painted racing mirrors), J45 (Hood tie down pins), J54 (Sports hood), N85 (Tachometer), P37 (Power convertible top), and more, confirming its original configuration and options.

Summary:

  • One of a reported 58 built with a 318 V8 and four-speed manual transmission.
  • Refurbished in 2014 with red repaint and black vinyl interior.
  • Equipped with a black convertible top and sports hood with hood pins.
  • Features a center console, Rallye instrument cluster, and Hurst pistol-grip shifter.
  • Rides on Magnum 500-style wheels with power front disc brakes.
  • Originally finished in Rallye Red (FE5).
  • Fender tag confirms original options and configuration.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.

AI Assistance: Gemini

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