autoevolution
 

Take a Closer Look at the World's Only 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Four-Door

1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door 21 photos
Photo: Wags Automotive/YouTube
1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door1970 Plymouth Barracuda four-door
Built from 1964 to 1974 over three generations, the Plymouth Barracuda was only offered as a two-door (both coupe and convertible). But that's not to say that Plymouth did not consider a four-door version of the pony car.
While not as famous as the four-door Mustang concept that Ford built in the 1960s, the four-door Barracuda was more than just an idea on Plymouth's drawing board. The company toyed with the concept right before the third-generation Barracuda arrived in late 1969. And at least two sources claim that Plymouth even built a prototype.

The four-door was mentioned by former Chrysler employee Roger Johnson in a story written in 2006. He recalled seeing a red four-door Barracuda at the Highland Park facility in 1969. The sedan was also mentioned in the October 1969 issue of Mechanix Illustrated. The magazine claimed that the Barracuda "has a new look for 1970 that includes two- and four-door hardtops and a convertible."

As we already know, the Barracuda was never offered as a four-door, so Plymouth most likely scrapped the project right before the third-gen pony arrived in showrooms. Sadly, there's not a lot of info as to what happened, but the four-door prototype was probably destroyed and quickly forgotten. Until some 47 years later when Dave Walden put together the four-door Barracuda that Plymouth never sold.

Perhaps inspired by the story of Roger Johnson, Walden built a slightly longer 1970 Barracuda with an extra pair of doors and enhanced rear-seat legroom in 2016. The Mopar not only looks surprisingly authentic inside and out, but it also comes with a broadcast sheet, a reproduction window sticker, a legal VIN, and a title that says "Plymouth 4-Door Barracuda."

It also comes with a period-correct engine under the hood in the form of a 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) V8. Yeah, it's not a HEMI or a 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB, but it's no slouch either at 275 horsepower. All told, Dave made sure that his four-door creation is as authentic as a factory-built Plymouth.

Unfortunately, this intriguing Mopar didn't get as much attention as it deserves. And that's mostly because the car was placed in storage after being paraded at a few events in 2016. It didn't resurface until 2022 when its owner decided to part ways with it. The Barracuda crossed the auction block at Kissimmee 2023, where it made a few waves due to its unique body layout.

But bidders weren't as impressed as onlookers and the Barracuda changed hands for only $121,000 (including fees). Yes, that's a bit more than the usual 340-powered 1970 Barracuda but surprisingly low for a truly unique build in Concours-ready condition. The custom classic was estimated to go for at least $200,000 and as much as $300K. Go ahead and check it out in the video below.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories