Triple-Green 1972 Plymouth Barracuda Doesn't Need a HEMI To Shine

But even though it did not match the segment leader sales-wise, the Barracuda soldiered on for an entire decade. And much like the Mustang, it morphed into a fully-fledged muscle car toward the end of the decade. The third-gen version is arguably the most iconic and desirable thanks to its sporty looks and multitude of optional big-block V8 engines.

Although both the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB and 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI units found their way into the second-gen car, they only powered a couple of very limited-edition models. The mills did not become regulars on the options list until the 1970 model year.

Both units were introduced at a time when insurance rates for high-performance cars went through the roof. As a result, these big-block rigs sold in small numbers. Offered in 1970 and 1971 only, the 440 and 426 'Cudas moved only 3,804 units. That's less than 6% of the total production for the said model years. And as a result, these cars are rare, very desirable, and quite expensive. The HEMI version is worth millions of dollars nowadays.

But these beefed-up 'Cudas are also partly responsible for making the 1972-1974 versions less desirable. In the absence of big-block V8 engines, post-1971 Barracudas don't get as much love, and many of them are spending their retirement years in junkyards. But this 1972 example is proof that any third-gen Barracuda can shine, regardless of what's under the hood.

Granted, this hardtop is a notable departure from most post-1971 Barracudas we usually see. Not only is it not documented at a scrapyard, but it's actually a rust-free example that looks fantastic from just about any angle. Yeah, it's far from perfect, but it's a rare gem in this condition.

A three-owner car, this Mopar got a few touch-ups over the years, but it remains a highly original survivor. And yes, it's a numbers-matching rig, with the engine, transmission, and rear axle sporting the correct factory codes.

What's under the hood? Well, this Barracuda left the assembly line with a four-barrel 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) V8. It's not amazingly potent at 240 net horsepower and 290 pound-feet (393 Nm) of torque, but it was the range-topping mill in 1972. Speaking of which, this green hardtop is a Barracuda and not a top-of-the-line 'Cuda version.

It's one of 18,490 examples sold in the US that year and one of 12,218 units equipped with the 340 V8. The Barracuda trim narrows it down to 6,354 cars, while the automatic transmission makes it one of 2,039 built exactly like this. It's not super-rare by production number, but it's definitely scarce given the low survival rate of 1972 Barracudas.

In fact, this Mopar could very well sport a one-of-one status. I think that's very likely due to the triple-green color combo. This Barracuda rocks a green interior and an Amber Sherwood Poly exterior, which aren't very common. All told, it's a gorgeous example that deserves all the attention it can get. Check it out in the video below.