Chryslers by the Bay highlight – 1972 Plymouth ’Cuda

Hosted by the Bay City Chrysler Car Club Inc., Chryslers by the Bay is an annual event, open to all Chrysler vehicles. That means not only all American and Aussie Chryslers, but also Dodge, Plymouth, DeSoto and Imperial, as well as vehicles from Chrysler’s extended family, like Jeep, RAM and American Motors, as well as British Rootes Group cars, French Simcas and Chrysler-powered vehicles.

The 26th edition of Chryslers by the Bay was held in early March, where high temperatures limited the turn out for the show ‘n shine. Still, around 100 cars made the journey to Geelong to display their pride and joy while catching up with like-minded enthusiasts to talk all things Mopar.

While there was a variety of cars on display, few stood out as much as the Plymouth ‘Cuda pictured, not least for its amazing paint and bright interior. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a trailer queen, but this car was driven to and from the show and was built as a driver from the outset.

Featured in Street Machine back in 2022, this car started out as a standard ’72 Plymouth ‘Cuda and had been sourced from Wyoming by its current owner. Its Australian life began with the intention of a basic refurb to make it a nice driver, but the project soon expanded and the commitment to completely rebuild the car in the Pro Touring style began.

Stripped to bare metal, the car was found to have virtually no rust, making the following stages much easier. The basic body shape was retained, but the side indicators were filled and the tail light trim customised, while the factory mirrors were replaced with motorcycle mirrors.

Repainted in PPG Inferno Red, this rich red crystal pearl was also applied to the grille surround and tail light panel, which would have been black or grey originally.

Accenting the paint, a pair of broad white bonnet stripes were added. These never featured on E Body Barracudas originally, but look right in this application. Similarly, the ‘340’ callout decals on the rear quarters differ from stock, but are to the owner/builder’s preference. Of course, those callouts refer to a 340ci V8, which was in the car as bought and retained for the rebuild.

When new, E Body Plymouths like this one were available as a Barracuda or a ‘Cuda. The two were sold as separate models, with separate VIN identification, too, but had the same body and were identical in many areas. The difference came down to equipment - a Barracuda was considered the base model and came with a 225 six as standard, while the ‘Cuda was the performance model, only offered with a V8 and including additional features.

For 1970, the E Body’s first year on the market, a 383 Big Block was standard, with a 340, 440 or 426 Hemi V8 (producing 425hp) optional. By 1972, the only factory engine for a ‘Cuda like the one pictured was the 340. The Hemi had been discontinued for 1972, with the 360, 400 and 440 V8s only officially available on the Fury. Interestingly, the base Barracuda for 1972 could be optioned with the 340 or a 318 V8.

As this car was intended for regular street use, the 340 was rebuilt but only mildly modified internally. Bonnet clearance issues following the addition of an Indy intake manifold led the owner to a low-profile air cleaner, sourced from a Dodge Viper. Dual-quad Barry Grant Street Demon carbs feed the engine and Sanderson headers flow exhaust gases through a dual 3-inch system into 2 ½-inch tailpipes.

The transmission is a standard Torqueflite 727 automatic, but a 2500rpm stall converter has been added. A shortened Dana 60 axle, Eaton LSD and street-friendly gearing complete the driveline.

Intro V-Rod alloys, in 19x8 and 20x10 size, were chosen to fill the wheelarches, while the tyres are a combination of Kumhos on the front and Michelins on the rear.

Similarly, brakes are a combination of Wilwood four-piston calipers on the front discs and PBR single-piston units on the rear discs, with a Wilwood master cylinder. Suspension is a combination of QA1 adjustable coil overs up front and Gabriel shocks with lowered leaf springs at the rear.

Inside, the rebuild was done mostly to the factory pattern, but custom touches were made in the form of white-face gauges, some auxiliary gauges under the dash, an upgraded sound system, Pistol Grip shifter (‘Cuda autos normally had a T-bar) and aftermarket steering wheel. Like the body and drivetrain, most of the interior retrim was done by the owner.

Of the bright white finish, white vinyl seats were available for Barracudas in period, but extending this to the centre console, doorcards and dashtop was part of the owner’s custom approach. Allied with red carpets, the treatment works exceptionally well in complementing the exterior.

One of the hottest cars on show at this year’s 26th edition of Chryslers by the Bay in Geelong (in what was a hot day!), this Plymouth ‘Cuda is local to the region, so don’t be surprised to see it if you go for a cruise around the City by the Bay or down the Surf Coast.

While this year’s Chryslers by the Bay is done, the 27th edition has been confirmed for Sunday, 9 March, 2025. Check out the Bay City Chrysler Car Club’s Facebook page for more details.

For JUST CARS’ report from this year’s 26th edition of Chryslers by the Bay, click HERE.