Is this crusty ’Cuda worth 10 grand?

In the pantheon of muscle cars, few are more revered than the 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda. The all-new E-body platform brought perfect proportions and a low, slender look that was the perfect characterization of its toothy namesake. The ’Cuda had bite, and it left its A-body predecessors in the dust.

Buyers who are looking for a ’Cuda of their own—and a serious restoration along the way —may be interested in this eBay auction for a ’70 ’Cuda that hasn’t been driven since the mid-1980s.

Reportedly a numbers-matching example, this crusty discovery came from the factory in the desirable, high-impact Plum Crazy. It was also equipped with a Shaker hood, although that’s long gone.

Unlike the standard Barracuda, which could be had with a slant-six, 318 V-8, or 383 V-8 with a two-barrel carb, each ’Cuda built in 1970 was powered by a high-performance V-8. Besides the Trans-Am-spec AAR that came with a high-revving 340, each ’70 ’Cuda packed a big-block.

A 383-powered ’Cuda like this one isn’t as big a draw as 426 Hemi or 440 example, although it’s still quite a find—and with 335 horsepower, the 383 is no slouch.

This barn find may require a bit more work than a 383 ’Cuda’s current prices warrant, as the #2 (Excellent) value is $60,000. In defense of a full restoration, Plum Crazy is desirable and so is a Shaker hood. Add about 10 percent for a four-speed, and a restoration starts to make sense. With a current price near $10,000, any restoration would still have to be done carefully and wisely to stay on budget. We shudder to think how much bodywork a project like this would require.

If it were less rusty, our vote would be to get it on the road as is, showing off the patina and appreciating the ratty muscle car vibe. After fixing the floorboards, of course. It’s just that the once-vinyl top has led to some rust-through in the C-pillar. That needs attention too… and the rear window… and maybe the A-pillars… 

If you had the opportunity to resurrect this once-proud muscle car, which direction would you take?