340ci & 4-speed, Buckets & Console. Tx9 Triple Black. Vin On Engine & Tranny. on 2040-cars

To start with, let me first say that I understand that there is a lot of information in my ad. I also understand that this may be boring to the person who is just looking and not buying. However, for the person who is looking to buy and spend their hard earned money, I feel that there is never too much information.

As to myself, I am not a dealer, just a (64) year old kid that loves muscle cars. For my work, I recently retired from managing a Correctional Facility here in Maine and have worked for the Maine Department of Corrections for (40) years. I am also a respected member of my community. I mention this only because of the value of this car and so that prospective buyers will have some idea as to who they are dealing with. Also, please check out my eBay feedback which is 100% with (1,100) transactions. Many of those have been muscle cars which I have sold to individuals all over the country as well as Canada, England, France, Switzerland and Australia.

Just some quick history on the Plymouth 'Cuda.

In 1969, Plymouth released the 340 & 383 'Cuda models to compete in the increasing market for performance and speed. Although the first Barracuda was released in 1964 1/2 , the 'Cuda moniker wasn't adopted into the Barracuda lineup until 1969. Originally called the "Mopar 340" while in development, the popular 'Cuda nickname was later adopted before becoming available to the public.

The 'Cuda package was easily recognized by the two distinct twin black hood scoops atop matching hood stripes across the hood. The tape strips also appeared along the lower portion of the vehicle with corresponding call-outs determining the engine displacement. The 'Cuda packaged was inspired by the Plymouth Roadrunner thus earning the name from many popular car magazines as the “Pocket Roadrunner.” The 'Cuda package was mainly developed for street racing, while the Formula "S" was for the driver who appreciated handling. The 'Cuda package shared all the suspension and drive train components found on the popular Formula "S" model, but lacked most high end options which were commonly found on Formula "S" optioned Barracudas. The 340 'Cuda and 383 'Cuda series were targeted towards buyers who found themselves wanting to compete with the Mustang, Camaro, and other pony cars. Plymouth offered the 1969 'Cuda with either the 340 rated at 275 hp or the 383 rated at 330hp. In 1969 the 383 received an extra boost in horsepower due to an improvement in exhaust manifold design and a new camshaft.

With a new grille and single headlights (very similar to the 1970 model) and four circular taillights for 1972, the Barracuda would remain basically unchanged through 1974, with new body side stripes, and minor changes to the bumpers to conform with federal impact standards being the only significant variations. Big block engines (383, 440, & 426 Hemi), heavy duty suspensions and rear axles, and wide tires mounted on 15" x 7" wheels were no longer offered. Additionally; convenience and comfort items such as power seats, power windows, and interior upgrade (leather seats and plush carpeting) options were dropped, though a sun roof could still be ordered. For 1972 only, three engine choices were offered: a 225 six, the 318 (base engine for both 'Cuda and Barracuda), and a 340, detuned to meet emission standards. As with other American vehicles of the time there was a progressive decrease in the Barracuda's performance. To meet increasingly stringent safety and exhaust emission regulations, big-block engine options were discontinued. The remaining engines were detuned year by year to reduce exhaust emissions, which also reduced their power output. Higher fuel prices and performance-car insurance surcharges deterred many buyers as the interest in high performance cars waned. Sales had dropped dramatically after 1970, and while 1973 showed a sales uptick, Barracuda production ended 1 April 1974, ten years to the day after it had begun.

So let’s get right to this rare 1972 Triple Black 'Cuda that I am auctioning here today on eBay Motors.

Here is what this 1972 Triple Black 'Cuda has:

1.                Original and Decoded Vin Tag;

2.                Original and Decoded Body Tag;

3.                Original Driver’s Side Door Tag;

4.                Original Vin Stamped Block;

5.                Original Vin Stamped A833 Manual Transmission;

6.                Vin Stamped on Cowl Area;

7.                Original Rear Axle;

8.                Real TX9 Paint Car;

9.                Heads Appear to be Original Starting with 341;

10.           Original Tinted Windows;

11.           Original Seat Belts;

12.           Power Steering;

13.           Frame Connectors;

14.           Very Nice Paint;

15.           Very Nice Interior;

16.           Hood Pins;

17.           Rear Spoiler:

18.           Dog Dish Caps with BFG Radial T/A’s.

Here is what this 1972 Triple Black 'Cuda has for issues:

1.                No Heater;

2.                Windshield Wiper not Working;

3.                Emergency Brake not Connected;

4.                Minor Paint Bubbling on Bottom of Driver’s Side Front Fender;

5.                Some Minor Stone Chipping on the Lower Rear Quarters;

FYI: The important parts are there. i.e. Original Block, Tranny, Rear Axle and Heads. All of the other items to bring the ‘Cuda back to stock can be found.

I would consider the paint on this car to be very good with excellent shine. However, there is some minor bubbling on bottom of driver’s side front fender and a few minor stone nicks at the bottom of the rear quarters. The engine starts fine, sounds and runs great with no smoke or leaks and drives down the road great with plenty of power. No shaking or shimmering. The transmission shifts up and down with firm shifts with no slipping as it goes through the gears. The interior is in very good restored condition with no rips in the seats or the door panels. The dash is in very good condition with one crack. The carpet and headliner are also in very good condition. As to gauges; the speedometer, tachometer, amp meter, fuel, oil and temperature gauges all work. The aftermarket radio works great. All exterior lights work to include blinkers, high and low beams, backup lights and running lights. Interior gauge lights and dome light work. The trunk is solid with no rust issues but the spare and the jack assembly are missing. The undercarriage is undercoated and in very good condition, very solid with no rust issues. Frame connectors were added. Overall, this is a very nice and rare E-Code ‘Cuda that is not concourse but will definitely win at local car shows. The car is a true eye catcher and I believe that my reserve is well below what I have seen others going for.

FYI: I am sure that the Vin number is stamped on the top of the radiator support but it is not my car so I am not going to sand that arear to find it.

Now take a deep breath and look here for a walk around video of this super rare 1972 Triple Black 'Cuda.

I know from previous experience that there is never too much information for the serious collectors. So, for all of you numbers guys and gals, this is for you.

Production Numbers:

1972 340 ‘Cudas – 5,864     340 ‘Cuda Automatics – 4,163     340 ‘Cuda Manual – 1,701

Vin Number:      BS23H2B381896

Vin Number Decode:

          B       Plymouth

          S       Special

          23     2 Door Hardtop

          H       340ci 240HP 1-4BBL  HP    LA Family

2       1972

B       Hamtramck, MI Assembly Plant

381896      Sequence Number

Body Tag Decode:

N41            Dual Exhaust System

N42            Bright Exhaust Tips

N85            Tachometer

R35            Radio, AM/FM/MX Stereo

EN2           End of Codes

J54             Sport Hood

M21           Drip Rail Mouldings

M25           Body Sill Mouldings

M31           Belt Mouldings Door Quarters

M88           Deck Lid Moulding Treatment

N23            Electronic Ignition System

TX9           Formal Black Lower Paint

U                Made to USA Specs

C16            Console

C56            Bucket Seats

G35            Left Hand Outside Remote Mirror, Sport

J25             Windshield Wipers, Variable

TX9           Formal Black Upper Paint

A6X9         A       A Class Grade

                   6       Vinyl Seats

                   X9    Black

000             Full Door Panels

414             April 14, 1972 Assembly Date

546898      Vehicle Order Number

E55            340ci 240HP 1-4BBL  HP    LA Family

D21            4-Speed Manual Floor Shift, A833

B                Plymouth

S                 Special

23               2 Door Hardtop

H                340ci 240HP 1-4BBL  HP    LA Family

2                 1972

B                 Hamtramck, MI Assembly Plant

381896      Sequence Number

Important ID Photos

EXTERIOR PHOTOS

INTERIOR PHOTOS

ENGINE PHOTOS

TRUNK PHOTOS

  

I highly recommend that serious buyers come themselves or send an agent to see this car in person.

All photos and information that I have documented on this car will be burned on a CD and given to the new owner.

I am an individual and do not claim to know everything there is to know about these cars. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of you questions or concerns are resolved prior to bidding and not after.

WINNING BIDDER DOES NOT HAVE THE OPTION TO LOOK THIS CAR OVER AFTER THE AUCTION CLOSES TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO BUY. INSPECTIONS "MUST" BE DONE PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE AUCTION WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.

In fairness to all, I am not revealing the reserve price. If you are interested in owning this car, please place a bid TO OWN ONLY NOT TO PASS TIME. If it does not make reserve, I may contact the high bidder depending on what the highest amount was on the last bid.

There is no Maine title for this 1972 ‘Cuda as Maine does not issue titles for vehicles that are more than (15) years old. I have sold cars all over the country as well as Canada, England, Switzerland, France and Australia and have never had a problem. The car will come with a Bill-of-Sale, the Maine registration signed over to the new owner and a copy of the Maine law regarding titles which is on a form issued by the Maine Motor Vehicle Department.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR BIDDING.