Pick of the Day: 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe

When it comes to the way a particular model could be spec’d, few vehicles had an arms-length of available options like pony cars. Thanks to the Mustang and its ability to be all things to all people, all subsequent competitive models followed suit. Our Pick of the Day has mix of options that is quite unusual and unique: this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Allen, Texas. (Click the link to view the listing)

 When the 1971 Barracuda was introduced, it was met with disapproval by the automotive press. “What was once a smooth and appealing style has been handicapped by the gingerbread mouth on the ’71 car, and by the insistence of some product planners to wipe out smooth panels by adorning them with yards of adhesive in the form of numbers, stripes or esoteric designs,” said Hot Rod in its October 1970 issue. “The 1949-fashion front fender louvers don’t do a thing for the ‘Cuda.”

Maybe the facelift was an acquired taste, but it seems to be preferable to enthusiasts today. The strobe-like grille could have been too much for some, but contemporary collector love what was considered gingerbread, including the gills, painted grilles (with some colors), and Billboard decals. Otherwise, equipment was very similar to 1970: available hardtop and convertible body styles, Slant Six and 318 V8 engines standard, three available big-blocks and a killer small-block, bright colors, and enough options to create a grocery-getter or screamer.

A curious option package of note that began mid-year 1970 and carried over into 1971 was the Coupe. Though a body style doesn’t normally register as an option package to most enthusiasts, the Barracuda Coupe was such a thing. Along with the Dodge Challenger Deputy coupe, the Barracuda Coupe was a recessionary response to give consumers an opportunity to get into a sporty Plymouth. When you ordered option package A93, the Barracuda received fixed rear-quarter windows (with a black plug filling in the hole of the window crank), black steering wheel with horn button, and single horn. A day/night rear-view mirror and cigarette lighter were optional. Think of it as a decontented Barracuda and you would be correct. And, if you wanted the Slant Six, the A93 package triggered the availability of the 198cid six (normally, the 225 was the base six). All engines up to the 383 four-barrel were available, as were most options.

While it is not known how many A93 Barracudas were built in 1971, it is known that 592 V8 Coupes were built to U.S. specifications, which makes this 318-powered Bahama Yellow 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe quite scarce. With rarity and a High Impact color on its side, you’d think that would be enough, but stop reading for a moment and take a glance at this pony car and take in some of the options you may see. Luggage rack? An uncommon option not something you’d expect in a cheapo version of a vehicle. And what about the sport hood with hood pins? Wow! Even on a regular Barracuda hardtop, that’s an unusual combination of options.

Other features include automatic with center console, power steering and brakes, air conditioning (yes, another unusual option on a cheapo Coupe), tinted windshield, driver-side rear-view mirror, and AM radio. In more recent years, an aluminum intake, headers, and dual exhaust system have been added, as have the Rallye wheels. Additionally, a Vintage Air system has replaced the original unit, ditto the radio, and it appears the rear panel has been painted black like a ‘Cuda.

Yes, 1971 ‘Cudas are priced out of reach from the average enthusiast, and today it seems regular Barracudas are riding on their coattails. At $59,900, this isn’t for the average enthusiast, but it’s for someone who can appreciate an unusual option mix that likely won’t be found elsewhere.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.