FOR SALE A true factory-reference, investment-grade 1970 Plymouth Barracuda – numbers-matching, California survivor

[RonnieT]

Highly desirable, rust-free CA car in exceptional condition with complete documentation. Built at the Los Angeles Assembly plant (E), sold new at Jack Ellis Chrysler-Plymouth in Glendale, CA. It remained in CA the first 34 years, then sold to the current owner (in 2004) who systematically maintained the car in climate-controlled storage, driving it <100 miles over the past 22 years.

This is a 318ci/230hp/727 Auto configured for "luxury"; the car was ordered with every high-end comfort option available in 1970. The resulting MSRP of $4,294.45 (Dealer Invoice $4,616.75 - see pics) exceeded that of a base Hemi ‘Cuda.

Post purchase, the Dealer installed the AAR (Ducktail) rear spoiler, Hockey Stick stripes (440 callouts) and performance tires to capture the muscle car styling of the era. In the 90s, the single stage acrylic enamel paint was replaced with a high-quality basecoat/clearcoat (retaining the factory correct Alpine White). All these enhancements have been preserved as part of the car’s unique 56-year history.

Offered at $64,500

 

[RonnieT]

Dealer Invoice, Window Sticker, Broadcast Sheet

 

[RonnieT]

Production Rarity

Of 49,000 Barracudas built in 1970, only 2,191 left the factory in Alpine White (EW1/W1). Of those, just 585 were equipped with this drivetrain combination (318cid/230hp V8 / 727 TorqueFlite automatic). Based on condition, documentation and extensive combination of factory options, production rarity is evident.

________________________________________

Highly Optioned

• High-grade H6T5 Saddle Tan bucket seat interior

• Wood grained Center Console (C16) - includes seat belt holder and floor mounted shifter

• Power Windows (P31) – exceptionally rare in combination with this configuration

• Air Conditioning (H51), Tinted glass (G11), Undercoating & Hood Insulator Pad (J55)

• Power Brakes (B51), Front Disc Brakes (B41)

• Evaporative Emission Control (N95) – required for CA registration in 1970

• 318cid/230hp V8 engine (E44), 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission (D34)

• Rear Axle (D51) - 3.23:1 gear ratio (D51=heavy duty housing/assembly vs D21 light duty)

• Deluxe Wheel Covers (W11) - Currently fitted with BF Goodrich Radial T/A raised white letter tires, fitted on steel wheels and staggered P215/60R14 front / P245/60R14 rear

• A01 Deluxe Light Group - including fender turn signals, glovebox/ashtray/trunk lights, time delay ignition/instrument panel/map/courtesy lights

• A04 Basic Group - including Power Steering, Chrome Racing Mirrors w/remote controls, Variable Speed Wipers/Elec Washer, Radio-Solid State AM

• A62 Rallye Instrument Cluster Group - 150mph speedo, 7000rpm tach, Oil Pressure, Electric Clock, Trip Odometer w/pushbutton reset, woodgrain instrument cluster includes fuel, temperature, ammeter gauges, heater control floodlight

Post Purchase Enhancements:

• AAR ducktail rear spoiler, Hockey Stick Stripe (440 callouts), staggered wheels/tires

• Rear window defogger, dual horns, security system, under dash CD player

• Paint updated (1990s) preserving original EW1/W1 Alpine White utilizing modern basecoat/clearcoat. Process entailed full disassembly and body prep, including removal of body-side moldings with full restoration of mounting points refinished to flawless, uniform appearance.

________________________________________

Complete Documentation / Absolute Proof of Authenticity

• Original Dealer Sales Order from Jack Ellis Chrysler of Glendale, Inc., dated Dec 30, 1969, itemizes pre-tax price of $4,616.75 and $1,700 trade-in of Buyer’s 1967 Plymouth Barracuda

• Original Broadcast Sheet, Original Window Sticker ($4,294.45 MSRP)

• Original Operator’s Manual, Warranty Documents, Warranty Card

• Original Fender Tag/VIN Plate/Drivetrain (all match identically to paperwork)

________________________________________

Condition Highlights

• Rust-free California car, straight body, excellent paint, tight panel alignment

• Unrestored originality with exceptional preservation; documentation supports authenticity

• Many original factory decals, stickers, markings remain intact

• Starts, idles, accelerates, handles, brakes and presents like new

• Garaged for its entire 56-year life (34yrs in CA; 22yrs in OH)

• Excellent upholstery, carpet and interior finishes (driver seat shows minor seam splits)

• Rust Free undercarriage, clean engine bay and trunk (including original spare/jack/hold down)

• Note: original front bumper being prepped for re-chroming. Included in sale.

________________________________________

 

[JDMopar]

If it currently has a 727, it did not come in the car from the factory. It started life with a 904, like all 318 cars did.

 

[Katfish]

Curious where you found this info? Never seen engine production numbers.

"Of those, just 585 were equipped with this drivetrain combination (318cid/230hp V8 / 727 TorqueFlite automatic"

 

[B5blueGC]

Build sheet show D31 - A904 Trans. Shifter knob looks incorrect.

 

[gran coupe john]

Is it a gran coupe?

 

[Cuda_mark]

A repainted survivor?

 

[RonnieT]

If it currently has a 727, it did not come in the car from the factory. It started life with a 904, like all 318 cars did.

Hi JD - if you check the Window Sticker and Broadcast Sheet, you will see the coding clearly verifying the 727 Torqueflite Automatic Transmision. As I learned, Chrysler used 2 different vocabularies on the Window Sticker (Sales Codes) vs the Broadcast Sheet (Build Codes). On my documentation, each of them use the proper Sales and Broadcast Sheet codes to reference the 727.

On the Window Sticker it references D34. What “D34” Actually Means​

• D34 is Chrysler’s option code
• It denotes:
  Heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatic (A727)

So What Is the 727?

• The A727 TorqueFlite is the actual transmission unit
• 3-speed automatic
• Used behind:
  • Small blocks (like your 318)
  • Big blocks
  • Hemis

It’s the top-tier Chrysler automatic of the era

What “31” Means on my Broadcast Sheet:​

• Line 2 / Section D (Trans) = “31”

This is the broadcast (build) code, not the sales code.


For 1970 Plymouth:

• 31 = A727 TorqueFlite automatic

So:

31 (broadcast code) = D34 (sales code) = A727 transmission

 

[RonnieT]

Build sheet show D31 - A904 Trans. Shifter knob looks incorrect.

Hi and I sent similar response to JD who made a transmission inquiry. Every source I know translates the Window Sticker and Broadcast Sheet as follows:

Hi JD - if you check the Window Sticker and Broadcast Sheet, you will see the coding clearly verifying the 727 Torqueflite Automatic Transmision. As I learned, Chrysler used 2 different vocabularies on the Window Sticker (Sales Codes) vs the Broadcast Sheet (Build Codes). On my documentation, each of them use the proper Sales and Broadcast Sheet codes to reference the 727.

• D34 is Chrysler’s option code
• It denotes:
  Heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatic (A727)

So What Is the 727?

• The A727 TorqueFlite is the actual transmission unit
• 3-speed automatic
• Used behind:
  • Small blocks (like your 318)
  • Big blocks
  • Hemis

It’s the top-tier Chrysler automatic of the era

• Line 2 / Section D (Trans) = “31”

This is the broadcast (build) code, not the sales code.


For 1970 Plymouth:

• 31 = A727 TorqueFlite automatic

So:

31 (broadcast code) = D34 (sales code) = A727 transmission

 

[RonnieT]

A repainted survivor?

Hi Mark. I used the term "Survivor" because the car has been untouched mechanically, shows its original 84,900 miles and has all its original paperwork. I also very clearly identify that it received a modern paint upgrade. In a 56 year auto life, I guess my opinion is the car has earned the title of Survivor. Given the collector world reserves that term for totally untouched cars, your point is well taken and maybe I should modify that. Ironically, many cars properly labeled "Survivors" have had all kinds of mechanical work and replacement parts, so that label has other issues which I'm just going to leave be.

 

[RonnieT]

Is it a gran coupe?

Hi John - no, it is not a gran coupe. Mine is a BH23, which decodes

• BH23
  • B = Barracuda (base model)
  • H = High price class
  • 23 = 2-door hardtop

Conversely, a Gran Coupe decodes as: BP23

The P in BP = Premium / Gran Coupe trim level

This included:

• Higher-grade interior materials
• More sound insulation
• Additional trim and brightwork
• “Luxury” positioning within the Barracuda lineup

 

[RonnieT]

Curious where you found this info? Never seen engine production numbers.

"Of those, just 585 were equipped with this drivetrain combination (318cid/230hp V8 / 727 TorqueFlite automatic"

Hi Katfish - I secured that data from a variety of sources. Easiest to check is run the question thru all the AI engines and you'll see it comes back consistent.

 

[JDMopar]

Do you have any pics of the transmission pan from underneath the car? Pics of the partial VIN on the transmission?

 

[Deathproofcuda]

"A true factory reference" seems like a loonnngggg stretch for this car.

 

[RonnieT]

Do you have any pics of the transmission pan from underneath the car? Pics of the partial VIN on the transmission?

I will add more pics, including transmission pan as soon as I can. Hopefully today.

 

[RonnieT]

"A true factory reference" seems like a loonnngggg stretch for this car.

I understand the Dealer installed add ons are things a purist may see as negative, but I did not remove as they are part of the car's history. On the paint update, I guess the original owner wanted it perfect again. I'm not judging as I don't know what condition the original acrylic enamel might have been in by that time. I appreciate the comments and hopefully everyone is enjoying the information, even if they aren't interested in becoming its next caretaker.

 

[TomIGo]

Whether it is a "A true factory reference" or not, it is a very nice looking vehicle!

 

[Deathproofcuda]

I understand the Dealer installed add ons are things a purist may see as negative, but I did not remove as they are part of the car's history. On the paint update, I guess the original owner wanted it perfect again. I'm not judging as I don't know what condition the original acrylic enamel might have been in by that time. I appreciate the comments and hopefully everyone is enjoying the information, even if they aren't interested in becoming its next caretaker.

There are many things about this car that are not "factory" beyond the claimed dealer installed add ons and a BC/CC repaint.

Good luck with the sale. Looks to likely be a fairly solid and nice driver, but I think you chose the wrong forum to try and market this car as "a true factory-reference and investment-grade Barracuda.

 

[S Vicious]

Exhaust tips from a Chevy Citation 024