This month’s Hidden Treasure...
This month’s Hidden Treasure comes from Chuck and Sheryl Sparks of Macon, Georgia, and you won’t believe the deal they got on this big-block ’70 Barracuda.
Though most automotive enthusiasts are aware that scoring a deal on a classic Mopar has become more and more difficult thanks to the internet and certain television shows, sometimes we're reminded that good cars are still out there waiting to be found. And while there are still plenty of owners who "won't sell at any price," or "are planning to fix it up one day," at times it's not the money that matters but the sentimental value of the classic car that keeps an owner from selling. Chuck and Sheryl Sparks of Macon, Georgia, discovered this '70 Barracuda sitting at a storage unit and, thanks to a childhood friendship, purchased the Plymouth for just one dollar.
Each year, the Sparks family leases a storage unit during the holiday season in order for "Santa" to have somewhere to hide gifts before the magical morning of Christmas. Sitting in outside storage at the same complex, Chuck had noticed a '70 Barracuda that he swore he recognized from his childhood, and would check the car out during their visits. Sheryl was scared that he'd get in trouble for disturbing someone's property, but Chuck swore that he knew the owner of this Barracuda as an older friend named Mark that he knew as a kid.
When Chuck was younger, he would ride his bicycle up to the store and Mark, who lived in the neighborhood, would often be there in his Barracuda. Showing off, or maybe with a little encouragement, Mark would do burnouts on the road in front of the store which made a big impression with Chuck. Seeing the car stored and neglected, Chuck couldn't get the Barracuda and its owner out of his mind, so he called in a favor and had a friend run the VIN to make sure this was the same car. When the information came back, Chuck discovered that the car was the one he remembered, and that Mark still owned the car but was currently incarcerated, explaining why the car was neglected.
After writing a letter to Mark, a phone call confirmed that he remembered Chuck and they talked about the car, the neighborhood, and the impression the powerful Plymouth made on Chuck. Expressing interest in the car Chuck kept in touch with Mark, and after a few letters and phone calls surprised Chuck one day by calling with his lawyer on the line as well. Stating that it was apparent how much Chuck loved the car, Mark agreed that if he would restore it and promise never to sell that he could have the car for one dollar. The lawyer drew up the bill of sale and the 383 Barracuda was theirs.
As a Barracuda model (instead of a 'Cuda), this car is a fairly rare big-block four-speed model, with a flat hood, vinyl roof, and factory air conditioning. After cleaning the car up and replacing belts, hoses, and fluids, the Plymouth fired right up and ran well. Chuck and Sheryl have already performed some rust repairs and have rebuilt the 383, and the paint job was in progress when they wrote us and is likely finished by now. We congratulate the Sparks' on their purchase, and would like to thank Mark for setting a good example, realizing what the car meant to someone else and letting them restore and enjoy it.
Overall, the Barracuda is...
Overall, the Barracuda is in great shape, and as part of the purchase agreement a full restoration is underway. Chuck says he had to promise Mark that he wouldn’t sell the car, but planned to keep the car forever regardless of the promise. We’re happy to see that this cool Mopar will be restored, since the owner did the right thing and sold the car to someone he knew would enjoy it.
In 1970 the ’Cuda was the...
In 1970 the ’Cuda was the high-performance version of Plymouth’s E-Body, so it’s unusual to find a Barracuda with a factory high-performance 383 and Pistol Grip four-speed. With a flat hood and vinyl roof, this car is a real sleeper, having all the appearances of 318 power.
Seeing this ’70 Barracuda...
Seeing this ’70 Barracuda sitting outside in a storage lot, Chuck Sparks thought he recognized the car as belonging to a childhood neighbor. Knowing the Plymouth was only getting worse sitting uncovered outside, a little research led him to the car’s owner who was incarcerated, but remembered Chuck and was happy to sell him the car for a great price.