Showdown: Blown Vs Topless Edition
Our last showdown was a while ago, mostly because we keep finding cars more “singular” in nature. Most recently, the Buick won. Before that, we’re still suggesting loyal reader Abe go to a motor works in Bavaria for his grand tourer.
I’ll readily admit that today’s showdown is basically an excuse to talk about two pretty bitchin muscle machines. The central question being, if you were to spend non-small sums of money, whether you’d rock out with your ¢ock scoop out or keep it more of a classy, black tie affair. These listings are also unique for two things: they’re both honest-to-God four speed cars and they’re both remarkably well written. “Brakes”, “transmission”, no “completely unnecessary” quotes, not even Comic Sans or ALLCAPS! It’s an editor’s dream!
But yeah, on to the cars…
While not the easiest to spray or maintain, a deep coat of black paint is the proper way to outfit the curves of a mid-’60s muscle car. Offset by just a little bit of chrome, it’s just so right. The downside to an all-black oldie? They get hotter than Hell in August (note the bias that Hell is in the northern hemisphere). Not a problem with this Plymouth Barracuda: just drop the top. For greater top-down enjoyment, the original 273ci motor’s been swapped for a built 340ci and backed up by a rebuilt 4-speed. Check the listing for the details on the motor, as this isn’t just an intake, carb and distributor warm-up. The car originally had AC, and most of it’s there, but not so much to be functional. The full set of factory gauges are a sweet touch. I know we’re gonna have to talk about the 17″ wheels…which aren’t exactly what I’d choose, but fill the wheel wells without looking too inappropriate. Staring bid’s $9,999 with a $25k buy it now.
1967 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible – eBay Motors
Being classy is for suckers. Blowers are where it’s at. In this case, we’ve got a Mustang in its most garish phase (a ’71 Mach 1), exposing its 6-71 to the world. Said blower sits atop the mongo-ported 351 Cleveland. Like the Plymouth, this ‘Stang eschews the typical C6 in favor of four gears and a clutch. The fact that it’s the same T10 backing up my 165hp 260 either makes me feel better about my equipment or worse about this. The nice thing about a manny tranny are the efficiency gains from no slippage. According to the seller the car recently got 13.5mpg on a road trip. Not bad for a car with 1500cfm worth of carbs and a 3.89:1 rearend. Like the Plymouth, this one’s been built with the whole system in mind, and tuned to get the most: right around 500hp, depending on which pulleys you’re using. Reserve’s cleared at $11,990, but we suspect it’ll go for at least double that.
1971 Mustang Mach 1 – eBay Motors
Neither of these is within paper-route money range (unless you’re slinging more than news from your bike), but they’re both bitchin’ in their own way and built with the attention to detail that can justify their high prices. Of course, these “high prices” are about on par with a new midsize family sedan. Camcordima and Fusibu for the loss.
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That Mustang makes me weak in the knees, and I don't even like Mustangs.
Ayup. When I was a little kid, playing hotwheels in the sandbox, that was the kind of car I just assumed I would have when I grew up.
Also the Neon purple seatbelts in the 'cuda manage to clash with black and white. That's hard to accomplish.
To paraphrase that old t-shirt – Topless is nice … but I'd rather be blown.
I'm a sucker for a ragtop and not a big fan of the blower-out-of-the-hood look. Sure, the Mustang goes like stink, but nothing soothes my nerves like top down cruise through the country on a warm summer's evening. Barracuda it is for me.
What bugs me about the wheels are they are too common. They look like AR Torque Thrusts, right? I mean everyone and their Uncle Leroy is running them or Boyd's Smoothie II. I'd want something a little different. They look like they need a little taller tire and a little more width for my taste.
The bigger issue are those bright purple seat belts, yikes.
They're A/R's newer style Torq Thrusts that run like 16-19", generally intended for newer muscle like the Challenger.
The tricky part for wheels on classics is that there are only about 4 non-stock wheels that look remotely appropriate, so your options are boring Vs hideous.
Cragar's got a new wheel that's supposed to be available now that's got me drooling…provided they don't weigh 30lbs each:
<img src="http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/crr-500g571242_w.jpg">
Not in any way relevant, but I always dream of owning a car wearing a set of these:
<img src="http://www.lamborghinihouston.com/images/Lamborghini/Espada/967_C229/full/Lamborghini_Espada_14.jpg" width="400">
Still love to see old steel with old style steelies.
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jENN4i7WodY/TNnn2oBxlII/AAAAAAAACvk/Sp4gic9E0Lc/baracuda%20wheel.PNG">
Those look nice.
Sizing is part of the trick on older cars. Too many guys go with modern low profile rubber band tires on too big wheels and they are just out of proportion. These cars ahd 15" or even 14" wheels, so going to 17" or maybe 18" is plenty, jsut put a tall enough tire.
When I bought wheels for my T'bird I got 17" x 8" Boyd Junkyard Dogs, which are similar to the Smoothie but a little more aggressive, with straight, flared spokes:
<img src="http://www.salguod.net/gallery/1960_thunderbird_convertible/P1110634-photo.jpg">
I also went with a tall-ish, almost SUV sized tire in P235/55R17 to get close to the original 14", 80 series tire's 28" height. More pics here.
that's a good looking tbird!
I am an unabashed fan of all things 'Cuda (except the mama grizzly kind). However, I like to see the look of fear in people as I drive by. This Mustang would accomplish that. That blowers whine would be a cacophony of pure motorized mayhem.
There's a certain symmetry to the Mustang now that the visibility out the front is reduced to roughly the same as out the rear.
The Barracuda is uber-cool and lots can be done to make it even more so. 'Cuda for me, minus the stupid, stupid wheels.
The 1971 Mustang is not a pony car, it's a fat dray horse dressed up to look like a knight's charger. No amount of blowing will ever make it desirable to me.
<img src="http://www.theequinest.com/images/photoshop6.jpg" width="500" />
You know what? Balls to subtlety.
I've been fairly quiet and unassuming all my life, and a black Barracuda, even with Cragar SS Douche Edition wheels isn't going to change all that. Better I go with a bright red 'Stang with a pump sticking out of the bonnet.
Take Notice, y'all. Rust-MyEnemy is in the office, and he's speaking loudly, and his desk is untidy, and he doesn't give a fcku.
hahaha, meet the man and shake his hand!
That was a tough yet enjoyable decision. With the same power and no blower, I'd be strongly attracted to the Mach 1. But I like the interior of the Plymouth a little better, and since neither is particularly suited to my favorite deer paths, I might as well try to die of windburn.
Isn't it 'bitchin' ? 'Bitchen'? I don't think it's 'bitching'.
"bitchen" is, of course, the word's Germanic origin meaning " pertaining to an open field where campfires are lit, heavy metal is played out of a dozen clapped-out Opel Vectra speaker systems, and copious amounts of Bitburger are made present"
Dammit.
Fixed to bitchin.
That Mustang looks so, so right, yet if left to my own devices I would never in a million years make a car that looked like it. Some days I need a car that just says "Screw y'all I don't care anymore. I'm going and ya cain't stop me!"
I need its keys now!
The Mustang looks like a caricature – a rookie racer.
Which is exactly why it gets my vote. It's as close to a living Trosley cartoon as I've seen in a while.
Rat Rink lives in the Mustang. Hurst shifter thru the roof, stink flies and blood shot eyes. This is that car.
First time I've seen a Trosley mention here. Nice.
To hell with subtlety. Give me noise. Give me power. Give me bright red obnoxious, penis-swinging, unadulterated masculinity.
I like these one on one showdowns. Definitely gotta hand it to the Barracuda, I've always preferred the understated look and a blower just destroys the notion of having a decent sleeper. I think I could come up with some better looking wheels than those blingy Cragar knockoffs though.
I'll take the Barracuda. The Mustang is trying too hard to be cool.
Flat black paint and 2 big tanks in the back, the Mustang could pass for an American version of Max's Last V8.
The Mustang is just delightfully sick. You'd better have your hair combed, your license right, and be ready to be interviewed by every cop in the world the minute you pay for this beast and start driving it. This is one car that will keep you honest, don't think for a minute you'll get away with anything in something that looks as outrageous as this. You'll be using your turn signals, coming to a complete stop, and driving five under the limit because you just know that you're the easiest cop target in the county.
The first thing that came to my mind when I seen that Mustang was Snot Rod from the movie Cars. I watch Cars with my 2 year old daughter almost everyday.
Sometimes I wish my pops would have kept his 71 Mach 1 with the 428 Cobra Jet. This is one of those times.
This may be the first time I have ever voted for an auto. EVER.
They're both sticks, I believe.
Whoops, I read C6, not "instead of the C6". Thanks for pointing that out. I am now less worried about myself.
As a convert to the Church of Mopar and having been raised in the ragtop sect of Hoonitarianism, I think you know what my vote was.
However I do love a '71-'73 Mustang fastback, especially with the engine sticking through the hood. It reminds me of one of my favorite Matchbox cars.
The 'Cuda sure is clean, but the wheels ruin it for me. The Mustang, on the other hand, is like something out of my wildest teenage dreams.
The 'Stang sure is awesome, I can only imagine the desert I would destroy in that thing but it's a fucking Barracuda for christ's sake! There is no way I could ever pass up a Barracuda even if that Mustang was already in my drive way.
That is probably one of my least favorite non-number-affixed Mustangs but WOW is it well done for what it is.
I like them both but the barracuda does it for me rims can andwould be changed.. Topless muscle.