The Barracuda->ke1486 is a two-door car that was manufactured by the Plymouth->ke1483 division of Chrysler->ke21 from 1964-1974. In 1971, the car was already in its third generation and was offered with three different V8 engine options with power going up to 335 HP. During that time, this amount of power was appropriate, but modern times call for the faster and more powerful. So what do you do with a beloved old school design when the output needs a walker to get through the day? You take your vision to Time Machines in Hudson, Florida where they will turn your dream into an insane reality, like transforming the Barracuda into a 450 HP V10 powered maniac.

At first glance, the product of Time Machines' hard work looks like a standard Plymouth Barracuda, but under the hood is a Dodge Viper's V10 engine surrounded by a chassis from a 2001 Dodge Viper. Yes, Time Machines took two very different vehicles and combined them into a melting pot of sheer awesomeness.

Check out how they did it after the jump.

1971 Plymouth Viper 'Cuda Convertible by Time Machines

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1971 Plymouth Viper 'Cuda Convertible by Time Machines
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 450
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The Starting Point: Preparing the Barracuda

To get started on the build, Time Machines purchased two different vehicles: a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda and a 2001 Dodge Viper. The Barracuda was completely gutted and stripped - even the floors were removed. The only things left of the vehicle were the front subframe, rockers, and radiator cradle.

After stripping down the Barracuda, Time Machines began to build it back up using 100% original ‘Cuda sheetmetal which was then dressed up with Bright Viper Red paint. Attention to detail was brought in with custom-made billboards featuring the Viper logo where the usual engine size designation would be and a forward-tilting hood designed as a tribute original Viper setup. The hood was actually the original Barracuda hood which was altered to open and tilt electronically and then splattered with “Viper Powered” badges from an SRT-10 pickup.

The Dodge Viper's Role

So, now they had a Barracuda again, but the idea was to modernize it. For this, the tuner brought in the chassis from the 2001 Dodge Viper. Getting the car pieced together was not an easy task, but they succeeded in lining up the A-pillars, fabricating a special all-steel dashboard, and using special brackets to mount the stock ‘Cuda sheetmetal fenders.

Adding the chassis also gave the Barracuda the Viper's V10 engine that pumps out 450 HP. This engine was mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission and a fully independent suspension reinforced with a set of Aldan coilover shocks. The seamless transition allows the Barracuda to ride like a true OEM on those stock Viper SRT 6-lug wheels wrapped around Viper-sized Michelin tires, 275/35/18 front and 335/30/18 rear.

Blending the Insides

Go back and take another look at the images and you will see that the original five-seater Cuda has been morphed into a two-seater. That in itself was a treat for the eyes, but then we noticed the custom all-steel dashboard housing the original Viper gauges that facilitated the reduction of seating. The dash is more Viper than Barracuda and features simple leather-wrapped surfaces and white-faced gauges, as well as the mileage from the original Viper drivetrain. The back seat was also restructured and now only fits the speakers from the new Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo.

The transformation was made complete with a stock black convertible top and a reupholstered trunk to match the interior.

Availability

To say this car is one of a kind would be an understatement and the price tag associated with it would illustrate just that. The Plymouth Barracuda/Dodge Viper blend is currently being sold by RK Motors for an incredible $199,900. The price may be a little steep, but all of the hard work put into this vehicle would be well worth it for any car aficionado.