When we saw the simulated scoops on its hood and a stick shift poking through the floor, we thought we’d stumbled onto a ’73 ‘Cuda 340. But closer inspection reveals it to be a G-code 318 2-barrel with the standard equipment D13 A-230 3-speed manual transmission. Option code J54 accounts for the ‘Cuda Sport Hood, an extra cost option on standard Barracudas like this one. Another interesting option is the N23 electronic ignition system which is given away by the paired voltage regulator and ECM near the center of the firewall. Standard equipment with 340 power, the electronic ignition was an extra cost option with this car’s base 318 V8.

Here’s another junked Road Runner at Curboy’s yard. It’s a ’73 and while the 318 2-barrel situated under the hood was indeed the base Road Runner engine for ‘73, the H in this one’s VIN (RM21H3G184446) tells us it was originally born with the 240 horsepower 340, the lame 318 was swapped in later. While a sliding metal sunroof was factory optional, this one’s goofball hatch was carved in by an uncaring owner. With 17,443 built, 1973 was a very strong sales year for the Road Runner. By comparison, a mere 6,159 ‘Runners were sold in 1972.

There were 64,596 1965 Barracudas built, but less than two in ten had a factory four-speed like this one. A bare bones stripper with manual steering and brakes, its 9-inch front drums rule out Formula S status – where front disc brakes were standard. Unfortunately, the transmission tunnel, with its unique circular shift handle clearance hole, has been sliced to accept an aftermarket vertical gate shifter. Quietly rusting away now, you just know this little beast shattered the calm of many a summer night in its prime....