1972 · Plymouth · United States
Two Hardtops, One Standard 340
Hardtops only, single headlamps, four round taillamps, and a 340 four-barrel as the top engine: the 'Cuda carried it as standard.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
Plymouth's 1972 compact catalog reduced the E-body line to two two-door hardtops: the Barracuda, offered with the 225 six or 318 V8 standard and the 340 four-barrel optional, and the 'Cuda, which carried the 340 as standard equipment. The convertible, the Hemi, and the 440 were gone from the lineup for the year, and 'Cuda standard equipment ran to a performance hood, color-keyed grille, black rear deck panel, heavy-duty suspension, and 'Cuda-specific ornamentation that distinguished it from the plainer Barracuda.
Reference books and a period trade table put model-year production at 18,450, split 10,622 Barracudas and 7,828 'Cudas, while Sessler's separate lineage instead totals 16,142; this record leads with the trade-table figure and shows the Sessler total beside it, since the scope difference between the two counts is not documented in either source. Sessler's own body-engine rows split his smaller total into 809 six-cylinder Barracudas, 8,951 V8 Barracudas, and 6,382 'Cudas, a 'Cuda count nearly 1,500 below the 7,828 'Cudas reported in the larger trade-table lineage; the two 'Cuda figures are not reconciled here any more than the totals they belong to.1,2,3
Three engines were coded in the 1972 ordering guide: the E24 225 six at 8.4:1 compression with a single exhaust, standard on the Barracuda; the E44 318 two-barrel at 8.6:1, the Barracuda's standard V8; and the E55 340 four-barrel with electronic ignition at 8.5:1 and dual exhaust, standard on the 'Cuda and optional on the Barracuda. No horsepower or torque ratings for any of the three engines were found in the sources consulted for 1972, so the engines section of this record carries displacement, induction, and compression without a power figure for any of them. The D13 three-speed manual was standard, with the D21 four-speed and D34 TorqueFlite automatic both optional across the line.4
The ordering guide's sales-code list ran deep: a J97 Rallye instrument cluster, an S13 heavy-duty suspension package of torsion bars, rear springs, and a front sway bar standard on the 'Cuda and with the 340, a V21 performance hood paint treatment restricted to the 'Cuda only, and a J54 sport hood standard on the 'Cuda and with the 340 or the A51 Sport Decor Package. An A36 Performance Axle Package, restricted to the 340, bundled a 3.55 axle, Sure-Grip differential, and a 26-inch high-performance radiator with fan shroud, while B41 power front disc brakes were recommended, though not mandatory, with the 340. Buyers could also add a Hurst shifter, W23 chrome-styled road wheels restricted to the Barracuda, and an M51 sun roof that ran electrically powered specifically on the Barracuda per the brochure text.4
Two further claims about the 340's installation split were found but not tabulated. One single Google Books snippet attributes 5,864 340-equipped 1972 'Cudas to one reference, though its context is unclear since the 340 was already the 'Cuda's standard engine and a separate snippet from a different book attaches that same 5,864 figure to the Duster 340 instead. A second, more detailed enthusiast compilation lists full engine-and-transmission splits, including a "340 4-bbl" row of 6,354 for the Barracuda that the source itself flags as implausible against a Barracuda total of 10,662, but since that compilation cites no factory record or established reference for its figures, none of its splits are tabulated here. Overall dimensions ran to a 108-inch wheelbase, 186.6-inch length, and 74.9-inch width shared across both models, with the 'Cuda's own 51.3-inch height and 60.2/60.7-inch front/rear track differing from the Barracuda's 59.7/61.6-inch track as printed in the same brochure table.
Fact sheet · 1972 · United States
The numbers
1972 Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda — Hardtops only, single headlamps, four round taillamps, and a 340 four-barrel as the top engine: the 'Cuda carried it as standard.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- The 340 four-barrel was standard on the 'Cuda and optional on the Barracuda; it was the largest engine offered in 1972.
- Tor-Red and Lemon Twist were the extra-cost colors among 16.
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda and 'Cuda1,2,5 Barracuda and 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · not stated | 18,450 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| Barracuda and 'Cuda (Sessler lineage)3 Barracuda and 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · not stated | 16,142 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda hardtop (BH23)6,7,5 Barracuda · 2-door hardtop · six and V8 · not stated | 10,622 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 'Cuda hardtop (BS23)6,7,1 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · 340 4-bbl · not stated | 7,828 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 'Cuda hardtop (Sessler)3 'Cuda · 2-door hardtop · 8-cyl · not stated | 6,382 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda hardtop, six (Sessler)3 Barracuda · 2-door hardtop · 6-cyl · not stated | 809 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Barracuda hardtop, V8 (Sessler)3 Barracuda · 2-door hardtop · 8-cyl · not stated | 8,951 | built, model-year | Reported |
Rows are separately scoped; do not add them.
No 340 installation count for the Barracuda (non-'Cuda) was found.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Barracuda hardtop, six6 | $2,848 | price as reported, 1972 model year |
| Barracuda hardtop, V86 | $2,952 | price as reported, 1972 model year |
| 'Cuda hardtop6 | $3,105 | price as reported, 1972 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| E24 · 225 Six4 225 cu in · 1-barrel | standard, Barracuda | Not yet sourced | |
| E44 · 318 V84 318 cu in · 2-barrel | standard V8, Barracuda | Not yet sourced | |
| E55 · 340 V8 4-bbl with Electronic Ignition4 340 cu in · 4-barrel | standard, 'Cuda; optional, Barracuda | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| D13 · 3-speed all-synchro manual, floor shift4 | standard | Not yet sourced |
| D21 · 4-speed manual4 | optional, Barracuda and 'Cuda | Not yet sourced |
| D34 · TorqueFlite automatic4 | optional | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
J97order code |
Rallye instrument cluster4 | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Hurst shifter | — | Not yet sourced |
W23order code |
Chrome-styled road wheels (Barracuda only)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
A51package |
Sport Decor Package (Barracuda)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
M51order code |
Sun roof (electrically powered on Barracuda)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
A01sales code |
Light Package (fender turn indicators, trunk, glove box, ash receiver lights, time-delay ignition light and instrument floodlight, map/courtesy light)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
A04sales code |
Basic Group (AM radio, power steering, variable-speed wipers with electric washer, remote-control left mirror)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
A36sales code |
Performance Axle Package (340 only: 3.55 axle, Sure-Grip, 26-in high-performance radiator, fan shroud)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
B41sales code |
Power front disc brakes (recommended with 340)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
C16sales code |
Console4 | — | Not yet sourced |
D91sales code |
Sure-Grip differential4 | — | Not yet sourced |
F25sales code |
70-amp battery4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G11sales code |
Tinted glass, all windows4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G15sales code |
Tinted windshield4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G21sales code |
Clear glass, all windows (with air conditioning when tint not wanted)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G35sales code |
Remote-control racing mirror, left (chrome; standard with A04)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G36sales code |
Dual racing mirrors, remote left and manual right, body colour4 | — | Not yet sourced |
G37sales code |
Dual racing mirrors, remote left and manual right, chrome4 | — | Not yet sourced |
H31sales code |
Rear window defogger4 | — | Not yet sourced |
H51sales code |
Air conditioning (not with 225 or 3-speed manual)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J11sales code |
Glove box lock4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J21sales code |
Electric clock (standard with J97)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J25sales code |
Variable-speed wipers with electric washer (standard with A04 and J97)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J52sales code |
Inside hood release4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J54sales code |
Sport hood (standard on 'Cuda, with 340 and with A51)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
J55sales code |
Undercoating with hood insulator pad4 | — | Not yet sourced |
M05sales code |
Door edge protectors4 | — | Not yet sourced |
M25sales code |
Custom sill moulding (standard on 'Cuda and with A51)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
M26sales code |
Wheel lip mouldings (standard on 'Cuda and with A51)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
M85sales code |
Front bumper guards and rear rubber inserts4 | — | Not yet sourced |
N95sales code |
Exhaust emission system (California)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
R11sales code |
AM radio (standard with A04)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
R26sales code |
AM radio with stereo cassette tape4 | — | Not yet sourced |
R31sales code |
Rear seat speaker (with R11)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
R32sales code |
Dual rear seat speakers (with R26 or R35)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
R35sales code |
AM/FM stereo radio4 | — | Not yet sourced |
S13sales code |
Heavy-duty suspension: torsion bars, rear springs, front sway bar (standard on 'Cuda and with 340)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
S77sales code |
Power steering (standard with A04)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
V21sales code |
Performance hood paint including fender top ('Cuda only)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
W11sales code |
Deluxe wheel covers4 | — | Not yet sourced |
W21sales code |
Rallye road wheels (set of four with standard spare)4 | — | Not yet sourced |
V1Xsales code |
Vinyl roof: V1X black, V1W white, V1B light bright blue metallic, V1F medium dark green4 | — | Not yet sourced |
V5Xsales code |
Vinyl side moulding, black with dual white stripes4 | — | Not yet sourced |
V6Xsales code |
Dual body-side tape stripes: V6X flat black, V6W white4 | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
GA4 |
Winchester Gray Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
HB1 |
Blue Sky4 | Not yet sourced |
TB3 |
Basin Street Blue4 | Not yet sourced |
GB5 |
True Blue Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
FE5 |
Rallye Red4 | Not yet sourced |
GF3 |
Amber Sherwood Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
GF7 |
Sherwood Green Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
HT6 |
Mojave Tan Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
HT8 |
Chestnut Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
EV2 |
Tor-Red (optional at extra cost)4 | Not yet sourced |
EW1 |
Spinnaker White4 | Not yet sourced |
FY1 |
Lemon Twist (optional at extra cost)4 | Not yet sourced |
GY4 |
Honeydew4 | Not yet sourced |
GY8 |
Gold Leaf Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
GY9 |
Tawny Gold Metallic4 | Not yet sourced |
TX9 |
Formal Black4 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard all-vinyl bucket seats in blue, green, black, white, or gold | Not yet sourced |
A6B5 |
Vinyl bucket seats, blue (light blue seat insert and bolster, medium blue carpet); BH23 and BS234 | Not yet sourced |
A6F6 |
Vinyl bucket seats, green (medium green insert, dark green carpet)4 | Not yet sourced |
A6X9 |
Vinyl bucket seats, black4 | Not yet sourced |
A6XW |
Vinyl bucket seats, white and black (white insert and bolster, black carpet)4 | Not yet sourced |
A6Y3 |
Vinyl bucket seats, gold (medium gold insert, light gold bolster, dark gold carpet)4 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 108 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall length | 186.6 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall width | 74.9 in | Barracuda and 'Cuda |
| Overall height, 'Cuda | 51.3 in | 'Cuda |
| Track front/rear, 'Cuda | 60.2 / 60.7 in | 'Cuda (Barracuda 59.7 / 61.6) |
Identification
- Catalog form number
- Form No. 81-535-2024.
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1972 Plymouth VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1972
- AMC AMX The first year of SAE net ratings and Chrysler-built TorqueFlite automatics. Javelin AMX production rose to 3,220, and the 304 V8 became available.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The first V8 Gremlin: the 304 (150 hp SAE net) in AMC's subcompact. Gremlin X production is not published in any source found.
- AMC Javelin The base model was dropped, so every non-AMX Javelin was an SST. This was the first year of the Pierre Cardin interior and of Chrysler-built automatics.
- Buick Riviera Net ratings only for 1972: 250 hp standard, 260 GS per ROA; 2,171 of 33,728 were GS.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The last A-body GS year before the Colonnade Century; the GSX package, now in many colours, was invoiced on only 44 cars, most of them outside the lower 48 states.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The last Z15 Chevelle SS of the first generation: net-rated engines, an LS5 454 at 270 net hp, and 5,333 SS 454s.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova The source engine table switches to net ratings; SS and Rally Nova offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 349,733 cars; Super Sport 12,309.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS Last year of the Chevelle-bodied El Camino SS; 50,359 V8 Malibu El Caminos were built, and the SS share is not separately published.
- Dodge Challenger Hardtop only, with a new grille: the R/T gave way to the Challenger Rallye package, and the most powerful engine listed was the 340 four-barrel.
- Dodge Charger The R/T and Super Bee were dropped; the new Rallye package became the performance Charger, and the 440 Six Pack was cancelled after a handful of cars.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The Demon's second and final year under that name: 8,773 Demon 340s, with small Canadian and Swiss-market 340 runs counted separately.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The dual-scoop-hood Grabber in its second year as a model; Classic Industries counts 35,347.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 12,620 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird First year of the sixth-generation Thunderbird; only the whole-line production total was found.
- Ford Torino The new body-on-frame Torino sold 496,645 in 1972; the performance models were the Gran Torino Sport SportsRoof (60,794) and hardtop (31,239), with the 351 Cobra Jet and a Rallye Equipment Group on the option list.
- Mercury Cougar Net ratings arrived, the 429 was gone, and the 351 Cobra Jet became the performance Cougar engine, fitted to 3,560 cars.
- Mercury Montego GT The first year of the fastback-only Montego GT on the new split-wheelbase intermediate, with the Cyclone name reduced to a performance option that only a few dozen buyers took.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 became a Cutlass option again, engines were rated in SAE net (W-30: 300 hp), and a Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 In the first net-rating year the Duster 340's 8.5:1 340 was rated 240 net hp with electronic ignition, the Twister became order code A51, and output rose to 15,681 in both compilations.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1972 the GTX existed only as the 440 four-barrel option on the Road Runner hardtop; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 672 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner The hardtop-only Road Runner took a 400 four-barrel as its advertised standard engine, and production fell again.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am A strike-shortened year: 29,951 Firebirds and 1,286 Trans Ams, every one a 455 HO.
- Pontiac GTO The GTO goes back to being an option on the LeMans, with net ratings only; 5,807 were built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix A carryover year with the SJ still offered; production recovered to 91,961.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The GTO becomes a LeMans option, and the LeMans gets WW4 and WW5 performance packages.