A Unique Car with Film History
If you’ve always dreamed of owning a unique car that appeared in movies but your budget is limited, now might be your time. A heavily modified 1967 Plymouth Barracuda, which was featured in the 1972 film “Corky,” is up for auction. This car could go under the hammer for less than 20 thousand dollars.
Stellar Past and Owner
The modified Plymouth fastback in the film was driven by Robert Blake, who played the role of mechanic Corky Curtis, dreaming of victories on the race track. Blake is better known for his role as a television police officer in the series “Baretta” the following year. Decades later, he was involved in a high-profile scandal, being accused of murdering his girlfriend, but was later acquitted by the court. Blake died in 2023, but his Barracuda is still running and looks almost the same as it did over half a century ago.
Legendary Customization
The car was reworked by Korky’s Kustom Studios, and the painting was done by the legendary Barris Kustom Industries. This same workshop left its mark on some of the most famous cinematic cars, including the 1960s Batmobile.
The car was repainted from its original silver color to a multi-tone tangerine with under-hood stripes. The Barracuda bears all the hallmarks of 70s style: side exhaust pipes, hood and rear fender scoops, and a huge Superbird-style rear spoiler. The car is mounted on slot mag wheels with tires featuring white letters.
Interior and Technical Features
The interior features white and brown leather upholstery, a velour-covered dashboard, a Dixco tachometer on the column, and a steering wheel with a wooden rim.
Despite its aggressive appearance, under the hood of this car lies a 273 cubic inch (4.5-liter) V8 engine, which was actually the smallest V8 available for the Barracuda in 1967, producing only 235 horsepower. However, it is paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The engine has been rebuilt and received an Edelbrock carburetor. The car is also equipped with disc brakes and an updated suspension.
Place in History and Auction Value
The second-generation Barracuda has always been in the shadow of the Ford Mustang, somewhat unfairly, as it was a worthy competitor in the muscle car market, had powerful big-block V8 engines, and looked great in fastback form.
The advantage of the Barracuda remaining a “dark horse,” and the film “Corky” being long forgotten, is the opportunity to acquire an interesting piece of history for very modest money. For example, someone paid 3.74 million dollars for Steve McQueen’s Mustang Bullitt in 2020, while this car will cost not even one percent of that amount.
This lot is a vivid example of how cinematic heritage does not always cost millions. It combines an authentic period look, rare customization by legendary masters, and an interesting, albeit controversial, history linked to a star. For collectors who value uniqueness and character over purity of lines or maximum power, this could be a real find. The car’s condition and its technical updates make it not only a showpiece but also a machine that can be taken out on the roads, continuing its story into the new century.