Image via Mecum Auctions
Known as “The Mule,” the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda B029 prototype used to develop the Super Stock package failed to sell at auction. Expectations were high for the legendary and historic muscle car, but even with a high bid of $125,000 it just wasn’t enough to meet the reserve.
Shedeur Sanders just dropped half a million on an ugly Rolls-Royce.
Some thought that the test mule used in the development of the B029 package, which when installed in a Barracuda transformed it into a Super Stock, would have generated far more interest. After all, when it comes to important Mopar muscle cars, this one ranks high on the list.
After Chrysler was done using The Mule for development purposes, it was sold to one Akron Arlen Vanke, who in turn sold it later to Tony Suppa. The latter would take it to drag competitions, calling the Mopar the Suppa Cuda. When he just barely lost in the US Nationals in Indy to Ron “Zoomo” Mancini, this muscle car’s status was further elevated.
A collector named Patrick McGroder purchased The Mule years later. He had it professionally restored to how it was during the Chrysler development days. Then, the current owner bought the prototype muscle car.
You might have seen this vehicle since it’s been featured in a number of publications like the cover of Mopar Collectors Guide and at various venues, including the Chrysler Museum. But all that star power didn’t turn into big results.
This auction failure might just be another symptom of the overall decline in collector car prices. Of course, not all vehicles are seeing their values diminish, but after a dramatic runup during the covid era, it seems things are coming back down in the hobby.
We don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing since it was getting to the point only the very elite could own cool rides which they kept inside preservation bubbles and never actually enjoyed.
Images via Mecum Auctions
