Re: 4-Door Barracuda
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Back in the mid eighties I helped a friend, Bruce Haar build this 1970 Monte Carlo SS454 using factory photos we had located. Everything was perfect just like GM would have built it with a convertible frame and fabricated convertible rear door panels and Monte rear seat and a real A-body A pillar/windshield. People would always comment at the shows that it was a nice attempt to build what never was until we showed them the factory photos. One of those photos is in some Monte Carlo brochures. I can understand though where the Cuda could be an issue if they are claiming it to replicate a factory prototype. </div></div>
Yours is a great example of what I was talking about. Thanks.
You obviously had historical data to work from, and enough documented proof and verification to show people Chevrolet was not only just considering the design, but it came close to becoming a production reality. The 4-door Barracuda project has nothing of the sort. Not even a memo.
By the way, the 1970 Monte Carlo convertible was a great looking automotive design! It could've done very well in the market but Chevrolet likely did some focus group work and realized some flawed potential with buyers. Like with any business model, GM product planners failed to make a case for an "extra convertible" in its line-up.
People may have liked it, but with the A-body convertible models already in play namely the Chevelle and Cutlass ringing the majority of 2-door convertible sales, was another two-door convertible model necessary? I think we know how that decision played out from a marketing standpoint.
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