Lando Norris went to Grand Prix in modded Plymouth Barracuda

  • Lando Norris turned up to the U.S. Grand Prix in a modified Barracuda
  • The 1973 Plymouth Barracuda was a collab between eBay and McLaren F1
  • Attendees even got the chance to participate in the modification process

Published on Oct 21, 2024 at 3:35 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson

Last updated on Oct 22, 2024 at 10:58 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

Lando Norris rocked up to the U.S. Grand Prix in style, driving a modified 1973 Plymouth Barracuda.

The McLaren F1 driver’s car was finished in a stunning papaya color rather than the traditional Hemi Orange.

The car had been customized as part of a partnership between McLaren F1 and eBay.

It was from eBay that the Barracuda itself was sourced, alongside the parts that helped modify it.

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Lando Norris and his ’73 Plymouth Barracuda

Norris recently had a big win in Singapore and was sitting pretty in second place of the championship leaderboard.

Whilst he owns McLarens and a few supercars such as a Lamborghini Miura and a Porsche Carrea GT, a Barracuda is a new one for him.

He said the closest he’s had to a ‘Cuda is his Cobra.

As reported by caranddriver, he said: “It’s just something that is authentic to the culture.

“You know I’m used to the sportier, sleeker race cars, and this is almost the opposite of that.”

So, what was different about this Barracuda?

The McLaren opted for a coil-over suspension conversion, Wilwood disc brakes, bucket seats from Corbeau and some upgraded exhausts.

But to keep the car feeling vintage, a wood-rimmed steering wheel from Momo was included alongside some 15-inch American Racing wheels.

Describing the car, Norris said: “You get a bit of a feeling of modern and classic mixed together.

“When you want to push it there’s that confidence and that knowledge that things are up to the spec they need to be.”

Barracudas are always a feast for the eyes, no matter what year they were released.

This 1971 model has a detail that very few people would notice.

How did Norris get on at the Grand Prix?

The Barracuda itself was on display at the Grand Prix, which took place in Austin, Texas.

Viewers could even cast votes on future modifications to be done to it – so watch this space.

Speaking of the city in which he was competing, Norris said: “Austin normally always turns into being one of the most fun and best atmospheres because the people are a little bit more crazy, in a good way.

“They’ve a lot of energy and that kind of thing. It’s just authentic.”

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old came in third, losing out to Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.

But he’s still a legend in our eyes – what else could you say about a guy who drove in a McLaren made out of Lego?

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Ben got his start in journalism at Kennedy News and Media, writing stories for national newspapers, websites and magazines. Now working as a freelancer, he divides his time between teaching at News Associates and writing for news sites on all subjects.