The past week has certainly been an eventful one for iconic puppet characters and corporate mascots. First, Sesame Street’s Elmo found himself inundated with a barrage of tales of misfortune following a social media check-in on the ever-buzzing Twitter.
Now, adding to the intrigue, we discover that engaging in sandwich-related crime can apparently fund the acquisition of a vintage 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. The recent skyrocketing prices of E-body vehicles at auctions like Barrett-Jackson and Mecum suggest that purloined patties can indeed be quite lucrative.
So, what’s the scoop? It turns out this is all part of a marketing spectacle orchestrated by McDonald’s. The notorious Hamburglar, a fictional criminal figure, is set to endorse the fast-food giant’s latest burger offerings while making a flashy getaway in none other than a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.
While the Hamburglar may be a figment of imagination, the Barracuda is very much real. Dubbed the “Burgercuda” (a name that leaves much to be desired; perhaps they should have gone with the “Tire Fryer”), this vehicle was conceptualized by San Diego-based artist Sean Smith, renowned for his work on high-performance Mopars.
Smith’s portfolio includes the design of the widebody Dodge Charger featured in Fast and Furious 9, as well as actor Kevin Hart’s supercharged Plymouth Road Runner crafted by Salvaggio Design.
For the Hamburglar’s Barracuda (we won’t mention its name again, promise), Smith collaborated with Fusion Motor Company and Sew Cal Rods & Upholstery to bring to life the black and white Plymouth, complete with a burglar-chic interior.
Noteworthy Hamburglar-specific details comprise the questionable name proudly displayed as a Fender badge, executed with finesse in the classic Barracuda script, and the inclusion of the Hamburglar’s iconic “robble robble” catchphrase on the shaker hood bubble.
While the press release boasts about “bun-like hubcaps,” the accompanying photos merely reveal standard Mopar dog dishes. However, nestled within the console is a burger warmer – an ingenious touch for a muscle car that Stellantis might want to consider for the next Charger.
Adding a touch of interactivity, the Barracuda sports QR codes on its quarter-panels. Scanning these codes grants car enthusiasts the chance to enter a sweepstakes for free burgers or McDonald’s merchandise.
While the jury is still out on the new burger offerings, there’s no denying that the Hamburglar’s new ride is a delectable addition to the automotive landscape.