Quote:

So, that hood and grill treatment was a factory option?


Yup, it's factory
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/6838738-72_Barracuda_1.jpg

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/3811046-72cudaad.jpg

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/3876104-72_Cuda_600.jpg

This shows that a Cuda model (with the G36 color keyed miror option?) came standard with the color keyed grille in the specified colors
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/1972PlymouthOrderingInfo/1972_page_61.jpg

I think of it as the 72's version of the billboard stripe....very bold statement that not many opted for

I'm not sure if the color keyed grille made it into 73 production but this videpo of a 1973 test car shows it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwfFH70V5fE I also have another brochure page somewhere that shows a red 73 with a blody color grille