1968 Plymouth BarracudaThe Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1974. Many people don't realize the difference between a Barracuda and 'Cuda. There is a...
1968 Plymouth Barracuda
The Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1974. Many people don't realize the difference between a Barracuda and 'Cuda. There is a difference. The Formula S was also an option package. The Cuda is a different option package with typically more power than aesthetics and occurred later in the life of the Barracuda. Meanwhile the second generation was available in 3 formats, a notchback coupe, fastback and a convertible version. The birth of the Barracuda was conceived from a Plymouth Valiant. That's a far cry from the most iconic muscle car of all time.
For consignment a Barracuda notchback optioned car from Plymouth right out of 1968. This coupe is late 60's cool and was meant to be a sleeper car if you will although the new paint scheme gives away the muscle lineage lurking within. Just a mild-mannered family car until you get in and turn the key, then the rebuilt and upgraded 318ci V8 comes to life and you very quickly realize you will be going for more than groceries!
Exterior
A mix of lime green and silver bathes straight rust-free panels which are minding their gaps nicely. Some inclusions and cracking are present on the body but are not noticeable from a distance. This paint scheme is delineated by an orange painted pinstripe just below the beltline and adds some contrast to the complimentary body colors. In front, a dual opening grille houses the parking/turn signal lights and the single round headlights. An original but peeling chrome front bumper is just underneath. On either side just above there rocker is a body line which begins at the front wheel opening and melts away mid door, and 15-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels help create the look. Speaking of which, the highlights of this car are the fiberglass A-12 style scooped hood, fiberglass fenders and sloping notchback rear window which transitions into the rear deck gracefully and seamlessly. A slightly angled trim surrounded taillight panel with another clean bumper below and dual exhaust tips on the bottom and we have the Barracuda presentation.
Interior
The black interior sports a floor shift console, bucket seats and very clean black carpeting. Front buckets are excellent and appear to be from a more modern vehicle but retain the original look with smooth bolsters and tuck and roll inserts. A correct console races between the seats and is constructed from black plastic with an aluminum insert and all highlighted by chrome. The rear bench is in splendid shape and remains original from the factory. The dash is well preserved and remains mostly original save for the silver painted instrument surround. Standard round gauges with a centrally located smaller aftermarket tach are just in front of the original 3 spoke steering wheel. The radio has been removed leaving an open hole in the dash and the heat/defrost slides are just above. A shout out to the door panels which appear to be new and are framed above and below by body matching green steel. A slightly wrinkled headliner hangs above concluding our tour of the interior.
Drivetrain
A lift of the lightweight scooped hood allows us to shake hands with a Hemi Orange painted rebuilt 318ci V8 which has been bored .030 over and treated to a new oil pump, double roller timing chain, a new mild performance camshaft and roller rockers. A Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor sits atop an orange painted Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold all under the black ribbed crinkle finish air cleaner assembly. Mopar Performance black wrinkle finish valve covers are also on for the dress up. An A904 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission pushes power back to an 8.75" 2.76 geared conventional rear axle.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound and has a newer dual exhaust system consisting of headers and Flowmaster mufflers is on for the exhale, and we note solid unibody rails. The flooring however, has severe invasive rust in a few areas that will need remediation. An upgrade of power front disc brakes and power rear drum brakes are on for the whoah factor and our consignor states that a new power steering box and components have been installed. Giving this fish a sure-footed ride is a front independent torsion bar suspension with new spindles and a leaf spring rear arrangement with new Hotchkiss leaf springs. All of this suspension has been lowered giving the car an overall 1" lower stance.
Drive-Ability
This car lit right up, and we were off to the test track. We put her through the paces, and it handled nicely, had nice acceleration, and was a comfortable cruiser. Unfortunately, a few frowns crept up during our time behind the wheel, those being; a horn that doesn't toot, the aftermarket volt gauge was inoperable, the front suspension tends to groan and pop and the right front tire rubs the fender during left turns.
2nd generation Barracudas are considered somewhat rare fish, starting from the humble Valiant A-body beginnings and working their way into muscle car status, they hold a timeless place in many hearts. This example, presented in a nice condition, could be seriously considered a find. When one thinks of the Barracuda most think of the Hemi E-body variety or the fastbacks of yore, but never overlook and underestimate the stylish notchback, and here we have it gracing the halls of Classic Auto Mall.