This black beauty caught my eye a couple of weeks ago while it drove in and around campus. I was delighted to come across it later and actually get a closer look for pictures. It was parked behind some of the upperclassmen on-campus housing.
The Plymouth Barracuda was based on the same A-body platform as the Valiant and Dodge Dart. The small, sporty two-door was likely Chrysler's main defense against Ford's Mustang and Chevrolet's new for '67 Camaro. Although the 'Cuda was never as popular as these other pony cars, it offered a unique style for the discriminating buyer.
1967 was the first year for the second generation, as well as the first year the Barracuda was offered as a separate model [as opposed to being just a Valiant option package]. It was produced in notchback, fastback and convertible bodystyles.
This clean notchback model looks great and comes with a few add-ons. The matte black hood sports a gaping scoop and hoodpins. The hoodscoop has 318 Demon stenciled in gloss paint. The 318 cubic inch V8 wasn't offered until 1968, does this detail signify a possible engine swap from a Dodge Dart Demon? If anyone can clarify please comment. Chrome Cragar S/S wheels wrapped in white letter tires [though mismatched] really set it off.
Cars like this one just reek of character. I hope in some time domestic automakers will be able to match it with current offerings. The Plymouth brand hasn't existed for nearly 10 years now, but at one time their cars were a loved aspect of the American automotive landscape.
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This is actually a 1968 Barracuda notchback. The ,67 didn't have side marker lights, had different grille inserts, and different trunk trim. Also, a '67 has the Barracuda script on the front of the fenders (in front of the front wheels). This is actually a factory 318 car. You can tell by the V8fish under the Barracuda script. A slant 6 car would have a fish emblem there, and a 340 or 383 car would have the Formula S emblem and engine callouts on the hood inserts. The '67 had the fish in circle emblem on both the hood and the trunk.
Speaking of the hood, that is an aftermarket scoop which was used primarily on the super rare race version of the Barracuda that was offered in 1968. Those cars came with a 426 hemi and was stripped down and not street legal. The hood scoop and pins have become a popular addition for a more muscle look.
Good looking car however. Note that the car has deluxe interior (woodgrain dash and doorpanels as well as a different seat pattern).
Just for information purposes, the '69 was also this same body style, but again had different trunk and grilles, and sported a bump on the front of the hood. The 'cuda was introduced in 1969 which sported fake twin hood scoops with flat black stripes on the hood and lower sides and large engine callouts above the side stripes. In 1970, the Barracuda went through a complete makeover changing from an A-body to an E-body. The duster and demon replaced the Barracuda A-body slot and shares many parts from the 67-69 Barracuda model. Many 70-74 parts can be interchanged onto the Barracuda for improvements and safetly (such as brakes, suspension, electronic ignition, etc.)
I own a 1968 Fastback which can be viewed at http://robs68barracuda.com/. There is a bunch of other links to these cars.
Boys will be boys
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