The 1969 model year would be the last time the Barracuda shared its platform with the Valiant compact (actually it was the other way around). Though it would grow in popularity the following year, the ‘Cuda 340 saw a production of only 666 copies in ’69, of which just 68 were in the notchback coupe body style with a 4-speed transmission, like the seller’s car. It runs great with a rebuilt original drivetrain but had its color changed from blue to black some time ago. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, this Plymouth is available here on eBay where the opening bid of $23,069 has yet to be cast.
When a buyer ordered an A56 ‘Cuda 340 in 1969 (a one-year option), they got a chrome Barracuda nameplate and a fish emblem on the front fenders, two fake hood scoops, a black hood, and lower body stripe treatment, and a ‘Cuda 340 decal on the lower rear front fender with a different trunk finish panel. That differed slightly from the A53 Formula S 340, but both had the same black grille, engine, and suspension components. Makes you wonder why bother having two versions. 1,839 shoppers bought the S, while 666 went with the ‘Cuda. Drilling down to the notchback and a 4-speed tranny, less than six dozen cars like this one were built. And if you could break out colors and options, perhaps duplicates number in the handful, if that.
When the seller found this car some years ago, it was a true barn find as one of the photos attests. He refreshed the engine and transmission and replaced the upholstery on the front bucket seats along with the carpeting. The rest is apparently the way he found it, including which was not likely a quality repaint given that they didn’t bother to change the color in the engine compartment but they did in the trunk. The vehicle is numbers matching and the build sheet has survived after all these years.
You could leave the Barracuda the way it is for a while and enjoy the 275 horses under the hood. But to do the car justice and help retain its authenticity, I’d go for a respray in its original B5 Blue Fire paint. This car has the potential of being worth in the mid-$30,000s according to Hagerty, and perhaps more given the limited production of the A56 ‘Cuda 340. Considerably more of them would be built in 1970 (2,372 340 4-speeds in a coupe).
Awesome cars my exact favorite cuda yr and style. Compact and very fast w 340 4 spd. Dont care for the nose down stance here. Hopefully new owner paints it, regains proper level height, and adds the dog dish hubcaps 👍
I had a ’67 with the HP 273 and a 4-speed. It was actually just as quick as the 340 and got better mileage. Drove it 45,000 Mike’s and ignored all the plastic trim shrinking.
The 273 will not come close to a 340! A 340 has 100 more rear wheel HP .
He said ” just as quick” and he is correct – he didn’t say in the long run. Own both early and late Formula S ‘s.
I liked the fastbacks better. A friend had a 225/3 speed in light blue. Awesome car.
I have always agreed with this sentiment. The short roof ends about right over the center of the wheel well, and it screws with the proportions. The trunk looks too long, and the rear overhang looks ridiculous. Maybe if you could lop 8″-12″ off the back end it would look better.
if memories serves… i met a fellow tennessee soldier in ft jackson,sc back in 71 that had what i remember as a 68 barracuda fastback auto, fat tires, loud mufflers, etc… we drove that baby home a few times on leave to tennessee, a 8-trak that didnt need a matchbook cover to play correctly and he hated when i played my mountain nantucket sleighride live 8-trak… he passed on a few years ago, was my best man at my wedding in 72… good memories… i miss him…
Paint it original blue put on a set of Plymouth rally wheels with 70 series red lines and add a pistol grip shifter for the 4 speed not like original but would be a sweet ride and almost the same price as the rusted out gutted 23 window samba featured earlier but way more fun
1 Bid now. I think it’s too much for it in this condition, but it could be worse. I like the car a lot.
In the side view with the blue paint, it has 383 call out decals on the lower front fenders. Might need to dig deeper to make sure that is the original engine.
Your correct – the seller pulled a picture off the Web.
They engine is for sure a small block. Some one did the 383 call outs. And I,am not sure those little scoops are factory. I like the look of the coupe. With the right wheel set up and a little rake.Does anyone remember the commercial with a cuda like this but all hot rodded up? The mom needed to borrow her sons cuda. Last part is mom lurching down the street. Thats the look i like.
The scoops are correct for 1969 only and were a rare option. Didn’t really look for the code on the fender tag for the scoops but it should be there as well as the broadcast sheet – if it has one.
I had a 68 Formula “S” notchback with the 340.
It was fun, fast and as I look back in time one of my favorite Mopars I owned back in the day