Early Barracudas have always lived a little in the shadow of their Mustang rivals, but cars like this 1965 Plymouth Barracuda show exactly why Chrysler’s first pony car deserves more attention. Listed on eBay, this example is described as a clean, largely original car that still retains its original 273ci V8, making it a compelling survivor with an interesting factory-backed twist. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!

According to the seller, this Barracuda shows just 28,000 miles and remains powered by its original 273ci V8. What makes this car especially noteworthy is its transmission story. The fender tag reportedly indicates the car was originally built as an automatic, but the original owner later sent it back to Plymouth to have a four-speed manual installed by the factory. That kind of period-correct, factory-documented upgrade is rare and adds a unique layer to the car’s history while still keeping it within the realm of originality.

The Barracuda retains its gold bucket seat interior, which the seller notes is original to the car. Features like factory air conditioning and heat are still in place, along with the original radio, reinforcing the idea that this car hasn’t been stripped or modernized beyond recognition. It’s presented as a driver-ready classic rather than a car frozen in time or heavily restored.

Cosmetically, the exterior has been repainted from its original finish to a matte black look with a gold stripe. While the paint is no longer factory, the seller notes that the original tag was not replaced after repainting. The result is a car that blends originality with a personalized appearance that still fits the Barracuda’s aggressive, fastback shape. Whether that finish is viewed as a plus or a candidate for a future color change will depend on the buyer’s taste.

The sale also includes a selection of extra parts, including additional back glass, side mirrors, a rearview mirror, and chrome trim pieces. Those extras can be valuable for future upkeep or refinement and suggest the car has been owned by someone who planned ahead.

Overall, this 1965 Plymouth Barracuda appears to offer a solid balance between originality, drivability, and character. It’s not positioned as a concours car, but rather as a clean, honest early Barracuda with a real V8, a rare factory transmission upgrade, and enough originality left to matter. For someone looking to enjoy an early Mopar pony car without starting from a project or paying top-tier restored prices, this one checks a lot of the right boxes.