How has Chrysler not revived the Barracuda name yet? I mean, we all know that Plymouth went bye-bye over two decades ago but given the propensity to redo everything from cars to movies to fashions, I would think that the Barracuda name is gold. The seller has this 1967 Plymouth Barracuda posted here on craigslist in the Franklin Park area just northwest of Chicago, Illinois. They’re asking $13,500. Thanks to T.J. for sending in this tip! Here is the original listing.
Living smack dab in the middle of the retro era where it seems like new ideas are few and far between, I would think that even though there is no more Plymouth, the company would add this name to something. A Jeep Barracuda? No. Lame. I’ll have to think on that for a while. This is a second-generation Barracuda which would have been made for the 1967 to 1969 model years in this fastback body style and also convertible form and a cool notchback which would be my choice.
Although, the fastback body style is wicked cool. The floating tail lights are a nice touch and that rear window is gigantic although less so than the first-gen cars with the wraparound rear glass. These cars were based on the A-body Valiant but the mid-generation cars (they were only made for three generations) looked less like a Valiant than the original Barracudas did.
Kudos to the seller for providing many good photos of this car inside and out and even underneath. The underside looks solid but with typical surface rust, not to mention what appears to be a new gas tank. The interior needs upholstery work which shouldn’t be an issue, it’s only money, right? The seats can be reupholstered and I’m always surprised to see a column-mounted automatic shift lever on a console car. I’m assuming that it’s a three-speed TorqueFlite. The area behind the rear seats has the requisite big speakers which is what most of us would have done in this era. Although, I was 4.5 years old when this car was made but you know what I mean.
The engine is a head-scratcher as I don’t believe that a 340 cubic-inch V8 was available in this car, it would have been a 225 slant-six, a 273 V8, or a 383 V8. Stock or not, it’s hard to argue with a 340, it’s the mama bear engine, just about the perfect size for getting the job done. This one runs and drives great and it looks like a nice car to drive on the weekends while you pick away at the restoration after work during the week. Have any of you owned a second-generation Barracuda? What new vehicle should Chrysler put the Barracuda name on, if anything?
You are correct; the 340 wasn’t available until ’68. However, it does make a nice upgrade. I had a ’68 340 in my ’66 Valiant from ’72 until ’78, when I pulled it out and put it in my ’65 Barracuda. This one looks like a good starting point, but the new owner will need to maintain a light foot on the gas until that 7-1/4″ rear end is upgraded to something stronger.
Scotty, I bet the upcoming Mopar electric muscle car will be the one to revive that name.
Blueprint, I bet you’re right, good call on that.
One of the coolest names ever….
Came close to buying one of this vintage in 69 or 70, but the engine knocked like crazy when Dad and I drove it. Quick car but we passed on it. Ran into the guy who did buy it and when asked about the engine knock he replied “bad gas”. Kicked myself for a while for passing on it.
Less and less people know what a bad gas knock sounded like.
Beautiful looking car. I hope whoever buys this car cleans it up, restores it to driveable condition and enjoys it.
Had a 67 with the formula S package. 273 4 barrel, 4 speed. Sold it when I joined the Navy in 74. Still regret it.
At least the engine looks good.
I read somewhere that Chrysler was thinking of building a Challenger convertible and naming that Cuda or Barracuda
Column shift, probably originally a bench seat car. The console looks new.
I had a 67 Formula S Barracuda with a 273 V8 Commando engine. Real cool car!
My Mom had a 69 ModTop 318TQ that is still my favorite car of all time. We didn’t realize it was one of 24 built, just loved the look and size. It was unfortunately totaled in the late 70s. I miss that fish.
Chrysler trademarked the Barracuda name in 2015: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/fca-us-trademarks-barracuda-name-dont-expect-the-comeback-of-the-plymouth-brand-97681.html
And then, the Cuda name in 2020: https://carbuzz.com/news/chrysler-renews-cuda-trademark-is-a-new-pony-car-coming
Ever since these events, I have been hoping for a Barracuda / Cuda to be released. Although it will most likely be a Challenger with different nose and tail, I would be very tempted to get one since my first car was a Barracuda.
I doubt the Barracuda name will ever be resurrected. I just don’t see it happening because it can’t go on a Plymouth. I’m pretty sure that when the Dodge boys resurrected the Challenger, they, and a lot of other people, myself included, wished that the Plymouth division still existed so they could name variants of it Barracuda and ‘Cuda.
It’s just a shame that such a great model name is left in the dust.
Good call, Cadmandan. In the underside photos you can see 4 bolts protruding through the floor pan! Not very safe. Seat tracks should be welded in. This is a nice looking Barracuda and it’s a very good starting point for someone wanting a project. The 340 sweetens the deal. Price is a little steep though IMO.