340 Six-Pack: 1966 Plymouth Barracuda

There is something quite appealing about classics that are genuine sleepers. Take this 1966 Plymouth Barracuda as a prime example of the breed. It presents acceptably as a driver-grade classic, and its wheel-and-tire combination is quite conservative. However, hiding under the hood is a V8 that gives this Barracuda teeth. The seller planned a cosmetic restoration, but fate has thrown a spanner in the works. Therefore, it is set to head to a new home with an enthusiast who can do the Barracuda justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Hans H. for spotting the Plymouth listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Barrington, Illinois. You could drive this beauty home for $18,000, and when you assess the potential, you will probably agree that someone is getting a lot for their money.

Although the Mustang is considered by many to be the first pony car, Plymouth beat Ford to the punch when its Barracuda hit the market two weeks before the first Mustang left the lot. The First Generation remained in production until 1966, with our feature car rolling off the line in the final year. The seller confirms they are its second owner, and that the car has spent its life in Texas. That state’s dry climate has effectively protected the steel, leaving the Barracuda rust-free. The Code B Black paint looks okay from a distance, but a close inspection reveals flaws and defects. However, with no appreciable dings or dents, the Plymouth remains presentable for those seeking a survivor-grade vehicle. The aftermarket tinting looks menacing and could be a positive attribute. The film utilized is typically extremely robust, making it hard to shatter automotive glass. This quality is particularly relevant when we focus on the rear window, as replacements are typically quite expensive. I have seen this type of tint in action, and it’s pretty impressive. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the steel wheels with their sparkling covers give this classic an almost conservative appearance.

The range-topping motor available to 1966 Barracuda buyers was the 273 V8, producing 235hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. It offered very respectable performance, but this Barracuda offers so much more. Its engine bay houses a 340ci Six-Barrel, a motor that wasn’t available in the Barracuda until 1970. In standard form, it delivered 290hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque, but the headers and embedded video in the seller’s listing suggest it may feature a few upgrades that would boost those figures. The builder teamed the 340 with a four-speed manual transmission, a combination that should guarantee rapid acceleration. Although not stated specifically, I believe that this Plymouth is a turnkey proposition.

I admit I was surprised when I inspected the seller’s interior shots. I expected that life in Texas might have baked much of the interior trim. However, the Black vinyl looks surprisingly good, with no splits or other problems. The same is true of the carpet, and the dash is clean. The pad has waved the white flag, and while a replacement might cost almost $500, it is the interior’s most pressing need. Some armrest plastic is discolored, but it might respond positively to attention with a high-quality plastic paint. The car originally featured air conditioning, but the compressor and some engine bay components are AWOL.

This 1966 Plymouth Barracuda offers its new owner a world of possibilities. Its rock-solid nature and tidy presentation should allow them to enjoy the car immediately as they contemplate the path they would like to pursue. They could grab the baton and run, cosmetically refreshing the car and adding touches hinting at its performance potential. I’d perform a faithful cosmetic restoration, but leave its overall appearance as “stock” as possible. That way, it could spring a surprise at any “Traffic Light Grand Prix,” or set tongues wagging when I lift the hood at a Cars & Coffee. Which approach would you choose?