NOTE 9/18/20: Some of our astute readers are telling us this is not a real Formula S, but a 318 with a 340 added later along with the hood markings.
The Formula S was a limited production of the Plymouth Barracuda, designed to give the driver a little more strut in their step. It debuted in the Barracuda’s second year (1965). Tweaked over the years, by 1968 the Formula S came with either 340 or 383 V-8’s, heavy-duty suspension, shocks, and wheels, E70-14 Red Streak tires. front fender badges and special hood inserts. It was better in the handling department than a stock Barracuda. This 1968 edition is a single-owner car and is said to have just 37,000 miles on the clock. It’s offered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and available here on eBay where bidding has gotten to $9,100 with the reserve still open.
When the Barracuda was about to go into production in 1964, it was supposed to be named “Panda.” We’re glad that smarter minds prevailed because I’d hate to be writing about a 1968 Plymouth Panda. Purists will recall that Plymouth beat Ford to market by 17 days with their respective pony cars. While the Barracuda was largely a Valiant under the skin – and actually part of that car’s line-up the first couple of years – it would gradually lose its association with the compact grocery getter. Plymouth saw there was a muscle car element to the pony car market and the Formula S was created to carry the Barracuda into that segment. The Formula S would later defer to the ‘Cuda for the hotter properties.
The seller offers a single-owner 1968 Barracuda Formula S (the ad says 1967, but eBay won’t let the seller change it). The burgundy paint looks to have mostly held up (we assume original) and is off-set nicely by a tan vinyl top on this notchback, which may or may not have issues around the back glass. Unfortunately, rust has taken possession in the rear quarter panels, but not in the floors or trunk. Photos supplied tend to support that, especially with the back seat pulled out. The two-tone white and burgundy interior is sharp but dirty in a few places. The seller is providing a new carpet set that was purchased back in ’95 but never installed.
Under the hood is the original “Commando” 340 cubic inch V-8 which was good for 275 hp. A 727 Torque-Flite automatic was chosen over the 4-speed for this car. We’re told the car runs great with no mention of any pending mechanical work awaiting the next owner. While Plymouth sold 46,000 Barracudas for 1968, only 3,900 or so of them were the Formula S with the 340 engine. So, this car is a tad rare today given the likely attrition that has taken place in the last 52 years. A plus in this purchase is that the car’s build sheet and original owner’s manual reside in the glove box.
This Formula S has the potential of being a $30,000+ car. Some bodywork, paint, and maybe a new vinyl top could move the needle further in that direction. I’m more a fan of the 1970-74 generation of Barracudas, but this one has all the earmarks of a sleeper! Thanks to Muscle Car Journal for some background on the Formula S line.
NOT A FORMULA S CAR……saw this all ready – it’s junk with ONLY the hood call outs of a 1968 340 car – that’s all. Check the vin # supplied – the motor is a two barrel – it’s all wrong and sadly it’s up to 9g’s for a $3500 car.
Sorry but I hate misrepresentation !
The real give away was the single exhaust pipe out back. Its a nice looking 68. Side markers lights confirm it. I couldn’t read the plate. Was this a 318 before the 340 was drop in? Since you said it was a 2 bbl carb. Thanks.🐻🇺🇸
Is this one of those far north Wisconsin towns where it snows 10 months of the year? If so, bet there is a lot of hidden rust. Besides, why buy a car like this for that kind of place? This should be in California or someplace like that where you could use it. Eskimo land needs snowmobiles, not muscle cars.
Then it may come as a surprise to you that even folks living up North love muscle cars too…? FYI extremely cold, dry winters aren’t neccessarily the worst climate for cars
Yes the VIN indicates it’s a 318 car which also means it’s not a Formula S
Stillrunners – you beat me to it! This is NOT a Formula S. Fifth digit of the VIN is F signifying 318 engine. Side emblems are V8 – but not Formula S. Although the engine is orange, it appears to be a fuel line leading to a 2 barrel carburetor and air cleaner on that. That is not a 340 air cleaner. 340 would be dual exhaust. The rear valance under the bumper would have the “bump-outs” for the dual tail pipes. The engine code of 41 on the build sheet indicates it came with a 318.
You are awesome bro!
Very well done Barn Finders!
While we’re piling on, there were no orange LA engines in 1968, and there were never any orange two-barrel engines in any model year. Nothing about this car is what the seller is trying to make it appear to be.
Drivers side exhaust manifold is typical of what was used on a 273 or 340, but the intake, carburetor and air cleaner scream 318.
Stolen valor, I grew up with these cars I was 18 when this one was born