This 1967 Plymouth Barracuda spent the 1990s on the drag strip, but the current owner returned it to its rightful place on our roads. It presents well as a driver-grade classic, while its engine bay houses a 383ci V8 that should satisfy most die-hard performance enthusiasts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Barracuda listed here on eBay in Castle Rock, Colorado. The seller has adopted an unusual strategy, setting both their auction opening bid and the BIN figures at $39,500. It makes you wonder why anyone would submit a bid instead of simply hitting the button.
The Barracuda beat the Ford Mustang to market as the world’s first pony car, but only by around two weeks. However, the Ford proved irresistible, selling in extraordinary numbers. Plymouth released the Second Generation Barracuda in 1967, taking a more conventional approach by eliminating features such as the enormous curved back window. This first-year example presents nicely in Bright Red with Black stripes. The paint holds an impressive shine, and the panels are straight. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, and the glass and trim are in good condition. It isn’t an original survivor; features like the enormous scoop on the lift-off fiberglass hood, the fiberglass trunk lid, and the wider spun-aluminum rear wheels all hint at its 1990s competition history. Combine those features with the “383” designation embedded in the stripes, and it is clear that this Barracuda is more than a pretty face.
Decoding the Barracuda’s VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this classic with the E-Code version of the 273ci V8 under the hood. It delivered a very healthy 235hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. However, I have never heard an owner state that their classic has too much power, and adopting the mantra that there’s no substitute for cubic inches, this Barracuda’s 273 has made way for a 383. The motor features a 0.030″ overbore, 10:1 pistons, an Edelbrock intake, a TTi exhaust, and other updates. It sends 325hp to the 4.10 Dana 60 Sure Grip rear end via a three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite transmission featuring a reverse valve body and a 10″ converter. That combination is about as bulletproof as it gets, while the twenty-gallon fuel tank, Holley electric pump, larger lines, aluminum radiator, electric water pump, and new master cylinder should ensure reliability. The custom back wheels wear new 12″ tires, ensuring that almost every one of the engine’s ponies finds its way to Planet Earth. Although not stated specifically, the Barracuda appears to be a turnkey proposition promising a very rapid motoring experience.
The Barracuda’s racing history makes the presence of additional gauges and the Grant sports wheel unsurprising. However, the return to road duties prompted the owner to give the Black vinyl interior some TLC. They fitted a new carpet set, a new headliner, new door panels, and all-new door and window seals. That should keep dust and moisture at bay and ensure the interior is presented to a high standard. Although the car is missing its factory radio, the bucket seats, console, and factory tachometer provide a luxurious driving experience.
The Second Generation Barracuda is a handsome vehicle. This 1967 example presents extremely well as a driver-grade classic, while the wider wheels visible in the image above hint at its competition heritage. The V8 specs hiding beneath the fiberglass hood would deliver significantly better performance than even the range-topping Formula S in 1967. It hasn’t generated enormous interest since hitting the market, but it only takes one person for it to find a new home. Do you think that will happen?
One of the cooler Cudas I’ve seen in a while.
Dana 60 and 4.10s out back w those big tires, bet this thing moves down the line nicely 🏁👍
Great looking car. Asking from ignorance – wouldn’t a drag strip have required a roll bar or cage? Or was this used just a street racer?
If it had a roll bar it could be easily remove. Whether you needed one depended on the ET’s it ran.
The car is pricey. Most bracket cars nowadays use bolt on hoods and deck lids with hinges, lifting them off is too inconvenient. It looks like there is no heater or defroster. If the 20 gallon fuel tank is a fuel cell that will take up the majority of the usable trunk space along with the battery.
Before someone takes it home they need to make sure it is something they can live with.
Steve R
up in New England in 60s and early 70s there were tracks with Bracket Races and some where Saturday early, where anything went.
We had “Run what you brung” Wednesday in Phoenix in the mid-to-late 80s that required a helmet and a seat belt. Good times.
It depends on what the ET is on the car, at the strip I used to run at as long as you weren’t faster than 12 second quarter mile you were not required to have a roll bar/cage.
Nice street pounder!! Love these Barracudas!!
up in New England in 60s and early 70s there were tracks with Bracket Races and some where Saturday early, where anything went.
Nice write up Adam. Second gen Barracudas are great looking cars in my eyes. This one pushes all my buttons. Big block and a tough stance make it a standout. And aftermarket heat and air is easy enough to install.
Adam, you said The Baracuda beat the Mustang……..
But didn’t AMC rush out the Marlin to beat the Cuda ?
My memory might be off, but I thought, AMC saw it at a car show and threw a quick copy on an existing chasis.
I think the barracuda was still first but also the Marlin was more of a mid size car competing with the Charger. AMC didn’t really have a pony car until the Javelin came out in my opinion.
the prototype for the Marlin was displayed at car shows, titled The Rambler Tarpon. It was built on a shorter wheelbase, that did not easily fit a V8. When it became reality, a new name, Rambler Marlin and a bigger chasis. 2nd year it was the AMC Marlin.
Marlins didn’t appear till after the Barracuda and Mustang were introduced in 64 1/2. The Marlin was first built in March of 65.
Our friend brought us to his friend to show us a Cuda in the garage in the Bronx NY. 67 Cuda all black Dana rear 4 speed and the hood was the same as this red Cuda . The hood came off a 426 HEMI was there!!! That was hell of car. Found out that was a factory race hemi that Chrysler made for thec1/4 mike track!! This Cuda here is for $40 gs is a little high. I know it was a old track car. But missing heater system and wipers. It still needs work. Why a 383 i would of put a 440 6 pack with 500 hp. Then I could see the price they are asking. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
Thats a mix of 67 and 69 Barracudas, but nice car none the less. As all mopars
Aren’t those rear wheels and tires a little tight to the body?
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the Plymouth Cuda before 1970. I’d buy one there was one for sale between Tacoma and Bremerton Washington.
I’ve always been drawn to these early cudas Ever see the movie California Kid starring Robert Blake?
I’ve always been drawn to these early cuffs early cudas! Ever see the movie California Kid with Robert Blake?
I’ve always been drawn to these early cudas! Ever see the movie California Kid?
Reminds me of the car that was used in the movie Highwaymen. Supposedly was a factory Hemi car, per the movie, as they showed the door sticker that said that the car was not legal for street use and was for supervised high speed trials or something like that.
Supposedly that movie car was also used in an episode of Malcolm in the Middle and also Herbie the Love Bug with Lindsay Lohan.
Cool sticker, you can buy them online for $8.00.
Steve R
My mechanical genius buddy put a Hellcat in his, makes a 1000 hp to the rear wheels. He describes driving it as like riding a two stroke dirt bike on a frozen lake. Last I heard, he ran a nine second quarter mile. This one is nice too! GLWS.
Too rough to drive as a daily driver no power brakes no power steering, I don’t see an alternator either not going to go too far on that battery.
Beautiful car. This has always been my favourite version of the Plymouth Cuda.
I’d buy one if I knew someone personally who owned a Plymouth Cuda.