I may be one of the few who actually prefers the second-gen (’67-’69) Plymouth Barracuda over the third (’70-’74). And it’s the convertible and notchback body styles, such as this 1968 resident of Waconia, Minnesota, that float my boat! The fastback? Not so much so. Claimed to have been “well cared for and garage stored,” this Mopar pony car is listed here on eBay, where it’s available for a BIN price of $26,500, OBO. A tip of the hat to Curvette for this discovery!
Offered in three different bodystyles, as referenced above, total Barracuda production reached 46K units in ’68, with the notchback, such as our subject car, accounting for 20K copies. To put this in perspective, let’s look at the fish’s ’68 competition:
- Ford Mustang: 317,404
- Chevrolet Camaro: 235,137
- AMC Javelin: 55,124
It’s easy to see why Barracudas of this generation are the seldom-seen of the group.
Anyway, this example looks great! The main image shows what appears to be mismatched paint between the door and fender, but it could just be the lighting, too. The finish (UU-1 Frost Blue Poly) has nice depth, and the white vinyl top appears to be sound with no indication of deterioration. The stainless/aluminum trim and chrome bits garner no complaints, and I’d suggest the Torque-Thrust wheels are perfect for an era-correct day-two look.
The blue vinyl interior is in fine shape with just a bit of normal upholstery discoloration noted here and there. The carpet is fine, as are the door panels and headliner. I’ll admit to being a minimalist, and that’s what I like about this Barracuda’s instrument panel. It has a full complement of engine gauges, as Mopars of this era did, but the arrangement is right to the point, with no extraneous distractions. I have to admit, with this car, I appreciate the lack of a center console.
Behind the distinctive split grille, we find a 230 gross HP 318 CI V8 engine mated to a not-commonly-encountered four-speed manual transmission. The engine has been modified with an aluminum intake manifold (painted perhaps?) and is wearing an open-element air cleaner and chrome-plated valve covers, while exhaling through a header-fed dual exhaust system. Nothing is stated regarding running and driving characteristics, but stopping should be solid with the inclusion of front disc brakes. The mileage is recorded as 93K miles, but there’s no authentication of that reading stated or provided.
So, do I like this one? You bet! I appreciate the other ponies from that magical automotive time, 58 long years ago, but the Barracuda stands out due to its relative rarity today – I can’t remember the last time I encountered one at a car show. As stated, I prefer the notchback body style over the fastback, but how about you? What’s your preference?
Beautiful car! Love the stance and the color!
Great looking Barracuda. It was a 225-1 engine. Now 318. The torsion bars and rear is for 225 not V8. The next owner will run into issues later. I wish it had frame shots and rear end to see which one. Its a running project but, a real good one. I wish the seller good luck. 🇺🇸🐻
With the upgrades stated you just don’t know and can’t see….
Yeah, you’re right, the “B” code in the VIN gives it away. I should have initially caught that.
Thx.
JO
Mom had one back in the day. I always liked the notch back best. Hers was an auto with the center console. Sweet little ride!
The front fenders are a different shade as are the hood and header panel, Looks like a nice car
Didn’t want to say any thing….but yes….and the drivers side carpet is a mess…
Kinda like the notchback more than the fastback! Should I be subscribing to CurvetteFinds?
I think this Barracuda notchback is a very underrated body style, not sure why but it just looks the business to me.
This was Johnnys car across the alley, that after the 3rd transmission on his Fiat 850 coupe, he traded it for a car like this, only green, a 273, 2 barrel, 4 speed and I think his had a console too. Naturally, we all thought it was a step up, we had never seen this style before. This was early 70s, and muscle cars were beginning to wane, and since his car was a 273 and not a fastback, it was a dog on the lot. I think they both were happy.
Beautiful looking car. This has always been my favourite version of the Plymouth Cuda. I hope whoever buys this car enjoys it. 🙂
2nd gen is the best looking Barracuda. Would take one over a 3rd generation any day. Sharp example here.
I also like the second generation bod style! The 4 speed stick makes all the difference in the world to me for this car! I would have no interest in an automatic!!
Nice car rare to finds with a four on the floor! I saw one in my life with a hurst transmission four also bit i don’t think so was originally! Any way still beautiful car ! And these one to👏👏👍👍
You’re not the only one Jim. The ’67-’69 Barracudas are my favorites, though I personally love the fastback body style. Certainly no show car, but overall it looks like a very nice clean driver. I had a ’68 Plymouth Satellite in that same shade. Really nice color. Maybe it’s my OCD but I can never understand why people don’t use floor mats to protect their carpets. .
I have to agree with the author on all points. I noticed the steering column looks to have had a manual shift lever from the factory, and Big Bear pointed out the engine upgrade. As much as I like rowing the floor shifter, I would have preferred it stock and with the slant 6, cause thats the way it was born, and I like 6cyl 3 on the tree.
My slant 6 3ontree will be coming up along with a covert with it as well….package deal,,,,save your money
Favorites are the notchbacks w the 340, 4sp. Small cars, very quick. 🏁
I got a brand new ’67 notchback in May, 1967. It had the 225 slant 6 and 3 on the tree. It was a turquoise green with white interior and a front bench seat with center fold down armrest. No air or power anything. Loved that car. I only kept it for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Wish I had it back.
Family friend had one all black 340 4 spd center console beautiful. Formula s was going to buy it as first car .the friend was very meticulous with the care of this car. Sorry to say car was totaled on rt 23 north wayne nj that’s my sad story that was in 1971 he wanted $1300.00 for it wow
Out of all the coupe genII’s Cuda’s I’ve had only one was a factory 4sp and was a 1968 as well….another one I should have kept….
Great cars , beg borrow or whatever it takes but this one looks like it hit a wall or simply rearended somebody at 50mph sorry but maybe with the bodyshop repair sheet and an alignment ticket and frame fotos , under the hood I dont see any signs though
I agree about the Second Generation. The only thing better than this is the ’69, something a friend clued me in about decades ago. Like he pointed out, they are the hardest to find.
This would be fun to own and drive; worth some sorting/improving upon.
I have always preferred the notchback to the fastback for this era Barracuda.
I am happy with my 1968 notchback 318. Owned for 45 years! Front bench seat has the fold down center armrest. Has the chrome spears and gills on the rocker panels. 56,000 actual miles, original maroon paint.