Certain locations potentially produce more promising barn find projects than others. A dry climate helps protect classic steel, which is the case with this 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible. The seller located it in a New Mexico barn, and although its engine now runs, it needs a new owner willing and able to return it to its former glory. The search for that person began when they listed it here on eBay in El Paso, Texas. They set the price at $15,500, but they’re willing to field offers.

The 1964 Barracuda marked Plymouth’s entry into the pony car market, and while many people believe Ford’s Mustang created that niche, Plymouth beat Ford into the showrooms by two weeks. The company released the Second Generation Barracuda in 1967 with significant styling changes designed to help hide its roots. However, the car didn’t race out the door, with sales that were slightly more than 13% of those enjoyed by the Mustang. This 1967 Convertible is a surprise. The original owner ordered it in Code P Bright Red, and with a Black power top, it would have made a bold statement. The top is long gone, but the frame is intact, and the power mechanism works. The paint carries a collection of flaws and defects, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it responded positively to some work with a polish cloth if the next owner considers treading the preservation path. There is minor rust in the lower door corners and rear quarter panels, but these areas are ideal candidates for patches. Spending decades in storage in a New Mexico barn means the car is structurally sound, with no evidence of the floors or rails beginning to dissolve due to rust. The glass appears in good order, and the trim is acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.

Some readers will be disappointed to lift this Plymouth’s hood to find the 225ci slant-six occupying the engine bay. The original owner decided its 125hp should feed to the back wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. That combination would allow the car to cover the ¼ mile in18.7 seconds. The seller indicates that after years in storage, they revived this classic’s motor. It runs rough and requires further attention. That may lead some readers to consider sourcing a V8 replacement. Plymouth released the ’67 Convertible with optional engines ranging from 273ci to 383ci, and any of those would offer a performance boost. However, they discount the abilities and benefits of the slant-six at their peril. Performance specialists can extract extraordinary power from these marvelous motors, and while they will never match a larger V8, the lower weight benefits vehicle balance and driveability. This car should tip the scales at 3,007lbs. Slotting the range-topping 383 under the hood pushes the figure to 3,430lbs. With most of that considerable additional weight over the front wheels, the Barracuda loses handling finesse and precision. That’s one reason why I would steer towards preservation. The other is a matter of rarity, which I will cover in greater depth later in this article.

This Barracuda’s interior surprised me, and it did so positively. When a Convertible spends years in a barn without the protection of a top, it is fair to expect rodent infestation and general deterioration of the upholstery. That isn’t the case here, because the Black vinyl looks excellent. I believe a deep clean would return it to a high-end driver-quality appearance. It’s a similar story with the carpet, dash pad, and console. The wheel has some cracks, but I believe they’re repairable. The big-ticket item requiring attention is the dash fascia. As with many cars from this era, the buyer faces several choices to address the issue. The availability of high-quality plastic paints could allow a DIY restoration. Some companies produce reproductions, but I had no trouble finding a spotless genuine complete fascia for $350. With that installed, the interior would look stunning. The Barracuda isn’t long on luxury appointments, with bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio proving the extent of the creature comforts.

Although Plymouth produced 62,534 Barracudas across all body styles in 1967, only 4,228 were Convertibles. I tried to confirm how many featured the 225/TorqueFlite combination, but I struck a brick wall. Considering its natural competitor, the Ford Mustang, sold 472,121 cars during the same year, the Barracuda Convertible is a rare beast. Slipping a V8 under the hood of this classic would be easy, and many readers may consider that the best option. However, I believe the low production number justifies a faithful restoration. Do you agree, or is the lure of the extra power impossible to resist?