The Formula S was the performance version of the Plymouth Barracuda before there was the ‘Cuda. It was offered from 1965 to 1969 and usually included a small-block V8 with a sportier handling package. This 1966 edition is a driver (with stopping issues) that comes with a detailed history and spare parts. Much work has been done to it by the seller during his 18 years of ownership. Located in Monessen, Pennsylvania, this former daily driver is available here on craigslist for $19,000. Barn Finder Barney is at it again with the tips!
Plymouth introduced the Barracuda in April 1964 as a more youthful version of the Valiant compact. It would quickly compete with (and get overshadowed by) the Ford Mustang, which came out just weeks later. The Barracuda retained its Valiant roots until 1970 when a dedicated platform finally came its way (shared with the all-new Dodge Challenger). Focus on the earlier Formula S models was on the handling, as the largest engine available to them in 1966 was a 273 cubic inch V8 that produced 235 horses because of a higher compression ratio and a 4-barrel carburetor.
For a craigslist ad, the one for this Mopar is quite extensive. It began life in California, then began to move around, ending up in Tennessee where the seller bought it. It was wearing an older MAACO repaint, and the engine was blown, hence the reason why a 318 V8 lives under the hood now. The gas tank and upholstery were new, so the seller didn’t have to bother with those. But there is a long list of work he’s done to the car over the years, and it comes with a plethora of spare parts, including those to service its rare 10-inch rear brakes. The seller must have once lived in Indiana, we guess, as that’s where it’s titled.
The appearance of the car is as a 10-footer. Once you get close, you’ll see where the paint is starting to bubble in places. The interior should be fine, but it’s the brakes you’re going to need to worry about. The rear drums tend to overheat under pressure, so daily driving in the hill country can be challenging. The price may seem a bit high for a project that’s not a Mustang, but the seller probably has invested a huge chunk of that since 2008. You can’t test drive the Plymouth as its registration has expired, but it does run.
I remember as a kid my friends dad had one of these. we put the rear seat down driving home from Madison square garden after the basketball game. i thought the back window was cool.looking out…. his was brown or a copper color if i remember, the good old days
Lovely looking car. I’ve seen these when I was a boy. I had a neighbour when I was little who had a 1965 Cuda. I never called it the Barracuda, I just called it the Cuda. I don’t know why I did. My guess is that I found it easier to say, less syllables to have to say, you know?
Interesting project. Let me think, I can’t drive it, bubbles on the body, brake issues, and 19K. A lot of decent photos, but I have had rides not titled, but I ciukd always can get a dispensation from your local DMV to move it, or find a quiet road, especially for projects. And I live in CA.
A bit on the high side.. IMO… considering how much work needs to be done… I’m thinking maybe 10 k on a good day GLWTS
Not an Formula S car…..seller is trying real hard but it takes more than fancy flying or valve covers…….the rust under the top chrome strip from the back of the door to the tail light is bothersome….just too many out there than folks that want them…..$5000 would be tops and that’s being nice……as an A-body owner since 1975…….
If I was in a Barracuda buying mood, I’d opt to spend 9K more and grab that ’74 red Cuda also recently featured here on BF.
Hes wanting top dollar price for a car that is NOT top dollar . Too much to straighten out , to get it decent.
I love these. (I had 3 a’64 and 2 ’65s) But I never had a Formula S. These had poor brakes when new. Find a dead Aspen/Volare and strip the brakes front knuckels/spindles and rear differential to not only upgrade the brakes but also to 5X4.5 bolt pattern wheels. Then you you have a great selection of wheels. (Diameter , width and offset) This is the first Formula S that I have ever seen with an automatic transmission. Price asking is a dream.
$10K over priced.
Where are the formula s emblems ? Should be on the front fenders
A formula s car would have a front sway bar. No pictures to show one way or the other. I’m doubting the Formula S claim.
Plus this guy is an idiot. If you read his description of mountain driving where you have to ride your brakes down the hills. I guess he never heard of “gearing down”. I love early Baracudas. But when an idiot like this puts it together I wouldn’t trust the car to drive across the street.