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The Barracuda wasn’t very exciting when it was introduced. It was basically a fastback Valiant. Perhaps this ugly old Barracuda could be the start for a project though? Perhaps one of those expensive big engine and updated suspension projects? It looks solid and at $1,900 it’s cheap enough. Sources like Classic Industries have all the parts you need for this A-body car. Personally, I would keep this stock, with the slant 6 engine and paint it a stock color, perhaps going back to the original color. This Barracuda is being sold by a flipper, but at least they aren’t greedy and they do save old cars from the crusher. Saving old cars is what it’s all about, right? This this one here on craigslist in Los Angeles, California.
Barracuda? It had no teeth. Plymouth Goldfish would’ve been more appropriate.
Well boys it just so happens that there were some pretty bad ass early Barracudas with big blocks, hemi cars and small block 340 along with Hurst packages. There was an S package for suspension that in its day was pretty good. torsion bar was innovative. along with leaf spring getting rid of coil springs was huge ever heard of “Hemi under glass”? A classic wheel stander
As the proud owner of a first generation Barracuda, I can confirm that these are fun little cars that get a lot of attention due to their scarcity (compared to Mustangs) and unusual styling. The strictly mechanical parts are relatively easy to obtain, but everything else is a bit of a challenge as not much is being reproduced and used trim parts etc. are difficult to find in good condition. I would recommend looking for one that is relatively complete and solid (which won’t be very costly).
Steve
I remember when these came out it was very interesting to me as there was no such thing as a hatchback yet so the whole idea of a fold down rear seat to open up the trunk was new and exciting.
The car looks pretty scabby in the video and seems to barely run. I’d be MUCH more interested in the Packard Clipper Constellation in the background, just sayin… ^_^
That chick is an embarassment to car chicks. jess Sayin
1900 is really reasonable money for this one
I wouldn’t mind the shortened Volkswagen convertible in the background…
The rear glass may be worth as much as the whole car. I would keep it slant six-three speed. True, it’s just a Valiant, but it’s kinda cool!
The Barracuda is just a Valiant in the same way a Mustang is just a Falcon. Both were sporty versions of the cheapest car. The Barracuda beat the Mustang to market with arguably a better built car. Iacocca, however, turned out to be a PR master.
At my very first real job in 1969 a lady who worked there had one identical to the one shown, I just never liked the body style of those, hers was the same color but of course in much better condition. I would massage the imperfections out of the chicks body before attempting to get the Cuda back in shape. She may not be a real car wrenching chick but she could sit in my passenger seat any day, maybe because I’m getting old.
oh WOW man.. the car look a lot like one I had…’cept mine was… like… white..and it was waaay back in 1972 when I bought mine.. which I wish I still had.. Those pot-metal grills are kinda hard to find.. The bars broke rather easily..
damn the haters….guess why I don’t post much….like the Walrus said…..did you know if you pulled the Mustang center steering wheel cap – and walla….”Falcon Sprint” is what it will say underneath the 64-65-66 steering wheels…
That’s interesting info, stillrunners–and please post more! We love informative comments!
When it comes to american cars, every thing is every thing. GM cars interchange most parts, they change the C.I.D. by 1 ie;348 chevy 347 pontiac, 398 olds 389 pontiac they made the molds go 3 years and redesigned. however look at a 57 star chief and a 57 belair. new mold, 58 star-chief ,belair, same cars different front end rear end and trim same with ford and Mopar. Nothing new under the sun. But they all had cars with hot set-ups, sometimes pre-ordered or the would just throw out a weird combo. I had a 70 Duster 340 with 4 piston calipers and an auto on the tree! Buckets of course..
Am I showing my age? heh..