It wouldn’t be until 1970 that the Plymouth Barracuda got its final redesign, the one probably the most fondly remembered of the three generations. However, the earlier models have plenty of positives to offer as well, plus they’re considerably more affordable, with this 1969 Barracuda here on eBay only up to $4,050 at the moment. That’s still short of the reserve, but there’s also a buy-it-now button for $11,500, which might be worth considering if you’re in the market for a convertible. This cool Mopar is located in Santa Monica, California, and the seller says it’s recently out of a long-term garage storage that lasted for two decades.
Overall, the body seems pretty good from the doors forward. Unfortunately, before the seller’s acquisition, the Barracuda got hit in the rear on the driver’s side, and the owner doesn’t deny that the repairs aren’t the greatest. He says that the bodywork performed was just cosmetic, which I take to mean the metal was somewhat pulled out and filler was applied, lots of it, which is now cracking in a few areas.
A photo with the trunk open also shows that the rear fascia isn’t exactly straight either, so I’m guessing the back bumper also got bent and replaced. There’s some rust on the quarters near the front, mended with my late father’s favorite fix-it tool ever, grey duct tape. The next owner will have to decide whether trying to improve the repairs in these areas is the best option, perhaps replace some panels, or just enjoy driving this one as-is for a while before doing anything.
The Slant Six was still the base engine for the Barracuda in 1969, but this was also the year the smallest available V8 increased from 273 cubic inches to 318, which is what can be found under the hood here. However, the seller kindly decodes the fender tag for us and points out that the powerplant code is E24, indicating that the car left Hamtramck with the six-cylinder component. He tells us the 318 in the bay now is from 1971, with the stock carburetor and manifold still on top. The engine is said to start, but the California PNO (Planned Nonoperation Filing) registration makes it a no-no to operate this car on the streets, so don’t plan on any extended test drives.
The interior looks pretty good for the most part, but it’s hard not to notice how the door trim doesn’t match the rear panels. An aftermarket Stereo has been added along with some massive front speakers in the kick-panel areas, so if you’ve still got some cassettes, it might be time to bring them out! We don’t get to see them, but the owner states that the frame rails appear to remain in good shape structurally, so hopefully, the collision didn’t damage anything down under. After the initial purchase, how much effort and additional expense would you consider investing in this 1969 Plymouth Barracuda convertible?
California PNO… What will they think of next…
Planned Non Operation is a good thing. It can be obtained for a small fee and exempts a car from registration and insurance requirements, a major savings. (But if a vehicle has not been PNO’d is returned to service, ALL past registrations and fees are due.)
Assuming you return it to service in the People’s Republic of California. Plate it in a different state and tell Gavin to “pound sand”!
That close up of the fender looks like it’s about 80 percent Bondo.
Definitely would need to see it in person with a good body guy. Right side fender redone as well so you would need to see accident damage as well as rust.
1968 was the first year that the 318 was introduced. I have a 68 Barracuda all original with 318 V8 with owners manual and sales brochure.
Ok. Quick question for my edification. If a PNO car is bought by an out of state person, can the car be driven out of state? Or is this more of a roll the dice and FAFO kind of situation?
A one day permit can be obtained to move the vehicle (under certain circumstances).
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/temporary-operating-permits/#acc-one-trip-permit
Only 21,000 miles and all that damage.
Maybe it was a “Demo-Derby” participant.
Try to find Two full quarter panels, frame work and paint= $12K
Convertible quarters and different than roofed cars.
Let the fun begin.
If you read close…..that’s the miles for the rebuilt transmission……
Anyone know about the paint color? That looks close the Turbine Bronz.
It is not Turbine Bronze, which was dropped after the 1968 model year. 1969 brought three new copper/bronze offerings. The color on this is ET5, Bronze Fire Metallic.
Yes….they changed the name thru the years…..my 1967 is Turbine Bronze and is a little darker.
This must have been an early model ’69. Headrests (restraints) became mandatory on the front seats of any passenger car manufactured on January 1st 1969, or later.
So it’s a rare convertible, and it’s been “upgraded” with a 318. Definite pluses, but to make this make sense for someone serious about making this classic shine again, 11k is out of the question. No offense meant.
I’ve seen, and bought a few, cars over the years to get that some people rely only on what it’s supposed to be, and not what’s left.
There is no way a buyer can come anywhere close to breaking even on this car if they restore it. The cost of the bodywork alone will be more than the value of the vehicle. Too bad, it is a really nice looking model.
California car or not, this one has “money pit” written all over it! The bodywork will be extensive and expensive as it stands, and God help you if the body techs find more issues under that paint! The engine swap is O.K. if you don’t care about a numbers matching example and that 318 can become a 340 after a trip to the machine shop! The interior is dirty and tired, so add that to the list of issues to be addressed. A good buy at $5k, but the economics get dicey at almost $12k. It probably won’t meet the reserve, IMHO.
They made fewer than 1500 Barracuda converts in 1969…..this one’s not bad has all the parts – seats are okay for a driver and drive I would but I already own one….
Awesome looking car. I’ve always loved this version Plymouth Cuda. 🙂