Though Ford is usually credited with starting the “pony car” movement of the mid-1960s, the Plymouth Barracuda got there ahead of the Mustang – by 17 days. It was based on the Valiant compact, so when that car was redesigned in 1967, so was the Barracuda. And sales improved by 64%. The seller’s coupe (there were now three body styles instead of one) was partially restored nearly 40 years ago, then only driven maybe 20 miles. Located in St. Mary’s, Ohio, this running Mopar is available here on craigslist for $17,500. Kudos to “Barney” for the tip!
The Barracuda, which was in production through 1974, was always overshadowed by the Mustang. While Ford assembled 1.3 million Mustangs from 1964 to 1966, Plymouth only managed 126,000 copies of the Barracuda. A coupe arrived in 1967 to join the fastback (and a convertible was added, too), and it accounted for 45% of the car’s new demand. Three engines were offered in ’67: a 225 cubic inch Slant-Six, a 273 V8, and a 383, but it was only available with the Formula S model. We assume the motor in this car is the 273.
We glean that the paint, interior, and motor were gone through in 1987. Then the car was tucked away in a garage and apparently left there until recently. We’re told the Plymouth runs and drives now, but some revival was likely needed. The V8 is paired with an automatic transmission, so it was comparable to a Mustang with a 289 and a C4. No rust seems to have invaded the machine since the 1980s, so the car presents well considering the passage of time.
The ownership history of the Barracuda isn’t mentioned, but the seller has paperwork and receipts that cover the restoration period. Perhaps some further work will be needed to make this Plymouth roadworthy, as things like the tires must be rather ancient by now. If you’ve been wanting a “pony car” from the 1960s but have had enough of the Mustang hype, would this Mopar work?
The ask seems optimistic for the condition. The wiring appears to have been done at the Spaghetti Factory. The interior redo consists of ill fitting front seat covers. The carpet is old and discolored, door armrests not installed, cracked dash, gauge bezel looks toasty and the steering wheel is cracked. At the rear the bumper and lower pan are both bent and the exhaust appears to be original. And that compressor tossed in the trunk is sending a message.
But on the plus side this is a great writeup Russ!
You’re not wrong about the condition, but MOPARs seem to go for higher dollar levels than other makes, so it might be appropriately priced. Even basket cases seem to bring strong numbers
We call them “pony cars” not because the Mustang was first, but because “predator fish car” doesn’t have the same punch.