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.
Disappointing to say the Barracuda was the first pony car since it was based on the Valiant. The Falcon came before the Valiant, neither was a pony car.
The Mustang was a Falcon with a new body; the sharing was limited but the pony car was born.
The first generation (1964–1966) Plymouth Barracuda was a half attempt to create fastback Plymouth Valiant; the Barracuda shared a majority of parts and bodywork except for the wraparound rear glass and a bad nose job – not an attractive car and the sales numbers show it.
Plymouth Barracuda became a pony car in 1967 with new sheet metal and a better look, but sales were not great.
Boooo…..the Mustang had the same crappy chassie that the Falcon had. I’ve owned both a 2+2 and many a Mopar A body – the Mopar is just a better ride. Shelby did do his work and made a good handle car. I could go one but it’s useless……Ford had the marketing is the main reason it sold more before Shelby did his magic.
This seems like a decent driver that could be upped for a little money. 17K is actually cheap for a nice 1967 pony car IMHO and the 273/auto should last a long time if they are stable now.
These were good cars when new and it appears this one is good now.
Had this been the first generation the automotive landscape may have looked significantly different. IMO the coupe looked leaner and faster than the fastback. Decent looking car but restoration is being used loosely.
The ’67-’69’s are my favorite. This still needs a bit of work but it looks pretty solid. Not sure if he’ll get his ask but who’s to say.
I always likes the looks of this era Barracuda. The Allstate Insurance ad where the father needs to borrow the son’s Barracuda still sits in my mind.
That is definitely a 273 2-barrel under the hood.
The Barracuda was announced on April 1st 1964,The Mustang on Feb 6th 1964 in a press release by Iaccoca.The first Mustang rolled off the line March 9th and was officially announced in tv ads and such on April 14th.April 17th it was in showrooms and selling out like crazy…The Barracuda..did not appear in showrooms until May 1st..SO…The Mustang WAS first..to the public.
I think calling it an older “restoration” is being very kind.
It’s on the high side of ask but make an offer….you can’t start low and exspect more.