When the Plymouth Valiant grew up, it became the Barracuda. Produced from 1964 through 1974 in three generations, and serving as a template for three stylists (Elwood Engel, John Herlitz and Milt Antonick), the Barracuda was Chrysler’s attempt to outmaneuver Ford before it introduced the Mustang. But Chrysler was pouring resources into developing its Turbine car, so funds were scarce. To cut costs, the Barracuda used the Valiant’s hood, headlamp hardware, much of its glass, its quarter panels and its doors. Even the engine options were identical to the Valiant – two slant sixes and the 273 cu. in. V8. The fastback design and the big rear window – largest installed to that date on a production car – were new. This first gen – my favorite of the three – 1966 Barracuda is advertised here on craigslist with an asking price of $26,995. The car was built in California at the Los Angeles assembly plant and resides nearby, at Laguna Beach. It’s represented by a dealer; more information can be found here. Thanks to numskal for the tip!

The factory 273 V8 still resides in the engine bay, which has recently been detailed. By 1965, the 273 could be optioned with the Commando package including a four-barrel carb, a hotter cam and a higher compression ratio. This example is equipped with the Torqueflite three-speed automatic. Its brake system has been completely rebuilt and it rides on new radials. Early cars were situated on the compact A-platform with a 106″ wheelbase, so while the Barracuda’s handling won’t embarrass a Ferrari, it’s not dead to the road. By 1970, the car would grow, utilizing the mid-sized B-platform.

The interior is said to be original, with a few tears and seam separations in the seat upholstery but a sparkling dash and clean carpets. The gauge set includes a “performance indicator” to the right of the speedometer. The courtesy lights appear to work, the headliner has a few wrinkles, but overall, this car has been very well kept. The original owner’s manual comes with the sale.

The big backlight is the car’s most distinctive feature. Developed jointly by Pittsburg Plate Glass and Chrysler, its production hiked costs; it was designed out of the car by the time the second generation Barracuda arrived in 1967. Replacements can be difficult to source. In terms of sales, the first Barracudas couldn’t shake the frugal, family car image of the Valiant. Meanwhile, the Mustang was taken up by scads of youngsters looking for performance, outselling the Plymouth offering five to one. I’ve always loved these early Barracudas; thankfully for prospective buyers, prices for these early pony cars remain reasonable. Formula S cars with uprated suspension and the Commando option sell in the mid $30k area; cars similar to our subject car sell in the high teens to low twenties.