Few models have launched from more humble beginnings to reach such dazzling heights as the Plymouth Barracuda. Originally a trim package of the Valiant, the Barracuda was aimed at Chevrolet’s Corvair and the well-advertised rumor of the arrival of Ford’s Mustang. The first-generation cars were offered with a choice of two six-cylinder engines or a small V8. Over 90% of buyers chose the V8 – registering the first clue that the model would veer away from the Valiant’s family/economy reputation. By 1970, the Barracuda evolved into a true, fire-breathing muscle car on a mid-sized platform. Here on craigslist is a first-year Plymouth Barracuda located in Sammamish, Washington and priced at $25,000. Thanks once again to Curvette for finding us a great tip!
The 273 cu. in. V8 has been rebuilt, and the related work receipts are available for inspection. The base 273 produced about 180 hp, breathing through a single downdraft carburetor; the Commando, introduced in ’65, received a four-barrel, bringing output to 235 hp. This car’s headers, exhaust, and aftermarket aluminum radiator are new. The Torqueflite automatic has been serviced. The brake components have been replaced; the seller notes that the “disc brakes are all new” – since the car had drums all around to begin with, this hints at a welcome upgrade.
This car was both the first and the last of its kind in a few ways. It was arguably the first pony car on the market. It was the last to wear the Valiant nameplate, which would have been on the lower right edge of the trunk lid, but is missing here. It was the last with a push-button Torqueflite; after this, the column-shift ruled. Despite modest wear, this interior is perfectly serviceable. The seller notes that the air conditioning unit works well.
Much ink has been spilled regarding the rear window, a joint venture between Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Plymouth. It was the largest piece of glass installed on a production car at the time, but it was very expensive to produce. After 1966, the feature became a victim of the ever-present pressure to reduce costs. Apart from that dramatic styling statement, early Barracudas shared most of their sheet metal with the Valiant. The market accords later Barracudas much higher prices than these smaller, early versions, but I dig these early cars for their slightly weird styling. For the money, I would aim for a Formula S with a Commando engine. What do you think?
I always thought the early Baracudas were nice looking. And the 273 was nothing to sneeze at. A buddy had a Valiant ( of all things) with a 273 and it was very surprisingly quick. It was a plain white 4 door car that looked like it belonged to the phone company. Most people were quite surprised to see him take off, realizing that was no slant 6 under the hood. This one looks terrific. Nice write up ( as always!!!) Michelle. And great find here ( also as usual) Curvette.
Thank you! and actually I love the slant 6 too, nice motor. There’s something about the availability of the better engine, though, that makes me want that Commando. Had the Barracuda been made with a four-cylinder and a couple of sixes, I might have been perfectly happy with a six, but once they plopped a four-barrel’d V8 in there, nothing else will do….
I agree!! I had an ’82 Dodge Slant 6 4 speed, and loved that truck. But, yep, the 273 definitely added a lot of oomph to a light car like this.
A close family friend bought one identical to this back when. All I remember was gold inside, gold outside and that huge back window. Before that he had British sports cars and at one point a ’57 Vette. John H. greatly influenced my future taste in automobiles.
Thought you’d be mentioning your little Formula S car you bought by now….
Where is this car so i can make a deal ?
It’s in Washington State, near Seattle.
My wife’s aunt, in around 1967 had one of these, which she and her husband enjoyed. He had a heart attack and died while changing the license plate. She sold the car and never remarried.
The 4bbl Commando packed quite a host of goodies from the Mopar factory into that little V8 pkg for sure. š
Nice performers.
Headers? Perhaps I need an eye exam…
There is one that is same color as this on showroom floor at Mopar dealer in Council Grove, Ks
The guy who drive the āHemi Under Glassā car need this one I think. While back he and Jay Leon had a little mishap and bent some sheet metal.
The Hemi Under Glass that was wrecked on Jay Leno’s Garage was a second-generation Barracuda. Lucky for them, as this rear window is said nearly unobtainable, and outrageously expensive if one can be sourced. The 1967-69 fastback rear glass is not nearly as complex and is likely more readily available than the 1964-66 glass.
Where is this car ? Please.
See article, location is listed.
Hemi Under Glass, there’s the cover of Motor Trend or Hot Rod Magazine memories right there! AC, imagine that, and imagine how much it helped with that big glass greenhouse following you around.
For those who didn’t want the big glass of the Barracuda, one could opt for the Signet that year and get everything the Fish had including the V8.
Can you tell me where this vehicle is located , so i can make an offer?
It’s in Sammamish WA as the write-up indicated: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/sammamish-1964-barracuda/7903568871.html
It’s in Washington state. Click the Craigslist link in the first paragraph.
Hey, Patrick i have the car if you go to craigslist Seattle and type 1964 barracuda should come up.
Ok thank you , i’m out here in Pennsylvania , quite a ride .
Like these year Barracudas though I prefer the 67′-69’s the most. Overall looks in really nice shape but I’d try to find a factory radiator to replace that aluminum one, and I’d rip that ridiculous fish magnet/sticker off the rear deck!
“Over 90% of buyers chose the V8”
I don’t think so. From earlycuda.org:
1965: 64,596 total production, 40,522 with the V8 (63 percent).
1966: 38,029 total production, 21,523 with the V8 (57 percent).
1964 totals are harder to come by with some sources claiming 20,796 V8s out of 23,433 produced — still less than 90 percent at 89 — while another source puts the V8 total at a possibly more reasonable 4,727 (20 percent).
23,433 is still a pretty good number with a April release date and 1965’s usually out by late Aug or first of Sept…..maybe with Ford’s marketing ???
This is a really nice survivor. It was my first car–thought the push button was cool. Mine was rusting out by the time I got it. Did some amateur repair and paint –then I proceeded to total it going the wrong way on a one-way street. Was hit in an intersection and pushed into two parked cars. Did I ever pay for that with my insurance! Hope I`m a better driver 50 some years later.
Put some small bolt pattern mopar rally wheels on it and flush the fish on the back and it would be a real looker !
“Barracuda was aimed at Chevroletās Corvair ” – first time I ever read that – where is that written ? Nice car but I think this one’s been for sale before and with a $25,000 ask it’s just not everyone’s cup of tea.
I had a 641/2 Cuda with a 273 and a four speed. The price is way to high. The rear end was out of the slant six and I broke many axles
Where is this car so i can make a deal ?
You asked this question at 11:33am, despite the fact that the answer to your question was in the first paragraph.
The author replied at 12:04, explaining where the info you inquired about was located.
Nineteen minutes after receiving your answer, 12:23pm, you asked again. HHO Guy not only answered again, he provided a link to the vehicle listing.
Despite this, you asked two more times, at 9:20 & 9:21pm.
The answer to your question was evident in the article, and specifically provided to you 2 additional times. Iād suggest you pay closer attention to information in these forums.
Might suffer from ADD
Patrick W Cowley: In case you don’t know how to click a link, here’s the seller’s phone number: (425) 736-3405
And, no, I am not the seller, so please don’t ask me questions about this car.
PPG does not stand for Pittsburgh Plate Glass. It stands for Pittsburgh Paint and Glass.. I worked for a Sherwin Williams Automotive Paint dealer and we referred to PPG as Piss Poor Gloss ! Their clear coat had a yellow tint in it.
Sure love my 64 Barracuda. Same color. 273 V8
I had a Karmann Ghia convertible that had fits sourcing rear glass for years ago. Can’t imagine what it would like trying to find one for this. Haha.
Where is this car so i can make a deal ? KIDDING!!