Small-Block Project: 1967 Plymouth Barracuda

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The Plymouth Barracuda started out being a derivative of the Valiant compact in 1964. It actually beat the Mustang to market by 17 days, but the Ford product got most of the attention. By the second generation in 1967, it would slowly distance itself from its corporate cousin. Sales in ’67 were up by two-thirds, perhaps due to those changes. This coupe version of the Barracuda from that model year doesn’t currently run, but the engine spins freely, which is a good sign. It can be found in Fairmont, West Virginia and is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $3,650.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the early Barracuda was its wrap-around rear window. It was reminiscent of the split-window ’63 Chevy Corvette. That feature would continue through the 1966 models until the second-generation Barracuda debuted the following year. While still Valiant based, the ’67 was heavily redesigned and would continue through 1969 as a fastback, hardtop, or convertible. The car’s styling would deploy Coke-bottle-like side contours and heavily revised front and rear ends. Other changes would include wider wheel openings, curved side glass, and S-curved roof pillars on the hardtop.

The seller offers a car he describes as a great start for a new project. The body looks generally good but the rear quarter panels and trunk extensions are going to need some surgery (from the photos provided, it looks like an outdoor car that witnesses first-hand all types of weather). The trim around the rear window is missing, which is an invitation for more rust to creep in. The front bumper is missing, but that opens up a bit of trivia for us. Did you know that these cars have interchangeable bumpers? The front could be used on the back and vice versa.

This Barracuda coupe is one of more than 28,000 produced in 1967, or 45 percent of assemblies. It has the 273 cubic inch V8, which we assume came with a 2-barrel carburetor, making it the next step up from the 225 Slant-Six. It also has the venerable Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission. We’re told the motor will turn but needs a new gas tank installed along with replacement fuel lines. The brakes will also require some attention. As an interesting point, the car’s Certi-Card and its holder are still in place under the hood.

At 62,000 reported miles, the interior is going to need a bit of work, but we’ve seen far worse. The dash and headliner are good, but the seats will need new covers and it wouldn’t hurt to source a new carpeting set. With some effort, this car might be on back on the road sooner rather than later. And closer to being a car that has an average resale value of $14,000, according to Hagerty.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Curt Lemay

    Like the fastbacks better. Still nice, but 14 large nice?

    Like 3
  2. Howard A. Howard AMember

    My neighbor friend, Johnny, had a coupe like this, when everything was fastback. In fact, I think the dealer gave him a deal because nobody wanted a coupe. May have been a ’68, but he traded his dismal Fiat 850 Coupe, and it was like going to a Cadillac. Johnny’s had a 4 speed, and was a great car. Color? Green, natch. Never let him down, unlike the Fiat. It was also a 2 barrel, so nothing fancy in performance, but great cars. A basic car here, and for most, will be a refreshing change of pace from today’s world. Great find.

    Like 10
    • Jack

      This is still on eBay at $3650 with no reserve. It could be a good project. No one is saying that this is a $14k car as it is

      Like 4
  3. 86_Vette_Convertible

    Former classmate in school had one this body style except a deep red/brown. Great little car right up to the point he crested a hill and there was a bull standing in the middle of the highway. Destroyed the bull and the car.
    Personally I think the asking price is too high for the condition it’s in

    Like 4
  4. Dave

    The reason why the Mustang outsold the Barracuda is simple: the front clip.
    Yes, the Mustang may have been derived from the Falcon, but it didn’t look like a Falcon.
    The Barracuda, on the other hand, looked like a Valiant with a fishbowl stuck on the back.

    Like 1
    • Bmac777

      I’ve always wondered how different the reception to the first gen Barracuda’s would have been, if it had flat glass on it’s fast back design

      Like 0
  5. DavidH

    What is my problem? Put the year 1964 next to most any vehicle and I like it!

    Like 2
  6. Car Nut Tacoma

    Nice looking Cuda. I’ve always loved the styling of the 1967-69 Plymouth Barracuda. Who says that it has to be powered by a big block V8 engine to be a fast car? Sometimes a small block V8 or even a large slant six can be just as powerful.

    Like 2
    • Chris M.

      Huh? I’m not sure that makes sense. When has a slant 6 ever been as powerful as a 440?

      Like 0
  7. Howard Kerr

    I suppose when this diamond in the rough is giving a complete 100% restoration it could be worth $14,000, but in this condition it must be within a few dollars of the reserve.
    I mean, except for the V8, automatic transmission, and power steering(?) this is a very basic example. No bucket seats, no console, no front disc brakes or power assistance, and it’s currently a ” ho-hum ” color combination. Add in some missing trim and a missing bumper, possible rust underneath…and in my opinion $5,000 would be quite generous.

    Like 3
  8. Rustytech RustytechMember

    In its current condition I think it’s right where it should be @ $3600. Will make a nice car when done. If I weren’t knee deep in a project now, I might be tempted.

    Like 1
  9. angliagt angliagtMember

    I like that body style,but would want to see it in
    person,before spending any money.

    Like 1
  10. Frank Gill

    Very cool find had one like it put a 340 in it gun car to drive

    Like 1
  11. Ten50boy

    One of my all time favs…… it’s the one I let slip away for a 67 Mustang…… hindsight……..😖

    Like 0
  12. stillrunners

    Actually this is the second go around for this one – it’s really not a bad start – let’s see if it finds a new home.

    Like 1
  13. Lou Tripper

    Boy this little Plymouth takes me back to ’73. My buddy Mike bought a ’69 Barracuda, slant 6 green nothing special. We drove that thing all over Pennsylvania. We were heading up to York on a weekend camping trip I was doing the driving duties while he had Tiffany K bare assed in the back seat! She was a real tart and showed us both a fine time all weekend. Ahh the glory days of youth!

    Like 0
  14. Scott L.

    I had one of these ’67 coupes in the late 1970s. It was a Formula S with a factory 383-4bbl, and a B&M auto with floor shift and console. Needless to say, I wish I still had it.

    Like 0

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