High-performance versions of pony cars get all of the press. Especially if it is one from the classic 1964-1972 period. Sometimes, it’s just nice to reflect on a more pedestrian version especially keeping in mind that the majority of Camaros, Mustangs, Firebirds, Barracudas, Javelins, et al were exactly that, basic non-high performance “sporty” looking transportation. Found in Mooresville, North Carolina is one such example, a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda notchback and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $3,995.
The Barracuda was in the third and final year of its second-generation run in 1969 and was offered in notchback, fastback and convertible body styles. Power ran the gambit from a lowly six-cylinder to high-performance V8. Unfortunately, the Barracuda got way over-shadowed by the Camaro/Mustang juggernaut and that’s a shame because they were nice cars in their own right. Let’s take a closer look.
This notchback example is pretty weathered, it looks about how you would expect a car of this vintage that was used extensively and then placed in storage of some sort for 25 years. The gray spots on the body, we are told, is primer from where the paint is peeling. It would seem to me that the primer is probably over old repaired body damage and the paint that is peeling is the respray to refinish the damaged area. The floors are stated as solid with just some pinholes which honestly is not the definition that I would use for solid floors and the most obvious rot is in the lower right quarter. The seller honestly states that this Barracuda needs a total restoration. The body, all-in-all, isn’t too bad but it will require some work and the peeling paint is hiding something – potentially a concern. The seller claims that the frame rails and cross member are solid.
Under the hood is Chrysler’s tried and true, virtually indestructible, 225 CI in-line “Slant-Six” engine good for 145 gross HP. The seller says that he installed a new gas tank and got the motor started but the engine is beginning to knock (as in rod knock) and he’s found metal shavings in the oil filter – probably not a good sign. Gear changes are automatically handled by a Chrysler TorqueFlite transmission.
Peering inside, a fair interior is revealed, at least the front seat’s black vinyl upholstery looks pretty good. In an odd twist, it’s the rear seats that are ripped, they usually hold up better than the front as they typically saw less use. The carpet is missing but then that’s how we know about the pinholes that are present in the solid floor pan.
Of the three Barracuda body styles available in ’69, I think this notchback design is the most balanced – it’s a sharping looking car and a welcome pony car find in an otherwise ocean of Camaros, Mustangs and Firebirds. Some individuals will immediately dismiss this Barracuda because of its six-cylinder engine, it is a nice original facet, however. Considering the engine’s potential looming problems, perhaps this example would be better suited to a V8 conversion. That would be my vote, how about you?
I always liked the front end/nose of these, and I think they stole that from the 61 Pontiac Tempest. Seems like a great price for a blank canvas with lots of potential. Given the state of the straight-6, I’d definitely drop a V8 in there, and give her a new life!
Well it’s apparent to me the back seats were put to good use! Very interesting. Older cats chime in, but these fish remind me more of Nova’s and Falcons than pony cars.
It’s an interesting car but much more “entertaining ” with a 340/360, something like that.
Alway a fan of originality and being the child of parents who drove a Volarie with a 225 for years, it’s hard to say I’d be happy dropping a V8 in there. Does sound like the slant is prob done for (guess they’re only NEARLY indestructible). Best of luck. To the new owner!
SS is a great engine, but this one sounds bad. I agree, unusual. Good news is that if you replace it with another SS, no need for new engine mounts or K frame. And SS are dirt cheap. Last year a guy offered me a late 70s 2bbl super six with less then 50K miles on it for a hundred bucks, said the street value was nil. Everyone wants killer small blocks. An engine like that would already be prepped for modern gasoline and it would make this little gal sing. Of course, if you just have to have a V8 in her, a 318 would be the way to go. I know a 273 is period correct, but a 318 looks exactly the same and has more HP. I feel a 340/360 would require too much beefing up of the tranny and suspension in this car. Plus again, the 318 is also almost a give away in todays market.
340 & 360 are still externally the same as a 273 & 318. I think a nice crate 360 dressed down to look like a sticker 273 would be the way to go if another slant six can’t be found. Could be a nifty little car when done.
I used to like the fast backs more but as I got older I prefer the coupe
I agree about keeping a six in it but I’d go 2jz and piss off all the purists at the mopar show!
Guaranteed everybody would remember it
As much as i would be angry about a 2jz in a car like this, i would be happy about it as well. I prefer originality most times, but when somebody puts in something completely different, i like it. Odd engine swaps show that someone is able to work hard to make things work. The only engine that i think does not go into everything is an LS, good engines, but LS swaps are overdone.
The 273 was out of production before 69.
The 318 would be the period correct V8 as standard. 340 optional.
Did they make one coupe and one convertible for every twenty fastbacks during this era? I hardly ever see the coupes, a few convertibles have been on BF in the past 5 years. And I’m tripping over the fastbacks all the time locally and in national classified ads.
About that….they were know by the big back window with more storage ! By 1969 the convert production was down to about 1400 – but Doris Day drove a pretty red one like mine. Have had a few coupes and they just don’t grow on me much – but do own a sister car to this in about the same condition – drove it for years !
Think this one is priced close……for something different.
If I had the room and not other projects underway i would consider this as a driver to be saved if the acquisition costs was right.
Yup. needs a 340 or 360
To my eyes the front seats don’t quite match the rears so I would bet the fronts were replaced at some point.
Kind of odd, no power steering or brakes but a console and floor shifter.
I guess if I were to get this for the “right price” ( $1,000-$2,000?) I would source a super six, upgrade the brakes, and get bigger wheels with better tires.
But that green? At the very least, I would have to paint the roof a contrasting color.
agree – the front seats maybe were recovered – they have the rare headrests….the console appears to have wood grain in lay which would be on the next line up – and the dash should have it as well – but I cant tell – the deluxe interior door panels have wood grain also and a pouch I’m sure…..stuff gets changed out over time – the floor shift looks original from what I can see….kinda hard to fake it….
Headrests were mandatory in 1969.
The principal or band director at my middle school drove this color Cuda coupe, with a contrasting white painted roof. Somewhere there is a picture of it in a yearbook I’ve stowed away.
Slant 6 indestructible? I had one in a Dodge dart and killed it…This puppy is ready for a engine trans trans-plant. 340 4 speed. Show some rust but at 4k or offer IMO you’d have a lot to work with.
Assuming that it is original….
Someone clearly ordered an upscale interior back in the day… Ohh La La
I’m fond of these cars, but probably because my buddy has owned one since we graduated.
Same color, same motor, same rust, but a ’68 with a column shift and a bench. He beat me to calling the seller by just a few hours. I should buy this just to mess with him. HA
Might make a nice addition to these two on rotisserie in Tennessee. At least you’d get your choice of drivetrain and at least one good coupe body.
https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/d/mount-juliet-plymouth-barracuda-projects/7061809144.html
This looks exactly like my high school driver training car. I was a Chevy guy at the time, but became a Mopar guy by default when I was determined not to go through my senior year without a hot rod, so my ride for that year (class of ’73) was determined by what I could afford with my paper route money–a ’66 Valiant with a 340 and 4-speed. I never lost a street race in that car. I transferred the 340 to a ’65 Barracuda in ’78. I still have the Barracuda, but now it has a 433 c.i. aluminum 3rd gen hemi with Hilborn stack injection and dry sump oil system, Tremec 6-speed with PPG sequential shift conversion, independent rear suspension with Hammerhead center section and differential cooler, Detroit Speed front suspension, full frame with roll cage, Alcon brakes, and numerous other goodies. It made its “third life” debut at SEMA a couple of months ago. I guess I am now a confirmed Mopar guy; never would have thought that when I was in that driver training car.
Photos?
I have plenty, but I’m not a “member”, so I’m not allowed to post them.
When I was in my teens, my best friend found 69′ notch back abandoned on a farm field (78?) and when the farmer sold it to him, he said “I’d take it easy with that car, she’s fast!” Well, he wasn’t kidding! It was blue/black vinyl top with a black interior and head rests, 340 4 speed and a small round badge on the front fenders (S?). All it needed was a clutch and a tune up! She was a monster in our area for awhile till a fast cruise down a old country road in South Jersey that ended in a T! Damn triangle of dirt didn’t help the stop! She was totaled. Yet in all these years of following these cars, I rarely see the car in this color an those options. We still talk about 40+ years later!
Nice and perfect slant six who needs a reasonable driver who can appreciate the simplicity of things in a basic restoration. Why put a V8, magnum wheels, dual exhausts? Because they’re nowadays cheap parts? Because you’re tired? Or… afraid of something different? This pretty and basic notchcoupe is just waiting for a common person to have a lot of fun while saving a lot of money with gas. This is when the A-Body meets the perfection of basic factory equipment. Lightweight, fashionable, money-saving and caught my attention in a millisecond. No big spoilers, no lettered tires, no big V8s, no 4-speed, no unnecessary rumbling. If this is what some americans call a woman’s car (perhaps that librarian)… I need to meet her.
Gas mileage? You’d be blowing on the windshield to get 15MPG. I had one of these indestructible slant 6’s in a ’60 Dart. It was better than Ford or Chevy 6’s but hardly indestructible. Mine developed valve trouble at 80k mostly highway miles.