Most folks credit the Ford Mustang for starting the “pony car” market, with that nickname bestowed in the Mustang’s honor. But the Plymouth Barracuda hit the market 17 days before the Ford in April 1964. Sales of the Mopar paled in comparison during the car’s 11-year run. The seller offers a first-generation Barracuda from 1966 that was previously a one-owner car. It’s said to be in great shape and the photos provided tend to support that. Located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this 68,000-mile Plymouth is available here on craigslist for $17,500. Kudos to Tony Primo for this neat tip!
There was only one body style of the Barracuda offered when it debuted, a fastback. Its styling is thought to have inspired that of the Rambler Marlin a year later. Under the skin, the Barracuda was a Plymouth Valiant, and it kept its A-body association with that compact car through 1969 after which Chrysler gave it and the then-new Dodge Challenger a separate platform. Compared to nearly 1.3 million Mustangs sold between 1964 and 1966, the Barracuda mustered only 126,000 units.
The seller’s Barracuda is one of 25,500 copies built in 1966 with a V8 engine. Another 10,500 had six-cylinder power, Chrysler’s famous Slant-Six which was in production for a couple of decades. The only V8 offered was a 273 cubic inch motor with a 2-barrel carburetor. In this Plymouth it’s paired with an automatic transmission with no power accessories. The seller bought it two years ago from the original owner, a 90-year-old lady who had it repainted a few years ago (which may have involved a color, change, too).
Due to it sitting for a while, the seller had to replace the gas tank, fuel pump, water pump, and carburetor and we’re told it runs good now at 68,000 miles (or 71,000 as both figures are given). The interior is mostly original except for the carpeting up front, but enough material is left, too, for the rear, as well. You have to wonder why the Barracuda never took off like the Mustang (perhaps it was poorly marketed, and Chrysler didn’t then have Lee Iacocca to promote it). Since the Mustang outsold the Barracuda by a margin of 16 to 1 in 1966, these are much harder to find – in any condition.
The 273 commando was also available in 1965 ,66 and 67 with 235hp
For that price, I’d sure expect it to be in much better shape than this!!!
Considering how many of these have already rusted away into dust, this car looks practically turn key to me.
First generation Barracudas were simply fastback Valiants. First generation Mustangs had a radically new, sexy look compared to their box-like Falcon predecessors. That alone gives Mustangs the right to be called the first pony car.
To me, Plymouth nailed it in 1970 with the greatest, best looking pony car of the muscle car era. The ‘70 ‘cuda was there and then gone in such a short time.
To the lucky ones that got to own them new, and the ones that own nice ones today, I tip my hat.
Well most people credit the Mustang because it was undeniably, massively more popular than the Barracuda. In fact, the Barracuda isn’t even considered as competition in the pony car market till years later. It would be hard to make an argument that you started something that you were not even considered a player in.
Perhaps the reason why the Barracuda wasn’t able to touch the Mustang in sales, was due to the fact that they were just butt ugly, compared to the Mustang. You hang that goofy looking rear onto granny’s Valiant, and call that a pony car? Nope.
When I was 17, sure could have used that “7 feet of anything space” in the back. I am sure it was advertised as such for other 17 year olds, who actually could get dates, not me.
Maybe a Pony car on paper but not in the design. I see styling cues on this more from the 50’s like the rocket taillights for example. This front end is plain and the side lines are straight unlike the Mustang with it’s upward back “haunches”.
The Mustang was called a pony car because 1:the name Mustang and 2:the short deck long hood look…the Barracuda did not have that and wasnt a pony car until later,it was just a sporty compact.SO..the Mustang is the original pony car.it also hit showrooms almost 2 weeks before the Barracuda(the Barracuda was only announced earlier)
The Barracuda did come first, but it did not follow the same formula as the Mustang, retaining the Valiant’s wheelbase and lower body. As a result, the Barracuda was branded a Valiant in the eye of enthusiasts, and carried with it that car’s rather un-exciting image. Ford, on the other hand, went to great lengths to disguise the Falcon under the Mustang, and reaped the rewards. Ford sold over 418,000 Mustangs in the first 12 months it was on the market. Plymouth sold 380,000 Barracudas over the model’s 11-year lifespan.
Weren’t ALL cars “previously a one-owner car” at some point? :)
Lovely looking car! I’ve always loved the 1966 Plymouth Cuda. It’s nice to see an original, unresto’d model.
It would b lots of fun!!
My dad had one………same color too. It was a neat little car and never gave him any trouble. Price seems a bit high but………it’s worth what someone is willing to pay.
What’s the first pony car is up for debate. I think it’s the 1962 Corvair Spyder.
Did you own a horse named Corvair?
I had a horse with no name. Been through the desert…
IMO the 67- 69 Cuda’s were the best looking of the bunch, Before them they had an ugly front and after they got too big like the Mustang did in 71. Put a 4 barrel and some headers on the 273 and just enjoy rowing that 4 speed.
I also love the 1967-69 Cuda.
There’s a huge reason for the 16 to 1 sales ratio…..those things are UGLY.
By being named after a game fish it can hardly ever be considered as a “Pony” car!
Inspired the Sunbeam Alpine also
Love all the Cudas….I hope Santa brings me a black on black 67 Formula S!
I had a 66 in high school, and used it as intended. There were some odd contours to the floor, but made it work.
My friend had one that looked just like this one. His had the commando 273. In 1969 we put a late model 340 that had been in a Dodge Dart that had been totaled. We promptly slid it sideways into a big oak tree and totaled it also.
I’ve got another contender: 1962 Studebaker Avanti. Was it a deluxe pony at or a slightly undersized personal luxury car?