Plymouth Barracuda
The 1969 Valiant-based Barracuda coupe was hastily developed to meet the Mustang challenge. Upon learning that Ford was working on a sporty car based on the Falcon, Chrysler went to work on a rival. Having less money and time, for the Mustang project was well advanced before the rumors started, Chrysler could not afford an all-new body, so the regular Valiant shell back to the windshield was, and grafted onto it a two-door coupe with an enormous wraparound rear window; this was the Barracuda's most distinctive feature - with an area of 2,070 square inches, it was the largest piece of glass ever used in an automobile.
A choice of three engines was offered, the 170 or 225-cubic-inch sixes, and a new 180bhp 273-cubic-inch V8. In its early days Barracuda was not offered with such a wide variety of options. Stirred into action by the challenge of Mustang, Pontiac GTO, and Oldsmobile 4-4-2, Plymouth offered a 235bhp V8 for $146 extra in the 1965 Barracuda and enhanced its sporting character with a Hurst floor gearshift.
For 1967 the Barracuda was restyled to distance it from the prosaic Valiant, and three bodies were offered, fastback and notchback coupes, and a convertible. The body was 1-1/2 inches wider, which meant that the hood could accommodate the 383-cubic-inch V8 giving 280 or325bhp. A year later the fabulous 425bhp 426 Hemi engine could be had in the Barracuda, although very few were so equipped and those mostly for drag racing.
The years 1970 and 1971 were the last for the big-engined Barracudas, when a wide range was offered. The car had been nicknamed the 'Cuda, and for 1970 this became the official name for the high-performance versions, carried in script on the rear end. Models included the AAR 'Cuda, named for the All-American Racers developed for Dan Gurney and the Plymouth Trans Am team. This used the 290bhp 340-cubic-inch, 440 or 426 Hemi engine.
The 440 was less powerful than the 426, as it did not have the hemi head, but still delivered 390bhp. It was known as the six-pack, from its three two-barrel carburetors; 0-60mph took 5.9 seconds, pretty impressive for a 3,720-pound car. Nor was it very expensive. Base price for a 440 six-pack was $3,414, but this could be inflated by options such as power steering and brakes. Singer Richard Carpenter bought a 440 six-pack with every possible option except air conditioning, not available on the 440 as there was no space under the hood for the compressor, and paid $4,400.
 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Cuda Standard Rear Finish Panel Silver New $259.99 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 27m |
 Hurst Parts ID 3 4 Speed shifters 1955 1970 numbers speed shop Book Catalog $28.95 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 8m Buy It Now for only: $28.95 Buy It Now |
 1968 1969 Cuda Barracuda Antenna NOS Parts $125.00 Time Remaining: 20d 16h 27m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy It Now |
 Plymouth Barracuda V8 Barracuda 1964 California black plate V8 survivor NO RESERVE NICE CAR $7,200.00 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 27m |
 Plymouth Barracuda CUDA 1970 CUDA ROTISSERIE RESTORED BS23 N CODE 383 D21 4 SPEED EB5 BLUE BARRACUDA BB $40,000.00 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 22m Buy It Now for only: $40,000.00 Buy It Now |
 Plymouth Barracuda Station Wagon 1965 Valiant Station Wagon project parts car $950.00 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 29m Buy It Now for only: $1,125.00 Buy It Now |
