Vehicle Description
In the pony car wars, it would be a mistake to overlook the
Plymouth Barracuda, whose stunning fastback styling makes it a
dramatic alternative to the usual Mustangs and Camaros you see all
over the place. With a numbers-matching 273 cubic inch small block
V8, a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a first-rate restoration
completed less than 20k miles ago, this relatively rare,
black-on-black 1964 Plymouth Barracuda is a fantastic choice if
you're the kind of person who likes to color a bit outside the
lines.
With the heavily rumored Mustang soon to be introduced by Ford,
Chrysler stylist Irv Ritchie knew his company needed a sporty
compact entry into their line of cars if they wanted to compete.
Ritchie sketched a fastback version of the already popular Plymouth
Valiant (a design that some dimwitted executives actually wanted to
call the 'Panda') and just like that the legendary Barracuda was
born. Based on Chrysler's A-body platform, the model uses the
Valiant's wheelbase, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows,
quarter panels, doors, A-pillars, and bumpers, albeit with a newly
designed trunk and remaining glass - including the iconic
wraparound rear window. Black is a perfect color on a muscle car,
and while later Mopars were certainly not noted for their subtlety,
the early Barracuda prefers to let the dramatic shape do most of
the talking. Old school Mopars have an appeal all their own, as
Chrysler forged a different path and created a large group of
enthusiasts because of it. Doors fit nicely, the ornate grille
offers cool chrome inserts that give it a high-performance look
that grabs attention straight away, and the fastback shape has
styling cues that have resonated with Mopar for decades. With a
respray completed back in 2008, the finish work is still a very
nice and driver-quality grade throughout, with an impressive shine
on the paint that belies its reasonable price, and thanks to the
ministrations of the faithful restorers, it's extremely correct.
The chrome and brightwork shines up nicely as well and offers the
perfect contrast for the dark palette. Simply put, this is a
beautiful car from any angle.
Clean, simple lines inside give the Barracuda an understated style,
augmented by a set of bucket seats covered in reproduction seat
covers that are just like the originals. Factory gauges ahead of
the driver keep a close eye on the engine bay, and a tall Lokar
shifter was added that falls to hand easily so you'll never miss a
shift again. Black carpets, crisply rendered door panels, and a
crack-free dash pad make it feel much newer inside, and the doors
close with a solid sound, not a hollow rattle like on lesser cars.
The back seat has probably not been used since the restoration was
completed and folds down to create a massive cargo bay that makes
the Barracuda a practical piece of muscle. Options were somewhat
sparse for Mopars in the early '60s, but you do get a factory
under-dash Cool Aire A/C unit that blows cold R134a air throughout
the cabin, and entertainment comes via a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX that
was neatly installed right above it. That big, original steering
wheel is in remarkable shape and a rare find on its own, and
someone had the presence of mind to add front lap belts to the list
of options so you get a bit of security as well. Out back, the
trunk is surprisingly spacious despite the fastback design, and
it's been neatly finished with matching black carpets.
The original, numbers-matching 273 cubic inch V8 was the top engine
in the all-new 1964 Barracuda, and with not a lot of weight to haul
around, performance is impressive with a factory-rated 180HP before
any aftermarket goodies are accounted for. Speaking of which, the
motor was rebuilt 19,280 miles ago and then topped with a modern
Edelbrock 4-barrel up top, but otherwise the engine bay is still
quite stock. There's a black snorkeled air cleaner, finned Mopar
Performance valve covers, and those exhaust manifolds that are
uniquely Chrysler, along with HEMI Orange paint on the intake and
motor. The 4-speed automatic transmission underneath feels robust
and can easily handle high-speed cruising, and the Flowmaster-style
dual exhaust system sounds throaty and wonderful. Stopping power is
aided with power front disc brakes, power steering gives the car
great road manners, and staggered American Racing Salt Flat Special
alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60/15 front and 225/60/16 tires add the
perfect rolling stock to complete the look.
Given the skyrocketing values of the later 'Cudas, this early Pony
with a great resto, matching-numbers, and loads of documentation
and provenance can rightfully be called a safe investment. Call
today!