Vehicle Description
1968 Plymouth Barracuda
The Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1974. Many
people don't realize the difference between a Barracuda and 'Cuda.
There is a difference. The Formula S was also an option package.
The Cuda is a different option package with typically more power
than aesthetics and occurred later in the life of the Barracuda.
Meanwhile the second generation was available in 3 formats, a
notchback coupe, fastback and a convertible version. The birth of
the Barracuda was conceived from a Plymouth Valiant. That's a far
cry from the most iconic muscle car of all time.
For consignment a Barracuda notchback optioned car from Plymouth
right out of 1968. This coupe is late 60's cool and was meant to be
a sleeper car if you will although the new paint scheme gives away
the muscle lineage lurking within. Just a mild-mannered family car
until you get in and turn the key, then the rebuilt and upgraded
318ci V8 comes to life and you very quickly realize you will be
going for more than groceries!
Exterior
A mix of lime green and silver bathes straight rust-free panels
which are minding their gaps nicely. Some inclusions and cracking
are present on the body but are not noticeable from a distance.
This paint scheme is delineated by an orange painted pinstripe just
below the beltline and adds some contrast to the complimentary body
colors. In front, a dual opening grille houses the parking/turn
signal lights and the single round headlights. An original but
peeling chrome front bumper is just underneath. On either side just
above there rocker is a body line which begins at the front wheel
opening and melts away mid door, and 15-inch polished American
Racing Torque Thrust wheels help create the look. Speaking of
which, the highlights of this car are the fiberglass A-12 style
scooped hood, fiberglass fenders and sloping notchback rear window
which transitions into the rear deck gracefully and seamlessly. A
slightly angled trim surrounded taillight panel with another clean
bumper below and dual exhaust tips on the bottom and we have the
Barracuda presentation.
Interior
The black interior sports a floor shift console, bucket seats and
very clean black carpeting. Front buckets are excellent and appear
to be from a more modern vehicle but retain the original look with
smooth bolsters and tuck and roll inserts. A correct console races
between the seats and is constructed from black plastic with an
aluminum insert and all highlighted by chrome. The rear bench is in
splendid shape and remains original from the factory. The dash is
well preserved and remains mostly original save for the silver
painted instrument surround. Standard round gauges with a centrally
located smaller aftermarket tach are just in front of the original
3 spoke steering wheel. The radio has been removed leaving an open
hole in the dash and the heat/defrost slides are just above. A
shout out to the door panels which appear to be new and are framed
above and below by body matching green steel. A slightly wrinkled
headliner hangs above concluding our tour of the interior.
Drivetrain
A lift of the lightweight scooped hood allows us to shake hands
with a Hemi Orange painted rebuilt 318ci V8 which has been bored
.030 over and treated to a new oil pump, double roller timing
chain, a new mild performance camshaft and roller rockers. A
Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor sits atop an orange painted Edelbrock
aluminum intake manifold all under the black ribbed crinkle finish
air cleaner assembly. Mopar Performance black wrinkle finish valve
covers are also on for the dress up. An A904 Torqueflite 3-speed
automatic transmission pushes power back to an 8.75" 2.76 geared
conventional rear axle.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound and has a newer dual exhaust system consisting
of headers and Flowmaster mufflers is on for the exhale, and we
note solid unibody rails. The flooring however, has severe invasive
rust in a few areas that will need remediation. An upgrade of power
front disc brakes and power rear drum brakes are on for the whoah
factor and our consignor states that a new power steering box and
components have been installed. Giving this fish a sure-footed ride
is a front independent torsion bar suspension with new spindles and
a leaf spring rear arrangement with new Hotchkiss leaf springs. All
of this suspension has been lowered giving the car an overall 1"
lower stance.
Drive-Ability
This car lit right up, and we were off to the test track. We put
her through the paces, and it handled nicely, had nice
acceleration, and was a comfortable cruiser. Unfortunately, a few
frowns crept up during our time behind the wheel, those being; a
horn that doesn't toot, the aftermarket volt gauge was inoperable,
the front suspension tends to groan and pop and the right front
tire rubs the fender during left turns.
2nd generation Barracudas are considered somewhat rare fish,
starting from the humble Valiant A-body beginnings and working
their way into muscle car status, they hold a timeless place in
many hearts. This example, presented in a nice condition, could be
seriously considered a find. When one thinks of the Barracuda most
think of the Hemi E-body variety or the fastbacks of yore, but
never overlook and underestimate the stylish notchback, and here we
have it gracing the halls of Classic Auto Mall.
VIN DECODE
BH23F8B211767
B-Barracuda
H-High Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
F-318ci 2bbl V8
8-1968
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
211767-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG
CAR: Plymouth Barracuda 2 Door Hardtop
ENGINE: 318cid 2-bbl V8
TRANSMISSION: 3-Speed Automatic
TIRES: Unknown tire code
MODEL YEAR: 1968
BUILD DATE: November 27.
AXLE: 2.76 Rear Axle Ratio
INTERIOR: High Trim Grade, Vinyl Bench Seats. Black Interior.
PAINT: Light Green Metallic (Dodge), Mist Green Metallic
(Plymouth), Frost Green Metallic (Chrysler, Imperial).
OTHER: Black (Dodge, Plymouth), Formal Black (Chrysler, Imperial)
Upper Door Frame Color.
MOLDINGS:
25: Drip Rail Mouldings
78: Wheel Lip Mouldings
ABC OPTIONS:
R1: AM Radio
X2: Tinted Windshield Only
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.