Vehicle Description
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Hardtop
The Barracuda was named by designer John "Dick" Samsen and was
selected over the previously discussed model name, the Panda.
Samsen also had input into the 1955 Thunderbird, and at Chrysler,
the Fury, Road Runner, Imperial, and Duster. Later, he created a
documentary on DVD entitled "We Dreamed the Dream Cars," a history
of styling of American cars.
For consignment, a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda hardtop that's had
recent fluid service and sports a 340ci V8 engine and automatic
transmission. Our consignor is the fifth owner of the car, and his
father was the fourth.
Exterior
This Barracuda is coated in white paint that's accented with sporty
light blue body stripes that stretch between the wheel openings.
The wonderful split grille is inset along with the headlights and
integrated marker lights that result in a distinct fascia that
would be difficult to confuse with any other car. Ornamental hood
vents flank the center line and the epic fish emblem and scripted
Barracuda on the front quarter panel are great design cues. The
profile of the car is also somewhat unique with a sweeping C-pillar
leading to a trailing rear quarter and flat rear fascia. That's
where a pair of taillights are joined on this car by a red painted
band. 15-inch polished wheels with wide opening between the spokes
look fitting on this car and the rocker panel between them includes
a louvered design toward the rear. Imperfections include numerous
bubbling and rust spots on the lower panels, rockers, and around
wheel openings.
Interior
Light blue vinyl covers the door panels with various embossed
patterns and are intersected by a faux burlwood panel just above a
pleated map pocket. The same blue is used on the low back front
bucket seats which show very little usage along with the back bench
which looks pristine. A wood colored plastic rimmed steering wheel
tops a narrow column on its way to the standard dash cluster with a
speedometer that starts with 1 representing 10mph and goes to 12,
or 120 mph. A second gauge contains four points of information, and
a Premiere AM/FM/CD radio is to the driver's right, where we find a
cracked piece of dash. The top of the dash looks great and the
center console, shaped a bit like a snake head, houses the chrome
shifter and storage bin, all over blue loop carpet that shows some
wear on the driver's side. We note one tear in the headliner which
is otherwise clean and tight. The trunk is lined with a fitted
plaid mat, batting, and includes a speaker box with dual
speakers.
Drivetrain
The bright red show worthy engine under the hood is a 340ci V8, not
original but dated from '68-'73 and topped by a 4-barrel carburetor
which is expressed on the air filter element cover. Backing up the
engine is an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission that
sends power to the back wheels and an 8 3/4 "rear axle. The car is
equipped with drum brakes on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with plenty of typical surface rust. No
oil is present under the engine but we do note some fluid on the
back drums, and some residual oil on the rear differential. The
dual exhaust passes through a pair of Flowmaster mufflers before
exiting out the back via chrome tips. Suspension consists of
torsion bars up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
The open and comfortable cabin is something we could get used to!
And the great sounding 340 under the hood, put into motion by the
shifter in our right hand, is a satisfying sensation in a car that
is not overly cumbersome in size and dimension. It's got good power
on tap and handles well, and we're happy to report that everything
that needs to function does with the exception of the wipers.
Here's another link in the chain of iconic Mopar muscle and pony
cars. An instantly recognizable vestige of late 60's styling and
uniqueness, the Barracuda was once a commuter car marketed to a
young audience, now a desirable classic to anyone. Cast your line
and hook this fish before someone else does.
BH23F8B264823
B-Plymouth Barracuda
H-High Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
F-318ci 2bbl V8
8-1968
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
264823-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG
CAR:Plymouth Barracuda 2 Door Hardtop
ENGINE:318ci 2bbl V8
TRANSMISSION:3-Speed Automatic
TIRES:D70x14 White Sidewall
MODEL YEAR:1968
BUILD DATE:January 23.
AXLE:2.76 Rear Axle Ratio
INTERIOR:Light Blue Deluxe Vinyl Buckets
PAINT:Sable White
OTHER:Frost Blue Metallic Upper Door Frame Color. Black Horizontal
Accent Stripe.
MOLDINGS:
19:Wide Sill Moldings
25:Drip Rail Moldings
30:Body Belt Moldings
78:Wheel Lip Moldings
ABC OPTIONS:
X1:Tinted Glass (all)
Y6:Black Vinyl Top
abc OPTIONS:
a6:Console
b4:Bucket Seats
r1:AM Radio 2 Watt
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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