In the early midst of the American muscle car scene, the small sports car market was soon to be awoken by the vast marketing hype from Ford with the unveiling of the new Mustang. Little do many car enthusiasts realize is that the Plymouth beat Ford to the market with its compact Barracuda two weeks before the Mustang. It featured a sharp compact design, more powerful 6-cylinder and V8 power plant options, and surprisingly good looks with a fastback body style right out of the gate. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval budget in the marketing department left the Barracuda in the shadows. This only forced the engineers at Plymouth to continue its efforts to outgun the Mustang under the hood! After all, it was the muscle car era, and there is no substitute for engine displacement when you are looking for more horsepower!

The Barracuda quickly made impressions on the automotive world, with revisions each year to balance the sporty looks with under hood performance. By 1967, the second-generation body grew helping provide more room under the hood along with more aggressive body lines that included wider wheel openings, more streamlined Fastback shape, and curved side glass. It was truly coming into its own, leaving no wonder as to why Car and Driver has said that “The new barracuda is the best-looking car out of Detroit in 1967. It has the tautness of line and integrity of design matched by few American cars of any vintage.” Only subtle revisions were made through 1969, the final year of the 2nd Generation style.

Offered here is a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback that has been tastefully upgraded with a new, more modern powerplant! Originally equipped with a the dependable 225ci Slant 6 engine, this wonderfully preserved and super solid Fastback received a mechanical and cosmetic restoration with a few enhancements in mind. Under the hood now lies a MOPAR Gen III 5.7L Hemi V8 producing a factory rated 345 horsepower and 375 lb. ft. of torque! Additional features include original Torqueflite 904 3-speed automatic transmission and 8 ¾ rear axle. Options include bucket seats with headrests, center console, interior courtesy lights, dual outside mirrors, front & rear bumper guards, emergency flasher, Quick-Fill gas cap, day/night rearview mirror, solid-state Music Master AM radio, and heat/defrost. On the ground are polished 15” American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial red stripe tires!

Closer inspection of the car reveals a very nice platform for such a project. The unibody and suspension survived very nicely providing a desirable, rust-free foundation. Indications this Barracuda was garaged and protected from the elements over the years. It would receive a front sway bar, all new shocks; a true dual 2.5” exhaust system with long tube headers, X-pipe, performance mufflers, and oval exhaust tips; front disc brakes, and FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technologies) ignition module and electronics to manage the engine software. Other features include custom fitted Charlie's Oil Pan, electric cooling fan, new gas tank with electric fuel pump and Redhorse fuel pressure regulator, stainless steel transmission cooler lines, and a battery relocation to the trunk.

The exterior has ben beautifully refinished in its original W1W1- White color with black accent stripes leading to dual non-functional hood scoops typically found on the 'Cuda 440. It retains the wheel lip and roof rail drip moldings along with a discreet HEMI badge on each front fender. It is a super clean presentation that will wake up your senses with an outstanding exhaust note! The same can be said a meticulously kept interior being very clean and presentable. It starts with ease and drives very well. We do not expect a custom cruiser like this to last very long! Please feel free to call with questions or to schedule a chance to see it in person. Thanks for looking!