| Plymouth Barracuda | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Plymouth |
| Parent company | Chrysler Corporation |
| Production | 1964–1974 |
| Assembly | Hamtramck, Michigan Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Class | Muscle car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door fastback coupe (1964-1969) 2-door notchback coupe (1967-1974) |
| Layout | FR layout |
The Plymouth Barracuda is a car that was manufactured by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974.
Contents |
1964-1966
| First generation | |
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| Production | 1964–1966 |
| Platform | A-body |
| Engine(s) | 2.8L 101 hp I6 3.7L 145 hp I6 4.5L 180 hp V8 4.5L 235 hp V8 |
| Wheelbase | 106 in |
| Length | 188.2 in |
| Height | 70.1 in |
| Related | Dodge Dart Plymouth Valiant |
Automotive trends in the early-mid 1960s had all the US automakers looking at making sporty compact cars. Chrysler's A-body Plymouth Valiant was chosen for the company's efforts in this direction.[1] Ford's Mustang, which significantly outsold the Barracuda, gave this type of vehicle its common "pony car" moniker, but in fact the Plymouth Barracuda fastback's release on 1 April, 1964 beat the Mustang by two weeks [2]. Plymouth's executives wanted to name the car Panda, an idea unpopular with the car's designers. In the end, John Samsen's suggestion of Barracuda was selected.[3] The Barracuda used the Valiant's 106 in wheelbase and the Valiant hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels and bumpers; all other sheetmetal and glass was new. This hybrid design approach significantly reduced the development and tooling cost and time for the new model. The fastback body shape was achieved primarily with a giant backlight, which wrapped down to the fenderline. Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) collaborated with Chrysler designers in producing this 14.4 ft² (4.4 m²) rear window, the largest ever installed on a standard production car up to that time[1]. The Barracuda was able to return the Valiant's favor the next year, when the fenders and taillamps that had been introduced on the 1964 Barracuda were used on the whole 1965 Valiant range except for the wagon, which got its own taillamps.
Powertrains were identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's legendary slant-6 — a 170 in³ (2.8 L), 101 hp (75 kW) version and an optional 225 in³ (3.7 L), 145 hp (108 kW) version. An all-new, compact, lightweight 273 in³ (4.5 L) LA V8 producing 180 hp (134 kW) with a 2-barrel carburetor was the top engine option for 1964, so performance at first was modest. The Barracuda sold for a base price of $2,512 (USD). 1964 was not only the first year for the Barracuda, but also the last year for pushbutton control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission, so 1964 models were the only Barracudas so equipped. In 1965, the 225 slant-6 became the base engine in the US market, though the 170 remained the base engine in Canada. Significant options were introduced as the pony car race heated up: There was a new Commando version of the 273 engine, with a 4-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, a more aggressive camshaft with solid tappets, and other upgrades which increased output to 235 hp (175 kW). And, there was the Formula 'S' package, which included the Commando V8, upgraded suspension, larger wheels and tires, special emblems, and a standard tachometer. Disc brakes and factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year.
For 1966, the Barracuda received new taillights, new front sheetmetal, and a new dashboard. The latter had room for oil pressure and tachometer gauges on models so equipped. The 1966 front sheetmetal, which except for the grille was shared with the Valiant, gave a more rectilinear contour to the fenders. Deluxe models featured fender-top turn signal indicators with a stylized fin motif. The bumpers were larger, and the grille featured a strong grid theme. A center console was optional for the first time. Although the first Barracudas were heavily based on the contemporary Valiants, Plymouth wanted them perceived as a distinct models. Consequently, the "Valiant" chrome script that appeared on the 1964 model's trunk lid was phased out on the 1965 model in the US market. For 1966, a Barracuda-specific stylized fish logo was introduced as the car's own emblem[3], though in markets such as Canada and South Africa, where Valiant was a marque in its own right, the car remained badged as Valiant Barracuda until the A-body Barracuda was discontinued after 1969. The Barracuda would influence other designs in Chrysler's stable. Across the Atlantic Ocean, Chrysler's United Kingdom company, the former Rootes Group, developed the Hillman Hunter-based Sunbeam Rapier Fastback coupé for 1967, which bore distinct similarities to the profile of the 1964–66 Barracuda, although the designer of the Rapier, Roy Axe, denied any direct connection.
1967-1969
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Image:68 Barracuda Convertible.jpg | |
| Production | 1967–1969 |
| Platform | A-body |
| Engine(s) | 4.5L 235 hp V8 6.3L V8 7.2L V8 |
| Related | Dodge Dart Plymouth Valiant |
The second-generation Barracuda, though still a 108 in wheelbase A-body sharing many components with the Valiant, was fully redesigned with Barracuda-specific styling and its own range of models including convertibles and fastback and notchback hardtops. The phased introduction during this timeframe of the first US Federal auto safety standards provide the means to discern the model year of a second-generation Barracuda: the 1967 models have no sidemarker lights or reflectors, the 1968 models have round sidemarker lights without reflectors, and the 1969 models have rectangular sidemarker reflectors without lights. As the pony car class became established and competition increased, Plymouth began to revise the Barracuda's engine options. While the 225 slant-6 was still the base engine, the V8 options in 1967 ranged from the 2-barrel and 4-barrel versions of the 273 to a seldom-ordered 383 in³ (6.3 L) "B" big-block. In 1968 the 273 was replaced by the 318 in³ (5.2 L) LA engine as the smallest V8 available, and the new 340 in³ (5.6 L) LA 4bbl was released. For 1969, Chrysler's largest V8, the 440 in³ (7.2 L) RB big block with 4-barrel carbureted in 1969 became available. There was even a limited production of 50 Super-Stock, non-street legal, Hemi-powered Barracudas (and 50 Hemi Dodge Darts) built in 1968 for use in drag racing. For the South African export market, a 190 BHP high-performance version of the 225 slant-6 called Charger Power was offered with 9.3:1 compression, a 2bbl carburetor, a more aggressive camshaft, and a low-restriction exhaust system. A handful of spinoff Savage GTs were also built, from the second generation Barracuda. in 1969, Plymouth placed increased emphasis on providing and marketing performance. The 383 engine's output was boosted to 330 bhp, and a new trim package called 'Cuda was released. The 'Cuda was based on the Formula S option, and could be had with either the 340 or the 383 V8.
1970-1974
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
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| Also called | Plymouth 'Cuda |
| Production | 1970–1974 |
| Platform | E-body |
| Engine(s) | 198 in³ Slant 6 225 in³ Slant 6 I6 318 in³ LA V8 340 in³ LA V8 360 in³ LA V8 383 in³ B V8 426 in³ Hemi V8 440 in³ RB V8 |
| Related | Dodge Challenger |
For 1970, the Barracuda lost all commonality with the Valiant. The all-new 1970 model was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform, called the E-body. The fastback was deleted from the line, which now consisted of coupe and convertible models. There was also a Dodge near-twin known as the Challenger; however, no sheet metal interchanged between the two cars ,and the Challenger had a slightly longer wheelbase. Both were aggressively styled, and the high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda. The E body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, facilitating the release of Chrysler's 426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi for the regular retail market. Two six-cylinder engines were available — a new 198 in³ (3.2 L) version of the slant-6, and the 225 — as well as six different V8s: the 318, 340, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-6bbl, and the 426 Hemi. available[4]. The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road. Barracudas were available with decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual "high impact" colors such as "Vitamin C", "In-Violet", and "Moulin Rouge". Race car drivers Swede Savage and Dan Gurney drove identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am Series, with great promise (3 poles), but little success (0 wins). The AAR Cudas were equipped with the 340 cid "six pack" (three two-barrel carburetors). With the 440-6 and 426 Hemi, the straight-line performance from regular production Barracudas became legendary. The 1/4 mile times for were in the vicinity of 13.7 seconds @ 103 mph to 13.4 s @ 108 mph - both among the fastest times of the day. However, this sort of performance came at a price: the road tests of the day noted the cars' cramped, uncomfortable passenger compartment and extremely limited luggage capacity. Poor handling and braking were also common complaints, particularly with the larger, heavier engines.
The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights, and also the only year of the fender "gills". The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except the 4-barrel carbureted 440 engine was not available; all 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead. The 426 Hemi option would remain, and the Hemi-powered 1971 Barracuda convertible is now considered one of the rarest and most desirable collectible automobiles. Only seven were known to be produced; the six surviving have sold for US$2,000,000 or more each. In 1970 and 1971, two significant options were available: the shaker hood and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle. The shaker hood was available with 340, 383, 440-4bbl and 440-6bbl, and 426 Hemi engines. The heavy-duty (and heavy) Dana 60, with a 9-3/4 in ring gear, was standard equipment with manual transmissions and 440-6bbl and 426 Hemi engines, and was optional on those with the automatic transmission. All engines were slightly detuned and the compression reduced to accommodate the new low-lead gasoline. After another grille and taillight redesign in 1972, the Barracuda would remain unchanged through 1974, with dual headlights and four circular taillights. But as with all other vehicles of the time, these years saw a progressive decrease in the Barracuda's performance due to tightening safety and exhaust emission regulations. Engines were detuned year by year to reduce exhaust emissions, which also reduced their power output. At the same time, bumpers grew larger and heavier and heavy steel side-impact protection beams were installed inside the doors for 1973. By 1974, only the 318 and 360 engines were available. Higher fuel prices and performance-car insurance surcharges deterred many buyers as the interest in high performance cars waned; sales had dropped dramatically after 1970, and Barracuda production ended April 1, 1974, ten years to the day after it had begun. The Barracuda is today among the most valuable of muscle cars sought by collectors, although the rarity of specific models and option combinations today is largely the result of low buyer interest and production at the time.
Production totals
1964 Model Year
Total 23,433 *includes Windsor, Ontario, Canada Built Cars
- slant six 2,647
- 273 2bbl 20,796
Windsor, Ontario, Canada Built Cars
- slant six 230
- 273 2bbl 670
1965 Model Year
Total 64,596 *Formula S quantity unknown
- V8 - 40,522
- w/ 273 4bbl automatic 4,505
- w/ 273 4bbl 4-speed 4,874
- w/ 273 4bbl total 10,062
- w/ 273 2bbl total 30,460
1966 Model Year
Total 38,029
- V8 - 21,523
- Formula S w/ 273 4bbl Auto 2,346
- Formula S w/ 273 4bbl 4-speed 2,970
- w/ 273 4bbl total 6,295
- w/273 2bbl total 9,192
1967 Model Year
Total 62,534
- Fastback 30,110
- Coupe 28,196
- Convertible 4,228
- Formula S w/ 273 4bbl 5,352
- Formula S w/ 383 4bbl 1,784
1968 Model Year
Total 45,412
- Fastback 22,576
- Coupe 19,997
- Convertible 2,840
- Formula S w/ 340 4bbl 3,917
- Formula S w/ 383 4bbl 1,279
1969 Model Year
Total 31,987
- Fastback 17,788
- Coupe 12,757
- Convertible 1,442
- Formula S w/ 340 4bbl 1,809
- 'Cuda w/340 4bbl ??
- Formula S w/ 383 4bbl 718
- 'Cuda w/383 4bbl 462
- 'Cuda w/440 4bbl 358
1970 Model Year
Total 50,617 *includes 2,724 AAR's
- Hardtop 6 cyl 5,668
- Hardtop 8 cyl 17,819
- Hardtop Gran Coupe 6 cyl 210
- Hardtop Gran Coupe 8 cyl 7,184
- Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 17,242*
- Convertible 6 cyl 223
- Convertible 8 cyl 1,169
- Convertible Gran Coupe 6 cyl 34
- Convertible Gran Coupe 8 cyl 518
- Convertible 'Cuda 8 cyl 550
1970 production of 440 ci "six pack" equipped 'Cuda models was 1,755 hardtops and 29 convertibles. 426 ci Hemi equipped 'Cuda models was 652 hardtops (368 with TorqueFlite and 284 with four-speed) and 14 convertibles (9 with an automatic and 5 with a four-speed). Shaker production for the 'Cuda was 719 on the hardtops and 8 on the convertibles. For the Hemi 'Cuda it was 284 on the hardtops with the four-speed, 366 on hardtops with the TorqueFlite, 5 on convertibles with the four-speed and 9 convertibles with the automatic.
- Engine Codes
- B - 198 ci 1V 125 hp
- C - 225 ci 1V (1 barrel carburetor) 145 hp
- G - 318 ci 2V 230 hp
- H - 340 ci 4V 277 hp
- J - 340 ci 3X2V 290 hp (AAR)
- L - 383 ci 2V and 4V 290 hp and 330 hp respectively
- N - 383 ci 4v 335 hp
- R - 426 ci 2X4V 425 hp (Hemi)
- V - 440 ci 3X2V 390 hp
1971 Model Year
Total 16,161
- Hardtop 6 cyl 1,555
- Hardtop 8 cyl 6,846
- Hardtop Gran Coupe 6 cyl 0
- Hardtop Gran Coupe 8 cyl 1,298
- Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 5,314
- Convertible 6 cyl 132
- Convertible 8 cyl 721
- Convertible 'Cuda 8 cyl 295
1971 production of the 440 ci 'Cuda "six pack" was 237 hardtops and 17 convertibles. Production of the 426 ci Hemi 'Cuda was 108 hardtops (48 with TorqueFlite and 60 with four-speed) and 9 convertibles, 7 sold domestically (5 with automatic and 2 with four-speed), and 3 sold and shipped to France. All but one of the 1971 426 ci Hemi 'Cuda convertibles have been accounted for and restored. However until late 2006 one of the 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertibles was thought to have been scrapped sometime in the late 70's in either the Phoenix area, or somewhere in the state of New Jersey. On August 1, 2006 it was discovered that the "lost Hemi 'Cuda" as it came to be known, had not been scrapped and remained in good working condition, as it does to this day. The "lost Hemi 'Cuda" appeared on the cover of the August 2006 issue of the muscle car magazine, Mopar Action. One of the French exports was white and was scrapped in France. Nothing remains but a fake recreation which was built in Canada using the original car's documentation and was exposed as a clone by several of the Mopar Magazines. [5]
- Engine Codes
- B - 198 ci 1V 125 hp
- C - 225 ci 1V 145 hp
- G - 318 ci 2V 230 hp
- H - 340 ci 4V 275 hp
- L - 383 ci 2V 275 hp
- N - 383 ci 4V 300 hp
- R - 426 ci 2X4V 425 hp (Hemi)
- V - 440 ci 3X2V 390 hp*
1972 Model Year
Total 16,142
- Hardtop 6 cyl 809
- Hardtop 8 cyl 8,951
- Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 6,382
- Engine Codes
- C - 225 ci 1V 110hp
- G - 318 ci 2V 150 hp
- H - 340 ci 4V 240 hp
A total of 490 Barracudas came with the 340 ci engine, and 5,864 'Cuda 340 were built.
1973 Model Year
Total 19,281
- Hardtop 8 cyl 9,976
- 318 ci n/a
- 340 ci n/a
- Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 9,305
- 318 ci 2,722
- man 890
- auto 1,832
- 340 ci 6,583
- man 2,007
- auto 4,576
- 318 ci 2,722
- Engine Codes
- G - 318 ci 2V 150 hp
- H - 340 ci 4V 240 hp
1974 Model Year
Total 11,734
- Hardtop 8 cyl 6,745
- 318 ci n/a
- 360 ci 846
- Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 4,989
- 318 ci 3,798
- 360 ci 1,191
- manual 430
- auto 761
- Engine Codes
- G - 318 ci 2V 150 hp
- L - 360 ci 4V 245 hp
Note: n/a = not available, man = manual, auto = automatic
Notes
- ^ a b 'Mighty Mopars: 1960-1974' by Anthony Young p. 25 ISBN 0-87938-124-8
- ^ Plymouth Barracuda @ Allpar
- ^ a b John Samsen's Plymouth Barracuda design history
- ^ 1970 Barracuda production totals by powerteam
- ^ Mopar Action Online Website
External links
- The Early Valiant & Barracuda Club (EVBC) - Club for early Barracudas (1964-'66) and Valiants (1960-'66)
- Plymouth Barracuda Resources
- Plymouth AAR 'Cuda Resources
- Plymouth Barracuda
- History and photos of the Plymouth Musclecars
- AAR Cuda - information on the 1970 AAR Barracuda
- Muscle Car Club Barracuda page
- Allpar.com Plymouth Barracuda Page
- Plymouth Barracuda @ Muscle Car Facts — A year-by-year account of Plymouth Barracuda history
- The 1964-1974 Plymouth Barracuda Webring
- Plymouth Cuda Specs, Photos, & VIN Decoder
- Plymouth Barracuda VIN Decoder
- The worldwide Plymouth Barracuda-Registry.com
- Plymouth Barracuda 1970 project
- Video of Miami Ink's Ami and his Cuda on the cover of MOPAR magazine
- World's Greatest Cars-autoswalk.com
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