|
By: Gary "Cuda Zappa" Viola
1964
Barracuda
The
Barracuda’s story begins as early as 1959, as the
proposed “SS.” The mid-sized fastback was later
scrapped, but the unique bubble-back design caught
Plymouth designers’ eyes. They envisioned the
“bubble-back” applied to the Valiant, and with
rumors of Ford’s sporty compact, Plymouth’s Valiant
fastback got the ok.
On April
1st, 1964, the Barracuda was introduced to the
world. Borrowing heavily from both the Valiant
design and the European fastback influence, came a
design that people either loved or hated. It
wouldn’t be sold until May, and when the Mustang was
unveiled on April 15th, the public’s choice was
clear. Early literature shows the Barracuda option
on the Valiant Signet 200 line and the 170 slant six
as standard engine; the 225 slant six and 273 2bbl
V8 being optional. Available transmissions for all
were the A-833 4 speed manual and the A904
pushbutton Torqueflight. Critics disliked
Barracuda’s looks and meager performance, but that
would be temporary.
1966
Barracuda
Seven months later came the 65s. Slight
modifications to the exterior, optional racing
stripe, and revised dash hardly changed the unique
look. However, the real update was making up for
“meager” performance, the debut of the 235HP
Commando 273. Coupling that power was the
second-to-none handling package, the Formula S. A
stiffer suspension, tachometer, and special Blue
Streak racing tires on wider rims handled so well,
that to get a comparable Mustang, you needed to
order a Shelby, but then you lost your rear seat!
1966 saw a continuation of the 65 with boxier front
and rear sheet metal. The other main difference was
the loss of the Valiant “V” early in production for
the famous fish emblem. In the inaugural Trans-Am
season, Chrysler backed Barracudas and Darts put
five cars in the top seven.
1968 SSAA
Barracuda
The second generation of the Barracuda brought a
more European inspired look. Freed from Valiant’s
body, everyone undoubtedly agreed that 67s were more
attractive, now with convertible and notchback
bodies. Finally, for those wanting more bite in
their Barracuda, the 383 got stuffed in the engine
bay and added to the engine list.
In 1968, the 318 and the all-new 340 replaced the
273. It was a little known secret that the hot setup
was the 340 Formula S, out handling and out
accelerating the heavier 383, but that was nothing
for what came out later, the SS/A Hemi Barracudas!
Hurst shoehorned in 55 (or 70, depends who you ask)
race Hemis in some acid dipped, no frills Barracudas
and sold them without warrantee. Many consider these
to be the ultimate A-bodies.
1969
Notchback Barracuda
In 1969 the new ‘cuda package became available, not
to be confused with the Formula S in its final year.
With engine displacement call outs on the side, the
‘cuda was a menace for the track, especially with
the new big dog 440 for midyear. Sadly, you couldn’t
get a 4 speed or disc brakes with your 440.
1969 440
Cuda
The E-body Barracuda for 1970 was wider, more
popular looking with seven high impact colors and
had 2 more engines than 1969, the 440 6bbl and Hemi.
The ‘cudas were still the hi-performance cars, with
matching hockey stick stripe and optional shaker
hoods. Mid-year saw the introduction of the AAR
‘cuda, Plymouth’s second factory racer for Trans-Am.
With many upgrades for handling like the Formula S
cars of before, they were a force to be reckoned, on
track and street, especially with their underrated
340 6bbl motors.
1971
Barracuda Convertible
A quad
headlamp arrangement and cheese grater grille greets
you for 1971. The 440 4bbl was dropped, and the AAR
didn’t return. The hockey stick stripe grew to
billboard proportions and two more hi-impact paints
added. This was the beginning for the end of the
Barracuda, in arguably most attractive form, with
the last year for the Hemi engine. Sadly, rising
insurance and gas prices were sounding extinction
for all performance cars.
The last three production years are similar. For
1972 came a grille more like 1970’s and new
taillights and no more big blocks or convertibles.
5mph bumpers and dropping the 225 happened in 1973
and 1974s’ lost the 340s and got the 360.
1972
Barracuda
In 1985, Plymouth tried to capitalize on the Shelby
Charger and put the 2.2L Turbo in their Turismo,
calling it the ‘cuda. However, Shelby didn’t like
his turbo motors in Plymouths so the only 2 produced
were sold, now currently residing in private
collections. Now, with Plymouth gone in the new
millennium, it’s safe to say that the Barracuda
nameplate will forever rest in peace.
Smiley's (BK's
brother) Cuda
Check out:
www.completelycudas.com
MoparStyle A-Body Forum
MoparStyle E-Body Forum
|
