The Plymouth Barracuda is a legendary name in the history of American muscle cars. It was the first pony car, launched two weeks before the Ford Mustang in 1964, and it was one of the most powerful and stylish cars of its era. In this article, we will explore the origins, evolution, and legacy of the Plymouth Barracuda, the car that started the pony car craze.

The First Generation: 1964-1966

• The first generation of the Plymouth Barracuda was based on the Chrysler A-body platform, which was also used for the compact Plymouth Valiant.
• The Barracuda was a two-door hardtop fastback design, with a distinctive wraparound rear window that was the largest ever installed on a production car at the time.
• The Barracuda shared most of its parts and bodywork with the Valiant, except for the trunk and some of the glass.
• The Barracuda was not meant to be a performance car at first, but rather a convenient and reliable car for the budget-conscious buyer.
• The engine options ranged from a 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 to a 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8, with modest horsepower ratings.
• The Barracuda was also available with various options and accessories, such as bucket seats, floor shifter, tachometer, and vinyl roof.
• The first generation of the Barracuda sold well, but it was overshadowed by the more popular and successful Ford Mustang, which had a wider range of models and engines, and a more aggressive marketing campaign.
• The Barracuda was also criticized for its lack of originality and identity, as it looked too much like a Valiant with a different rear end.

The Second Generation: 1967-1969

• The second generation of the Plymouth Barracuda was a complete redesign, with a new body style and a new platform.
• The Barracuda was still based on the A-body, but it was enlarged and modified to accommodate bigger engines and wider tires.
• The Barracuda was also offered in three different body styles: fastback, notchback, and convertible. The fastback was the most popular, followed by the notchback, and the convertible was the rarest and most expensive.
• The second generation of the Barracuda also marked the beginning of its transformation from a pony car to a muscle car.
• In 1967, the Barracuda was available with the 383 cu in (6.3 L) Super Commando V8, which produced 280 hp (209 kW).
• In 1968, the Barracuda was upgraded with the 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA V8, which produced 275 hp (205 kW), and the 440 cu in (7.2 L) Super Commando V8, which produced 375 hp (280 kW).
• In 1969, the Barracuda reached its peak of performance with the introduction of the ‘Cuda option package, which included the legendary 426 cu in (7.0 L) HEMI V8, which produced 425 hp (317 kW).
• The second generation of the Barracuda also featured some of the most iconic and collectible models in its history, such as the Formula S, the Hurst HEMI Under Glass, and the AAR ‘Cuda.
  • The Formula S was a sporty package that included heavy-duty suspension, disc brakes, and special badges.
  • The Hurst HEMI Under Glass was a drag racing car that had a HEMI engine mounted in the rear, creating a spectacular wheelie effect.
  • The AAR ‘Cuda was a homologated version of the car that Dan Gurney’s All American Racers team ran in the Trans-Am racing series, featuring a 340 cu in (5.6 L) Six Pack V8, which had three two-barrel carburetors, and a distinctive side-exit exhaust system.
• The second generation of the Barracuda was a success, both in terms of sales and performance.
• It was praised for its sleek and sporty design, its powerful and versatile engines, and its handling and braking capabilities.
• It was also a formidable competitor in the racing scene, winning several championships and setting records.
• The Barracuda was now a true muscle car, and a worthy rival to the Mustang, the Camaro, and the Firebird.

The Third Generation: 1970-1974

• The third generation of the Plymouth Barracuda was the last and the most radical.
• It was based on the new Chrysler E-body platform, which was exclusive to the Barracuda and the slightly larger Dodge Challenger.
• The Barracuda was now a completely different car from the Valiant, with a shorter wheelbase, a wider track, and a lower stance.
• The Barracuda was also available only in two body styles: hardtop and convertible.
• The third generation of the Barracuda was also the most powerful and the most expensive.
• It retained the same engine options as the previous generation, but with some changes and additions.
  • The 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 was now rated at 290 hp (216 kW), the 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 was now rated at 335 hp (250 kW), the 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 was now available with a Six Pack option, which increased the power to 390 hp (291 kW), and the 426 cu in (7.0 L) HEMI V8 was still the king of the hill, with 425 hp (317 kW).
  • The Barracuda was also equipped with some of the most advanced features and options of its time, such as the Shaker hood, which had a scoop that moved with the engine, the Pistol Grip shifter, which had a unique shape and feel, and the Rallye instrument cluster, which had a full set of gauges and indicators.
• The third generation of the Barracuda also spawned some of the most rare and valuable models in its history, such as the HEMI ‘Cuda, the ‘Cuda Convertible, and the ‘Cuda Gran Coupe.
  • The HEMI ‘Cuda was the ultimate performance model, featuring the HEMI engine and various performance enhancements.
  • The ‘Cuda Convertible was the most luxurious and the most scarce model, with only 14 HEMI ‘Cuda Convertibles ever made.
  • The ‘Cuda Gran Coupe was the most elegant and the most refined model, featuring a vinyl roof, leather seats, and woodgrain accents.
• The third generation of the Barracuda was a masterpiece, both in terms of design and engineering.
• It was admired for its aggressive and muscular appearance, its incredible and unmatched performance, and its comfort and convenience.
• It was also a legend in the collector’s market, with some models fetching millions of dollars at auctions.
• The Barracuda was now the ultimate muscle car, and the finest pony car ever made.

The Legacy of the Plymouth Barracuda

• The Plymouth Barracuda was discontinued in 1974, due to the decline of the muscle car market, caused by the oil crisis, the emissions regulations, and the insurance costs.
• The Barracuda was also overshadowed by the more popular and more profitable Dodge Challenger, which shared the same platform and engines.
• The Barracuda was a victim of its success, as it became too expensive and too powerful for its good.
• However, the Plymouth Barracuda left a lasting impression on the automotive world, as it was one of the most innovative and influential cars of its time.
• It was the first pony car, the first fastback, and the first to offer a wide range of engines and options.
• It was also one of the most beautiful and the most potent cars of its time, setting standards and records that are still respected and admired today.
• The Barracuda was a pioneer, a champion, and a legend, and it will always be remembered as the first and the finest pony car.