About (first gen) Barracudas

(Sources: Allpar, The Plymouth Bulletin, Wikipedia)

On April 1, 1964, Chrylser's Plymouth Division unleashed the Barracuda on the American public. The original Barracudas weren't just based on the Plymouth Valiant (A Body) platform, they were an option on the Valiant. The Barracuda option on the Valiant afforded you Barracuda badging, your choice of high-output Slant 6 or 273 c.i.d V8 engines, manual or automatic transmissions, not to mention that stylish and distinctive glass fastback. While 90% of the 1964 Barracudas were sold with the V8 option, other options like the wood steering wheel, padded dash, rear-window fogger, and extra chrome accents were usually skipped; making them some of the most coveted stock options available.

However, as the Barracuda (in its first year) was just an "option", '64s ran with Plymouth, Barracuda, and Valiant badging. It's possible that this multiple badging was confusing to potential buyers. But in spite of stellar reviews by the press and a lower sticker price, the Barracuda was not nearly as popular as Ford's Falcon-based Mustang; which outsold the fish by about 8 to 1. This is the most likely reason that nimble, affordable, muscle cars are referred to as "Pony" cars instead of "Fish" cars.

1965 saw two important changes to the Barracuda. First, the Barracuda was offered as its own line, shedding the Valiant badging altogether. Secondly, the fish got a real powerhouse under the hood. Plymouth offered the Commando engine for Barracuda buyers. At its heart, the Commando was just the same engine as the precious year's 273. However, the Commando 273 was fitted with high-compression heads, high-performance cam, and a four-barrel carburetor; increasing horsepower from 180 to over 235. When purchased with the Barracuda's "Formula S" option, drivers could get from 0 to 60 in under 10 seconds (quite an achievement at a time when 0-60 in 12 seconds was considered good). Other components of the Formula S package included front disc brakes, stiffer springs, better wheels & tires, and an anti-roll bar; all adding to the handling and safety of the car.

1966 was the last year of the First Generation Barracudas. The '66 fish came with an external facelift: new sheetmetal on the sides meant more aggresive lines, new cheesegrater front grille, the red and blue "V" logo below the back window was replaced by the signature fish, and extenral signal markers (in the shape of fins) were mounted on the fenders. Internal changes included a redesigned guage layout and an optional center console.

The '66 Barracuda continues to be a point of contention for some Barracuda enthusiasts: some see it as a unique one-off of the First Generation Fish, while others see it as a disappointing departure from the original design.

1967 ushered in the Second Generation of the Barracudas, which promptly led to the demise of the "Barracuda" altogether... to be replaced by the horsepower-minded 'Cuda.

You can learn more about the Second Generation Barracuda and the later 'Cudas on Allpar and Wikipedia.

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