REAL-DEAL FORMULA S, PERIOD-CORRECT 340 V8, AUTO, 4 DISC BRAKES, PWR STEERING!!

Plymouth Barracuda 1969 Description

In the pony car wars, it would be a mistake to overlook the early Plymouth Barracuda, whose stunning fastback styling makes it a dramatic alternative to the usual Mustangs and Camaros you see all over the place. With a potent 340 inch small block, surprisingly agile handling, and a first-rate restoration, this relatively rare 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S is a fantastic choice if you're the kind who likes to color a bit outside the lines.First off, this is a real-deal Formula S, the one that Plymouth sent out to do battle with the Boss 302 and Z/28. The slick orange paint is far from a subtle color on a muscle car, and while Mopars are not noted for their subtlety, the Barracuda still prefers to let the dramatic shape do most of the talking. Old school Mopars have an appeal all their own, as Chrysler forged a different path and created a large group of enthusiasts because of it. Doors fit nicely, the hood offers cool chrome inserts that give it a high-performance look without being the usual aftermarket add-ons, and the fastback shape has styling cues that have resonated with Mopar for decades. Black stripes down the center certainly help, letting everyone know this isn't a garden-variety E-body. The finish work is professional grade throughout, with an impressive shine on the paint that reportedly cost more than $20,000. If that's true, it's easy to believe, because this car looks spectacular from any angle.Clean, simple lines inside give the Barracuda an understated style, augmented by a set of bucket seats covered in reproduction seat covers that are exactly like the originals. An aftermarket A/C system under the dash makes it comfortable to drive anywhere, any time, and the wood-rimmed wheel adds a touch of elegance to the all-business driver's compartment. Big, round gauges emphasize that this car was built for performance and the shifter falls to hand easily so you can work the TorqueFlite manually for maximum performance. New carpets, crisply rendered door panels, and a fresh dash pad make it feel new inside, and the doors close with a solid sound, not a hollow rattle like on lesser cars. The back seat has probably not been used since the restoration was completed and folds down to create a massive cargo bay that makes the Barracuda a practical piece of muscle. And in the interest of authenticity, it even includes the original AM/FM radio in the dash, distinctive vertical knobs and all. The trunk is a showplace for the solid floors and thoroughness of the restoration, with every square inch painted and ready to go.We would argue that the 340 cubic inch V8 under the hood of this Barracuda is the one to own; with not a lot of weight to haul around, performance is impressive and handling is very sharp. With a 4-barrel carburetor up top and a traditional Chrysler performance look with the wrinkle-finish air cleaner, there's no question that this car has. There's a crinkle-finish air cleaner, chrome valve covers, and those trick exhaust manifolds that are uniquely Chrysler. Rebuilt perhaps five or six years ago, it runs extremely well and seems to love to rev. The TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission doesn't mind the abuse and with 3.23 gears out back, it is an easy cruiser on the highway, burbling happily through a Magnaflow stainless dual exhaust system. Polished Torque Thrusts with recent BFG tires add the right performance rolling stock to complete the look.Given the skyrocketing values of the later 'Cudas, this Formula S with a snappy small block and a great look suddenly looks like a very smart buy. Call today!