Plymouth Barracuda

Plymouth Barracuda

1970 Plymouth Barracuda
Overview
Manufacturer Plymouth (Chrysler)
Production 1964–1974
Assembly
Body and chassis
Class Pony car
Layout FR layout
Chronology
Successor none

The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door car that was manufactured by Plymouth from the 1964 to 1974 model years.

The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback A-body coupe based on the Plymouth Valiant, had distinctive wraparound back glass and was available from 1964 to 1966.

The second-generation 1967 to 1969 Barracuda, though still Valiant-based, was heavily redesigned. Second-generation A-body cars were available in fastback, notchback, and convertible versions.

The third-generation 1970 to 1974 E-body Barracuda, no longer Valiant-based, was available as a coupe and a convertible, both of which were very different from the previous models. The final model year for the Barracuda was 1974.

1964–66

First generation
Overview
Production 1964–1966
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door fastback coupe
Platform A-body
Related Plymouth Valiant
Powertrain
Engine
  • 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 I6
  • 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6
  • 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106 in (2,692 mm)[1]
Length 188 in (4,775 mm)
Width 70 in (1,778 mm)
Height 52.5 in (1,334 mm)
Curb weight 3,100 lb (1,406 kg) as tested[2]

Automotive trends in the early to mid-1960s had all the U.S. manufacturers making vehicles in the rapidly increasing sporty compact-size market segment. Chrysler's A-body Plymouth Valiant was chosen for the focus of the company's efforts in this direction.[3]

Ford's Mustang, which significantly outsold the Barracuda, gave to this type of vehicle its colloquial name "pony car", but the Barracuda fastback, released on 1 April 1964, pre-dates the Mustang by two weeks.[4]

Plymouth's executives had wanted to name the car Panda, an idea that was unpopular with the car's designers. In the end, John Samsen's suggestion of Barracuda was selected.[5]

1965 Plymouth Barracuda

The Barracuda used the Valiant's 106 in (2,692 mm) wheelbase and the Valiant hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels, doors, A-pillar, and bumpers; all other sheet metal 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 back glass, which wrapped down to the fender line.[1] Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) collaborated with Chrysler designers to produce this 14.4 ft² (1.33 m²) backlight, the largest ever installed on a standard production car to that time.[6]

The Barracuda was able to return the Valiant's favor the next year, when the fenders and tail lamps that had been introduced on the 1964 Barracuda were used on the whole 1965 Valiant range except for the wagon.

Powertrains were identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 six-cylinder engine. The standard-equipment engine had a piston displacement of 170 cu in (2.8 L) and an output of 101 bhp (75 kW); the 225 cu in (3.7 L) option raised the power output to 145 bhp (108 kW).

The highest power option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8. A compact and relatively light engine equipped with a two-barrel carburetor, it produced 180 bhp (130 kW).[7] The Barracuda sold for a base price of US$2,512.

1964 was not only the first model for the Barracuda, but also the last model year entirely for push-button control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission, so the 1964 models were the only Barracudas so equipped. It also marked the first use of the smaller "TorqueFlite 6" (A904) transmission behind a V8.

In 1965, the 225 slant-6 became the base engine for the U.S. market, though the 170 remained the base engine in Canada.

New options were introduced for the Barracuda as the competition among pony cars intensified. The 273 engine was made available as an upgraded Commando version with a four-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, and a more aggressive camshaft, still with solid tappets. These and other upgrades increased the engine's output to 235 bhp (175 kW).

1965 Barracuda Formula S

Also in 1965, the Formula 'S' package was introduced. It included the Commando V8 engine, suspension upgrades, larger wheels and tires, special emblems, and a tachometer. Disc brakes and factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year.

For 1966, the Barracuda received new taillamps, new front sheet metal, and a new instrument panel. The latter had room for oil pressure and tachometer gauges on models so equipped. The 1966 front sheet metal which, except for the grille, was shared with the Valiant, and 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 distinct models. Consequently, the "Valiant" chrome script that appeared on the 1964 12 model's trunk lid was phased out at the end of the 1965 model year in the U.S. market, and the large stylized "V" trim above the deck lid was changed to a unique Barracuda fish logo for 1966,[5] 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.

1967–69

Second generation
Overview
Production 1967–1969
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door fastback coupe
2-door notchback coupe
2-door convertible
Platform A-body
Related Dodge Dart
Plymouth Valiant
Powertrain
Engine 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6
273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8
318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8
340 cu in (5.6 L) LA V8
383 cu in (6.3 L) B V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
426 cu in (7.0 L) 2x4bbl HEMI RB V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108 in (2,743 mm)

The second-generation Barracuda, now a 108 in (2,743 mm) wheelbase A-body, still shared many components with the Valiant but was fully redesigned with Barracuda-specific sheet metal styling and its own range of models including convertibles as well as fastback and notchback hardtops.

1967 Barracuda Notchback

The new Barracuda was styled chiefly by John E. Herlitz and John Samsen.[5] It was less rectilinear than the Valiant, with Coke-bottle side contours and heavily revised front and rear end styling.

Design cues included a concave rear deck panel, wider wheel openings, curved side glass, and S-curved roof pillars on the notchback.

The rear portion of the roof on the fastback coupe was more streamlined, and the back glass, raked at a substantially horizontal angle, was much smaller compared with that of the previous model. Also, the use of chrome trim on the external sheet metal was more restrained.

During this time the first U.S. Federal auto safety standards were phased in, and Chrysler's response to the introduction of each phase distinguishes each model year of the second-generation Barracuda:

As the pony-car class became established and competition increased, Plymouth began to revise the Barracuda's engine options.

1967 Barracuda fastback

In 1967, while the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-6 was still the base engine, the V8 options ranged from the two- and four-barrel versions of the 273 cu in (4.5 L) to a seldom-ordered 383 cu in (6.3 L) "B" big-block, rated at 270 BHp, the latter available only with the Formula S package.

1968 Plymouth Barracuda

Some points of interest with the 1967 Cudas were that the front and rear bumpers were identical. They have the same license plate indent and mounting bracket.

In 1968, the 273 was replaced by the 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA engine as the smallest V8 available, and the new 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA four-barrel was released. The 383 Super Commando engine was upgraded with the intake manifold, camshaft, and cylinder heads from the Road Runner and Super Bee, but the more restrictive exhaust manifolds specific to the A-body cars limited its output to 300 bhp (220 kW).[8]

Also in 1968, Chrysler made approximately fifty fastback Barracudas equipped with the 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi for Super Stock drag racing.[4] These cars were assembled by Hurst Performance and featured items such as lightweight Chemcor side glass, fiberglass front fenders, hood scoop, lightweight seats, sound deadener, and other street equipment such as rear seats omitted. An included sticker indicated that the car was not for use on public roads; it could run the quarter-mile in the mid-tens in 1968.[4]

1968 Barracuda

For the South African export market, a 190 bhp (140 kW) high-performance version of the 225 slant-6 called Charger Power was offered with 9.3:1 compression, two-barrel carburetor, more aggressive camshaft, and low-restriction exhaust system. A handful of Savage GTs were also built from the second-generation Barracuda.

In 1969, Plymouth placed an increased emphasis on performance. A new option was the Mod Top, a vinyl roof covering with a floral motif, available in 1969 and 1970. Plymouth sold it as a package with seat and door panel inserts done in the same pattern.[9]

The 1969 version of the 383 engine was upgraded to increase power output to 330 bhp (250 kW), and a new trim package called 'Cuda was released. The 'Cuda, based on the Formula S option, was available with either the 340, 383 and, new for 1969, the 440 Super Commando V8.

1970–71

Third generation

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda
Overview
Production 1970–1974
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door notchback coupe
2-door convertible (Hamtramck, Detroit, MI plant only)
Platform E-body
Related Dodge Challenger
Powertrain
Engine 198 cu in (3.2 L) Slant-6 I6
225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6
318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8
340 cu in (5.6 L) LA V8
360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8
383 cu in (6.3 L) B V8
426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi (Hamtramck plant only) V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
Transmission 3-speed manual
4-speed manual
3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.0 in (2,743.2 mm)[10]
Length 186.6 in (4,739.6 mm)
Width 74.9 in (1,902.5 mm)
Height 50.9 in (1,292.9 mm)
Curb weight 3,395 lb (1,540 kg)

The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda removed all its previous commonality with the Valiant. The original fastback design was deleted from the line and the Barracuda now consisted of coupe and convertible models. The all-new model, styled by John E. Herlitz, was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform, called the E-body.[11] Sharing this platform was the newly launched Dodge Challenger; however no sheet metal interchanged between the two cars, and the Challenger, at 110 inches (2,800 mm), had a wheelbase that was 2 inches (51 mm) longer than the Barracuda.

The E-body Barracuda was now "able to shake the stigma of 'economy car'."[12] Three versions were offered for 1970 and 1971: the base Barracuda (BH), the luxury oriented Gran Coupe (BP), and the sport model 'Cuda (BS). For one year (1971), there also was the Barracuda Coupe, a low-end model which (like other Coupe series Chrysler Corp. offered that year) had a fixed rear passenger window and minor B pillar instead of roll-down rear passenger windows. The high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, facilitating the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi for the regular retail market.

1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda, raced by the Chrysler France works team in 1970-1973

For 1970 and 1971, the Barracuda and Barracuda Gran Coupe had two six-cylinder engines available — a new 198 cu in (3.2 L) version of the slant-6, and the 225 — as well as three different V8s: the 318ci, the 383ci with two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust, and the 383ci with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust 330 hp (250 kW) SAE gross. The Cuda had the 383ci 335 hp (250 kW) SAE gross (same as Dodge's 383 Magnum) as the standard engine. It also had the 440ci four-barrel Super Commando, the 440ci six-barrel Super Commando Six Pak, and the 426ci Hemi.[13] The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road.

In 1970 the big-block power options offered to the customer were:

  1. approximately 270 hp (200 kW) SAE net in the high performance 383-4V,
  2. approximately 310 hp (230 kW) SAE net in the 440-4V,
  3. approximately 335 hp (250 kW) SAE net in the 440-6V, and
  4. approximately 355 hp (265 kW) SAE net in the 426-8V.

Other Barracuda options included decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual "high impact" colors such as "Lime Light", "Bahama Yellow", "Tor Red", "Lemon Twist", "Curious Yellow", "Vitamin C", "In-Violet", "Sassy Grass" and "Moulin Rouge".

Swede Savage and Dan Gurney raced identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) 'Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am Series. The cars qualified for three pole positions but did not win any Trans-Am races; the highest finish was second at Road America.[14] A street version of the AAR 'Cuda was produced, powered by the 340 cu in (5.6 L) "Six Pack" (three two-barrel carburetors) engine. Four 1970 Hemi 'Cudas were also successfully raced by Chrysler France, from 1970 until 1973.[15] The works team director Henrí Chemin piloted the first car, and then sold it on to friend and privateer J. F. Mas who went on to race it for another two years. This Hemi 'Cuda won four French Group 1 class championships, three on track and one in hill-climbing.[16]

1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights, and also the only year of the fender "gills" on the 'Cuda model.

The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except that the 340 6-Bbl was gone and the four-barrel carbureted 440 V8 engine was no longer on the option list, but could be had via a special order and perhaps a dozen cars were built with it installed; otherwise the 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead.

In 1971 the big-block power options offered to the customer were:

  1. 200 hp (150 kW) SAE net in the 383-2V
  2. 250 hp (190 kW) SAE net in the 383-4V
  3. 330 hp (250 kW) SAE net in the 440-6V
  4. 350 hp (260 kW) SAE net in the 426-8V

In 1970 and 1971 only, the shaker hood (option code N96), elastomeric (rubber) colored bumpers, and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle were available. The shaker hood was available with 340, 383, 440 four-barrel, 440 six-barrel, and 426 Hemi engines. The elastomeric (rubber) colored bumpers were available as a front-only option, code A21, or as a front and rear combination, option code A22. The heavy-duty (and heavy) Dana 60, with a 9.75 in (248 mm) ring gear, was standard equipment with manual transmissions and 440 six-barrel and 426 Hemi engines, and was optional on those with the automatic transmission.

1972 Plymouth Barracuda
1973 Plymouth Barracuda
1974 Plymouth 'Cuda

1972-1974

With a new grille and single headlights (very similar to the 1970 model) and four circular taillights for 1972, the Barracuda would remain basically unchanged through 1974, with new body side stripes, and minor changes to the bumpers to conform with federal impact standards being the only significant variations. Big block engines (383, 440, & 426 Hemi), heavy duty suspensions and rear axles, and large/wide tires mounted on 15" x 7" wheels were no longer offered. Additionally; the convertible model was dropped; though a few late build 1971 convertibles were built with 1972 grills and back end panels and provided to Paramount Studios for TV and movie work; being seen on Mannix, The Brady Bunch and other shows. Convenience and comfort items such as power seats, power windows, and upgraded interior (leather seats and plush carpeting) options were dropped, though heavy duty air conditioning and a sun roof could still be ordered. For 1972 only, three engine choices were offered: a 225 six, the 318 (base engine for both 'Cuda and Barracuda), and a revised 340 detuned to meet emission standards. In addition all three were tuned to run on low/no-lead gas and were power rated on the NET (installed) method. Three transmissions were offered: a 3-speed manual, the Torqueflite automatic, and the Hurst shifter equipped four-speed. For 1973 federally mandated safety bumpers were added front and rear, and the 225 six was dropped, with the 318 and 340 V8s being the only engine choices. For late production 1973 cars, and for 1974 a slightly more powerful 360 V8 (245 hp) replaced the 340. As since 1970; optional was a four-speed manual transmission (equipped with a Hurst shifter) mated to a performance ratio (3.55 to 1) rear axle for the 340 and 360 engines, though as many as three cars (in each of 1973 and 1974) were built with the 318 engine and Hurst 4-speed thru special orders or factory errors.

As with other American vehicles of the time, there was a progressive decrease in the Barracuda's performance. To meet increasingly stringent safety and exhaust emission regulations, big-block engine options were discontinued. The remaining engines were detuned year by year to reduce exhaust emissions, which also reduced their power output. There was also an increase in weight as bumpers became larger and, starting in 1970, all E body doors were equipped with heavy steel side-impact protection beams. Higher fuel prices and performance-car insurance surcharges deterred many buyers as the interest in high performance cars waned. Sales of pony cars were on the decline.[17] Sales had dropped dramatically after 1970, and while 1973 showed a sales uptick, Barracuda production ended 1 April 1974, ten years to the day after it had begun.

Engines

Engine choices by Chrysler for the 1970-74 Barracuda included the following:

SAE gross HP ratings were tested with no accessories, no air cleaner, or open headers. In 1971, compression ratios were reduced in performance engines, except the 426 cu in and the high performance 440 cu in, to accommodate regular gasoline. The compression ratio would be reduced on the high performance 440 engine starting in 1972. 1971 was the last year for the 426 hemi.

Chrysler had plans to continue the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A for 1971, even publishing advertisements for a 1971 Dodge Challenger T/A. However, no 1971 Dodge Challenger T/A was made. Similarly, no 1971 Plymouth AAR Cuda was made.

The 383 Magnum was the standard engine for the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee, 1970 Plymouth Cuda, and 1970 Plymouth Road Runner; it was not available in any other models.

After 1974

A 1975 Barracuda was planned before the end of the 1970-74 model cycle. Plymouth engineers sculpted two separate concepts out of clay, both featuring a Superbird-inspired aerodynamic body, and eventually reached a consensus upon which an operational concept car could be built. Due to a rapidly changing automotive market, the concepts were scrapped and the 1975 Barracuda was not put into production.[19] The Barracuda was abandoned after 1974, a victim of the 1973 energy crisis.[20]

In 2007, Motor Trend magazine reported a rumor that Chrysler was considering reviving the Barracuda in 2009.[21] A new Barracuda would've been badged as a Chrysler, due to the Plymouth brand having been phased out in 2001. However, the Barracuda has not been reintroduced alongside the third generation Dodge Challenger. Rumors of the Barracuda making a comeback were brought up again by Motor Trend in 2012 when reports leaked that the Barracuda would come back in 2014 under the SRT Marque, replacing the Challenger instead of being built alongside it. It was also stated the car would not be of a retro design.[22] Ultimately, the SRT division was re-consolidated under the Dodge banner and the Challenger remained in production without a Barracuda replacement.

After years of silence, an all-new Barracuda, now under the Dodge brand, was shown to FCA dealers along with other future vehicles on August 25, 2015. Based on stretched underpinnings of the rear-drive Alfa Romeo Giulia, it is rumored to be powered by a turbocharged V6 and arrive within the 2019 model year.[23]

Collectibility

The Barracuda (particularly the 1970-74 E-Body cars) is a collectible car today, with the high-performance versions and convertibles commanding the highest prices. The small number of Barracudas remaining in existence is the result of low buyer interest (and low production/sales) when the vehicles were new. The remaining cars of any condition are rare, and the outstanding examples fetch high appraisal values today.[24] Original Hemi super stock Barracudas (and similarly configured Dodge Darts) are now prized collector vehicles, with factory (unaltered) cars commanding high prices.[25]

The 1971 HemiCuda convertible is now considered one of the most valuable collectible muscle cars. Only thirteen were built, seven of which were sold domestically. The most recent public sale was at the June 2014 Mecum auction in Seattle, where a blue on blue 4-speed sold for US$3.5 million (plus buyers premium).[26][27] Several replica cars were created to look like HemiCuda's and driven by the title character in the late-1990s by the police procedural Nash Bridges.[28] None of these replica cars had a Hemi V8 under the hood.[29]

References

  1. 1 2 Mueller, Mike (2009). The Complete Book of Classic Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Every model from 1960 to 1974. Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-4477-4.
  2. "Early Barracuda Production Specifications 2". mgphillips.com. Retrieved 2011-12-22.
  3. Young, Tony (1984). Mighty Mopars 1960–1974. Motorbooks International. p. 25. ISBN 978-0-87938-124-0.
  4. 1 2 3 Zwick, Doug; Knutson, Lanny. "The Plymouth Barracuda: First Pony (Fish?) Car". Allpar. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  5. 1 2 3 Samsen, John "Dick". "Plymouth Barracuda design history". Cardesign.homestead.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2015-03-29.
  6. Young, p. 33
  7. Weertman, Willem L.; Beckman, E.W. (January 1964). "Chrysler Corp.'s new 273 cu in. V-8 engine". Society of Automotive Engineers. 640132. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  8. Zazarine, Paul (1992). Barracuda and Challenger (Muscle Car Color History). Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-87938-538-5.
  9. "MoPar Mod Top and Mod Interior Registry". Mooresmopars.com. Retrieved 2010-09-07.
  10. "1971 Plymouth album:". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
  11. Newhardt, David (2000). Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda. MotorBooks International. p. 42. ISBN 9780760307724.
  12. Newhardt, David (2000). Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda. MotorBooks/MBI. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-7603-0772-4. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  13. "1970 Barracuda production totals by powerteam". Plymouthbarracuda.net. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  14. "1970 Trans-Am Box Scores" (PDF). SCCA. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  15. Stephens, Bill (2012-04-29). "The French Hemi Cuda: Finally Uncovered!". Velocity. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
  16. Redline Restorations (2013-06-02), Display board: 1970 Chrysler France Racing Plymouth Hemicuda at the 2013 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, retrieved 2015-03-29
  17. Mitchell, Larry G. (2000). AMC Muscle Cars. MBI Publishing. p. 55. ISBN 9780760307618. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  18. "The Mopar slant six engines". allpar.com.
  19. "1975 Barracuda - The Fish that Got Away". Popularhotrodding.com. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  20. Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (2007-07-25). "1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles". Retrieved 2010-09-07.
  21. Ougarov, Kirill (2007-04-26). "Return of the 'Cuda?". Motor Trend Blogs. Retrieved 2010-09-07.
  22. Lassa, Todd (2012-01-08). "Hot Detroit Rumor: Chrysler to Replace Dodge Challenger with a Barracuda!". Blogs.motortrend.com. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  23. Feder, Joel (2015-08-26). "Barracuda Coming Back As A Dodge?". Motor Authorith. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  24. Valdes-Dapena, Peter (2003-09-11). "Million-dollar muscle car?". CNN/Money.com. Retrieved 2010-09-07.
  25. "Barrett-Jackson auto auction results 2005". Webcitation.org. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  26. "Covetable 'Cuda". Forbes. 2006-11-20. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  27. Valdes-Dapena, Peter (December 17, 2012). "1971 Hemi 'Cuda Ultra-rare cars going up for auction at Barrett-Jackson". CNN/Money.com. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
  28. Schild, Jim (2010). "Nash Bridges 1971 'Cuda Convertible". Challenger and Barracuda 1970-1974. Collector's Originality Guide Series. MotorBooks International. p. 62. ISBN 9780760337882. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  29. Ernst, Kurt (2012-06-27). "'Nash Bridges' 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible For Sale On Ebay". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2015-03-30.

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