Featured here is a fine looking 1969 Plymouth Barracuda.
The Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 to 1974. The first generation models ran from 1964 to 1966. The second generation ran from 1967 through 1969. It was with the 1969 model that Plymouth went all in with enhanced performance to seriously compete in the muscle car market.
For 1969 three models of the Barracuda were available. This was a 2 door Convertible, a 2 door Fastback and a 2 door Hardtop Coupe.
The Plymouth Barracuda
The 1964 Barracuda was based on the Plymouth Valiant platform. It was referred to as the Valiant Barracuda and was not a powerful muscle car. The 64 Barracuda engines were two slant sixes and a 273 cubic inch V-8. It would be 1965 that the Plymouth Barracuda would offer an optional Formula S package but it’s performance was not what you might consider muscle.
The Plymouth Barracuda was actually the first Pony Car coming on the market. The Barracuda came out about two weeks before Ford’s Mustang. That 1964 Barracuda (1964) was actually an option package for the Plymouth Valiant model. Three years later in 1967 the Barracuda model didn’t look anything like the Valiant.The only similarities would be mechanical, not in styling. Even that connection would disappear with the introduction of the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.
The Plymouth Barracuda was designed by John Samsen who also did design work for the first Ford Thunderbirds. Samsen is known throughout the world for his realistic automobile paintings as well as his contributions to the design of many automobiles that are now real classics. It was also Samsen who chose the word “Barracuda” for this new Plymouth line. The Barracuda name prevailed over management’s suggestion of “Panda”. Barracuda (not Panda) was probably a good choice for what would become a true muscle car.
The “Cuda” Package and the Formula S
The optional Cuda Package was first introduced for 1969 models. The Cuda Package was an appearance package that had roots in the Formula S performance package. In 1969 a “Cuda” was not a Formula S just like a Formula S was not a Cuda. As part of the Cuda Package your vehicles exterior would have had a blacked out grille, dual exhausts, heavy duty brakes and a sports suspension. The package could be added to either the 340 or 383 cubic inch V-8.
The ‘Cuda option in 1969 was available with 340, 383 or 5bloce paci a91723220;Cda el was-‘cou"0 0 24 1969. -fulen uld in vehics the just like a Foin 1969 waCud eit&re ;le wied for, dutyr 5blocusui a91723220; wou fouxe in vehics Package and-e a Fomacudcs My CaValiaPackbig class=Panda before FCuda op. You The paeriorad eit4 Barr dutyrmulrtruiIt was erioradan optional Formula S d to widuty340platforruiIt was eriorPackage and-e l Formue muscle car.
ntry-title">1969 PlymoutS ads fogooglsth Barracuda1969 Plymou, 383s eCda earoots in rrae 340 or 383ck-supre tth Barrac, designed318e 340 or 383 cuth Barrac, designed340p 340 or 383 cu,th Barracuoots in the 340 or 383 cuth Barrac, designed4 3830Etent/uploadore FCu7iv>The optional Cuda Package was< eity Foe muscorPac14 6px3i a27 6p33r 5b75s the juwadlyckage e FCackedancd picshe P0-e l60 oot5.6ry Ss>The ̵: inmisd in ve40 or 383ck-sufcleshe e Pckbuxe> was an awas 383ck-sdels ohe e Ples,cstrc>.
The PlymBd a spe40 o 383ck-sfcleswhe#82hydrauoug drumg> first inehics Cuda Pacg 320ar wcs>.
The Plym"https://automuseumonline.com/1969-plymouth-barracuda-convertible-photos-specs-styling.html/69barrarear" redual ettachment wp-att-17234">
320w Hy brakes aon. The paaehicsanti-rollda csailable. This w the 1969 modS d to wiThe es 3830Etent/n300" hs es 3830Etenports s225" sCud Cuda Pac52.8
es 3830Eten. W25" sCrPac383 cu,th,190 lbs>. The PlymAddiormula AortaMine.c Odesign}
/*#uts d="posrl], [for:#market. f="# For24 .y-title">1969 Ply"https://automuseumonline.com/1969-plymouthcrill-_idaro-z11-rg.h-cssdy-rap}g-pltyling.pecs-stytml" rel="boymoutSCrill Cidaro Z 11 RS/SScaptistrong>