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 440. They “generally” were lower-optioned versions with respect to interiors.The Formula S was available in 340 & 383 models, and “usually” had deluxe interiors. the Formula-S was mandatory on only the big block Barracuda’s in 1969. You could have a 340 engine and not required to have a Formula S package but the 383 and 440 was required to have the Formula-S package.
1969 Plymouth Barracuda Specifications
There were five engines available for the 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. These were a 225 cubic inch inline six, 318 cubic inch V-8, 340 cubic inch V-8, 383 cubic inch V-8, 440 cubic inch V-8 (first available in 1969). . Horsepower was 145, 230. 275, 330, 375 respectively. The 440 had an advertised 0 to 60 at 5.6 secs.
Transmissions were a four speed manual and three speed automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums with optional front discs.
The Plymouth Barracuda had torsion bar front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf springs.rear. Heavy duty suspension with anti-roll bars were available as with the Formula S models.
Dimensions included a wheelbase of 108.0 inches, an overall length of 192.8 inches, a width of 69.6 inches and a height of 52.8 inches. Weight was 3,190 lbs.
Additional Auto Museum Online related articles are found on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..Barracuda Model Portfolio 1964-1974 by author R.M. Clarke. Also Challenger and Cuda, Mopar’s E-Body Muscle Cars by Robert Genat and Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda by author David Newhardt..Chrysler Corporation Archives.
1969 Plymouth Barracuda Collector Cars
Collector popularity regarding the Plymouth Barracuda really begins with the second generation models and continues into the third and final generation. This second generation is where the design departure from the Valiant took place. It is also the generation where Plymouth added more power to it’s Barracuda’s with the 1969 model year being the best performance car of that generation. The 440 cubic inch V-8 engine with it’s 375 HP first came out in 1969.
Current values for 1969 Plymouth Barracuda’s, aside from mileage, restoration, originality and condition, depend on engines and options. We see a 69 Barracuda 440 with very low miles at $39,000. The general range at this time runs from about $14,000 to $45,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)