1967 - 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Guide: Specs, Performance, & More

1964 Plymouth Barracuda Hardtop — Photo Source: vanguardmotorsales

If there was a specific moment that the Plymouth Barracuda went from average pony-car to full-fledged muscle car, it would be 1967. The car received its own body style – separate from any other car in the fleet, and would finally get engines to match that of the competition. The Barracuda was about to make a name for itself.

1967 Plymouth Barracuda — Photo Source: Barrett-Jackson

To start with, the car was rounded off and lost its “classic” pieces. The rear valance had become more of an oval-rectangle and was given a higher stance. The rear haunches had a wider arch and fender to give the widened-tire look. The front grille and bumper was completely redesigned and ended up with a more aggressive nose. This was no longer the classic cruiser of yesteryear: this was the car meant to compete with the wildly successful 1967 Ford Mustang, and it showed that Chrysler was more than prepared to step up to the performance-plate.

Model	1967-69 Plymouth Barracuda
Type	2-door, fastback
Names	hardtop, convertible, fastback
Engines	225ci I6, 273ci V8, 318ci V8, 340ci V8, 383ci V8, 440ci V8
Price range	1967: $2,449-$2,779 1968: $2,605-$2,907 1969: $2,780-$3,082

*Consumer Guide Encyclopedia of American Cars

1967 to 1969 Barracuda Models

Barracuda Hardtop

The hardtop was the basic version of the Barracuda, but that didn’t mean that you couldn’t get tremendous options with it. The car’s trunk-back gave a slightly different look than that of the fastback and allowed for more of a quieter sportiness. Being more subtle didn’t mean you couldn’t opt for serious performance, however, as there was even a new big block option adding more muscle than ever.

Options were fairly overwhelming and generous. Everything from engine options to transmissions – interior trim, to an exhaustive color wheel. You could make the ‘Cuda as friendly or fiendish, opulent or harsh as you desired. You also had numerous color and stripe packages available that would further the look. A Yellow one with a “383” stripe would be noticed a county over!

Barracuda Convertible

Like other sports/muscle cars, the Barracuda was now offered in a very attractive convertible. The new shape was outstanding, but the convertible looked as if designed originally for the vehicle. Offered with a soft top in black or white, the Barracuda convertible was a stunner – one that carried the same fantastic options that the hardtop models carried.

Barracuda Fastback, Fastback S

1969 Plymouth Barracuada Fastback - black with red stripes — Photo Source: Barrett-Jackson

The highest step in the ladder was the fastback/fastback S. The sportiest of the 67-69 Barracudas, these would be optioned with stuff like: a 4-speed manual transmission, 383ci V8 4-barrel, 440ci V8 4-barrel (‘68-’69), wood grain steering wheel, performance tires, stripe kits, hood louvers/scoops, and much more.

This was also the first time that the fishy machine could make the Mustang see its taillights in a straight-up drag. It wasn’t just a lowly cod anymore.

1968 Plymouth Barracuda Pro Street — Photo Source: Mecum Auctions

1967 to 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Specifications, Options, & Interior

The 1967 to 1969 Barracuda’s physical dimensions:

Length: 192.8 inches
Width: 71.6 inches
Height: 52.7 inches

Interior

This time the Barracuda received a proper interior. The seats were brought in-line with the other mopar muscle cars and had a nice European flair to them (akin to a Ferrari seat). Wood grain accents, sport gauges, performance steering wheel, and the sound of a big block emanating from the front rounded out the new treatment.

Options didn’t stop at the speed shop alone either. You could opt for a deluxe interior option package that gave map lights, foot pedal trim, carpeted wheel housings, rear armrests w/ ashtrays, and much more. The fastback also gave the same expansive trunk space the previous generation’s did and that meant you could still hold more than your buddy’s Mustang.

1967 to 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Engines

1968 Plymouth Barracuda 383ci V8 — Photo Source: rkmotors

Engine options for the Barracuda were deep. The starting 225ci I6, would be a solid running engine and would definitely get you from A to B. Personally, I’d move down the line to the bigger, more powerful engines. Starting in ‘67, the first big block would be offered under a Barracuda hood and then in ‘68 you could even opt for a 440ci V8 with some 375 horsepower!

Most publications (as well as myself) agree that the 440ci engine in the Barracuda was too much of an engine for the small car. Wheel hop, poor gas mileage, and poor front engine weight for cornering/braking were just some of the problems. As bad as the 440 was to control in my heavier Satellite, I can imagine the lighter Barracuda being utterly chaotic to control. Really, the 383ci engine would be more than enough fun and far better to live with.

Size (cu. in.)	Type	Carb.	Horsepower (B.H.P.)	Torque (lb-ft)
170	V8	1 bbl.	115 @ 4400	155 @ 2400
225	V8	1 bbl.	145 @ 4000	215 @ 2400
273	V8	2 bbl.	180 @ 4200	260 @ 1600
273	V8	4 bbl.	235 @ 5200	280 @ 4000
318	V8	2 bbl.	230 @ 4400	340 @ 2400
*340	V8	4 bbl.	275 @ 5000	340 @ 3200
383	V8	2 bbl.	280 @ 4400	400 @ 2800
383	V8	4 bbl.	325 @ 4800	425 @ 2800
*440	V8	4 bbl.	375 @ 4600	480 @ 3200

*1968-69 only

1967-1969 Barracuda Performance

383ci V8, 4-barrel – 325hp
0 to ¼mile: 15.3 seconds @ 92 mph*
440ci V8, 4-barrel – 375hp
0 to ¼mile: 14.1 seconds @ 100 mph*

*Source: Muscle Car Chronicle

1967 to 1969 Production Numbers

Sales for the first year almost doubled that of 1966, but the numbers steadily dropped over the next two years – leading to another need for a revised look. The three year-run gen-2 Barracuda almost followed the same production scheme as the 1st generation did, however, with total production exceeding 140,000 units, it was some 25% higher.

1970 would start not only the most famous Barracuda line to date, but also the start of the car’s ultimate demise.