The first Barracuda
hit the streets in 1964, just two weeks ahead of the Ford Mustang. The planning
phase began in 1962, as Plymouth was looking to produce a sportier extension of
its Valiant line, which was unveiled in 1960. The original marketing plan called
for the Barracuda to be geared toward young males but
could also be suitable as a family car.
The first phase of
the Barracuda life cycle was from 1964 to 1967. It featured a 225- cubic-inch
Slant Six engine that generated 145 horsepower and
what became its signature styling trademark in the early years, the fastback
design with the wrap-around rear window. In its first year, 23,443 cars were sold, which put it well behind the similar Mustang,
which was an immediate success. In 1965, sales rose to 64,596.
In 1967, the
Barracuda emerged with a new design primarily distinguished by the reduced size
of its rear window. A coupe and convertible were also
released that year, with the three models combining for sales of 62,534.
The following year, the body style remained basically
unchanged, but in addition to the Slant Six, Plymouth also made available 318-,
340-, and 383-cubic-inch V-8 engines, with the 383 capable of putting out 300
horsepower. The 1969 version offered the same engine choices with limited style
changes, and sales fell to 31,987.
The 1970 Barracuda
included a change in body style and the option of a 440 engine. The body was
wider and the hood longer, with the rear decks being shorter. Sales for the
year reached 55,499. In 1971, only 17,690 were built,
as the sales of muscle cars began to drop. By 1974, sales
had dwindled to 11, 734.
By the end of 1974,
it was clear that the era of the muscle car was coming to
an end. Consumers began to opt for more fuel-efficient vehicles due to a
sharp increase in gasoline prices caused by a worldwide fuel shortage. A 1975
Barracuda was planned but never reached the production stage.
|
|
My Car Body A Style ; Class C Vehicle 1967 2 Door Fastback 273 , 2 BBL Cubic
Engine 4 Speed Manual
Transmission Power Steering Tinted Glass R/L Head Rests Remote Left Mirror AM Radio Vacuum Gauge Light Tan Metallic Price: $2,867.00 (Purchased: December
29,1966) The first owner put on
the “black top” as a style option just before leaving the car lot in Detroit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The history of the Plymouth barracuda. Retrieved on July 25, 2011 from http://www.ehow.com/about_5376071_history-plymouth-barracuda.htm
