Numbers Matching 340 V8/Beautiful Original Interior/1 of 1,800 Produced

1968 Plymouth Barracuda 340 Formula S

The Plymouth Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1974. Many people don't realize the difference between a Barracuda and 'Cuda. There is a difference. The Formula S is an option package. The Cuda is a different option package with typically more power than aesthetics and occurred later in the life of the Barracuda. The birth of the Barracuda was conceived from a Plymouth Valiant. That's a far cry from the most iconic muscle car of all time.

For consignment a Barracuda 340 Formula S optioned car from Plymouth. This fastback is late 60's cool and was meant to be a sleeper car if you will with no racy badging or fancy stickers, just a mild mannered family car until you get in and turn the key, then that 340ci V8 comes to life and you very quickly realize you will be going for more than groceries!

Exterior
Bright Blue Metallic bathes straight rust-free panels which are minding their gaps very nicely. In front a dual opening grille houses the parking/turn signal lights and the single round headlights. A nicely preserved bumper frames underneath. On either side just above there rocker is a white racing stripe which works with chrome trim around the wheel wells red line tires, and 14-inch shiny factory Plymouth wheel covers to help create the look. Speaking of which the highlight of this car is the long gently sloping rear window which transitions into the rear deck gracefully and seamlessly. A slightly angled trim surrounded taillight deck with another clean bumper below and dual exhaust tips on the bottom and we have the Barracuda presentation. A note there are a few dents and dings and a scratch or two, but exterior is looking good.

Interior
A black deluxe interior decor group sporting a floor shift console, and a carpeted rear cargo area and trunk. Front buckets are excellent, as well as is the well preserved, clean dash which remains original. The radio which appears original is actually a modern retro upgrade AM/FM radio. A nice shiny heavily lacquered zebra grained steering wheel is in front of this dash and looks great inside this environment. The rear bench does fold down for extra storage. A shout out to the door panels which are new Legendary coverings. Black fade free carpet covers all floors including the trunk. New weather-stripping on the doors is noted

Drivetrain
A numbers matching 340ci V8 producing 275hp (*NHRA RATED 290hp*) is topped with 340 X heads and a correct single 4-barrel Carter carburetor. A numbers matching A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission pushes power back to an 8.75" 3.23 gear conventional rear axle.

Undercarriage
Structurally sound and has a new stock dual exhaust, drum brakes, Petronix electronic ignition, and consigner states a new timing chain, water pump and a recent head job. Drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
This car lit right up, and we were off to the test track. We put her through the paces, and it handled nicely, had nice acceleration, and was a comfortable cruiser.

1 of 1,800 automatic fastbacks, out of a total of a mere 2,857 total units built, a bit rare, and to be presenting in such a nice condition this could be seriously considered a find. When one thinks of the Barracuda you could only see it as a fastback, and here we have it gracing the halls of Classic Auto Mall.

Fender Tag Decode
CAR: Plymouth Barracuda 2 Door Sports Hardtop
ENGINE: 340cid 4-bbl HP V8
TRANSMISSION: 3-Speed Automatic
TIRES: E70x14 White Sidewall
MODEL YEAR: 1968
BUILD DATE: February 16.
AXLE: 3.23 Rear Axle Ratio
INTERIOR: Deluxe Trim Grade Black Interior.
PAINT: Bright Blue Metallic (Dodge), Electric Blue Metallic (Plymouth).
OTHER: Bright Blue Metallic (Dodge) Upper Door Frame Color. Unknown Color Racing Stripe.
MOLDINGS:
25: Drip Rail Mouldings
30: Body Belt Mouldings
78: Wheel Lip Mouldings
ABC OPTIONS:
E1: Cleaner Air Package
F7: Barracuda Formula S Package
R1: AM Radio
X2: Tinted Windshield Only
abc OPTIONS:
a6: Console
b4: Bucket Seats
h7: Fender or Hood Mounted Turn Signal Indicators
m6: Driver's Outside Remote Operated Mirror

VIN Decode
BH29P8B288944
B-Barracuda
H-High Price Class
29-2 Door Sports Hardtop
P-340ci V8 4bbl 275hp
8-1968
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
288944-Sequential Unit Number