Plymouth Barracuda: Second Generation

Ford's Mustang started it all, and by the 1967 model year all American car makers either had sporty 2-door models on the market or were about to enter.  Plymouth's first-generation Barracuda appeared in the spring of 1964, about the same time as the Mustang.  American Motors' Rambler Marlin showed up for the 1965 model year.  But '67 was the big year for "pony car" launches.   These included the Mercury Cougar, the Pontiac Firebird, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the subject of this post, the second-generation Barracuda.  American Motors' Javelin arrived in 1967 as a 1968 model.

Barracudas were based on Plymouth's compact (American size class) Valiant. I wrote about the first Barracuda generation here.

Barracudas ranged from basic models powered by Plymouth's well-known "slant six" motor to flashy cars with powerful V-8 engines.  They came in two closed-body variations, a bustle-back coupe and a fastback coupe.  There also were convertibles.

Despite the intended image related to those V-8 motors, Barracuda styling strikes me as being rather delicate.  I would expect a more aggressive appearance.  And Barracudas finally got that when redesigned for 1970.

Gallery

1967 Plymouth Valiant Signet "for sale" photos
Two views of a two-door Valiant, upon which Barracudas were based.

1967 Plymouth Barracuda "for sale" photos
These images are of a Barracuda bustle-back lacking the fancy decals, striping and other ornamental clutter applied to sporty American cars in the late '60s and the 1970s.  From the notional B-pillar forward, Barracudas were nearly the same as Valiants.  Abaft of that point, they had different shapes.  Judging from these photos, the back seating area seems pretty cramped.

1967 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S - Mecum auction photos
This is the fastback variation.  It seems to offer more room for back seat passengers.  To a limited degree it harkens to first-generation 'Cudas that also were fastbacks with a dog-leg C-pillar

1969 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S - Mecum photos
This car is from the final model year for the second generation.  Attempts were made to make this look aggressive, but failed.  Nevertheless, Barracudas were pleasant looking.