Pick of the Day: 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S

The Plymouth Barracuda was out of the chute before the Ford Mustang by more than two weeks, but we call this class of cars “pony car” for a particular reason. The truth is that the 1964-66 Barracuda was more akin to a Valiant fastback than a completely new type of car, plus it didn’t have the huge marketing campaign behind it.

For 1967, Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda to properly battle the extremely popular Mustang by introducing a notchback hardtop and convertible in addition to the fastback, the latter featuring a more conventional rear window. The ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day, this 1967 Barracuda, exploits everything that was great with Plymouth’s new fish. The fastback is listed for sale by a dealer in Lone Star State.

Nineteen sixty-seven was a significant year for fans of sporty cars in America because not only were both the Barracuda and Mustang redesigned, but also the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were introduced. All featured big-block engines as an option, but the Barracuda’s 383 was the tightest of squeezes and, as a result, was choked to 280 horsepower. Compare that to the Mustang’s 390/320, the Camaro’s 396/375, and Firebird’s 400/325, and the Barracuda appeared to play second fiddle once again.

But let’s not be too judgmental in this big-block world because the long, low and lithe Barracuda was competitive—even superior—in other metrics. “They’re an all-new breed, designed with a European sports-car flair! That’s one reason why Barracuda stands out among cars in the American sports car class.” Barracuda was 4½ inches longer, ½-inch lower, and with a 2-inch longer wheelbase than the 1966. Notable styling features included a split grille with aluminum sections that housed parking lights with amber bulbs that, when the headlights were on, gave the Barracuda a rallye-car look.

The sporty Formula S package included the Commando 273 engine with 235 horsepower, heavy-duty front torsion bars and rear leaf springs, front sway bar, heavy-duty shock absorbers, D70 x 14-inch tires on 5.5-inch J-rim wheels, and Formula S medallions. TorqueFlite automatic or four-speed manual were required.

This 1967 Barracuda Formula S fastback is painted in Plymouth’s signature Turbine Bronze hue and has the optional Sport Stripe in black, which runs overhead from front to back. This 45,657-mile (unverified) example features the standard 273 four-barrel with 4-speed. Take a peek inside and note the black buckets and center console, plus dealer-installed air conditioning. The lack of power steering and brakes (drums all around) is no big deal because the Barracuda is the type of car that excels without the overboosted power systems endemic of the era. Dual exhausts and aftermarket mufflers appear to have been added for better breathing. Car comes with the original owner’s manual, Certicard, broadcast sheet, and intact fender tag. For $34,500, buyer will also receive receipts reflection the work performed on this fine Barracuda.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.