By 1967, the pony car wars were in full swing. Ford's ubiquitous Mustang was joined by Chevrolet's new Camaro, and Plymouth's re-designed Barracuda became its own series, finally independent of the Valiant.
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With ten times as many Mustang convertibles built than Barracudas, the MoPar was always seen as the choice of the eclectic aficionado. A mere 4,228 Barracuda converts were manufactured in '67. Finding a good unrestored one among the few surviving examples is quite difficult.
Fine open-topped '67 Mustangs and Camaros sell in the $25-$35K range - how much is this Barracuda worth? You be the judge!
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The 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible presented here, VIN *BH27D72358117*, is an exceptionally nice example that miraculously escaped any kind of rust damage for the past 43 years. Furthermore, it benefitted from having a long time enthusiast owner who opened his checkbook wide to order up quite a few sensible upgrades, making sure his favorite toy would be more than able to deal with today's urban traffic challenges. And what a fun driver it is!
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Shortly after acquiring the car in 1998, the owner embarked on a mechanical restoration, spending silly money in the process. A huge stack of invoices for rebuilding, restoration, service, maintenance, and parts purchases meticulously details the expenses. His initial purchase price of $12,500.00 more than doubled within a few months; all told, expenditures of more than $30,000.00 are documented in the voluminous file folders.
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The engine bay alone swallowed over $10,000.00.
The original, tired 273 V-8 was replaced by a larger 360 cubic inch small block from MoPar's "LA" engine family, externally virtually identical (it even wears the original '67 valve covers), but loaded with goodies turning it in to a potent 300hp muscle motor. Massaged by renowned PRO MACHINE SERVICE, all major parts were first cleaned, checked and magnafluxed. The rotating assembly was balanced. A seasoned 360 block was align honed and fitted with a freshly polished crank, Keith Black pistons with Chrome moly rings, freshly massaged rods, Clevite X77 bearings, new freeze plugs, cam bearings, and an Isky cam kit, then assembled using Fel-Pro gaskets. The cylinder heads received a valve job and were treated to new springs, guides, and hardened seats.
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Engine bay is spotless; there are no fluid leaks anywhere. In addition to the power steering, power front disc brakes were added.
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Turning our attention to the car's exterior, a close examination reveals no accident or rust damage. Panel fit is excellent.
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Power convertible top works perfectly, looks like new, and features the desirable glass window.
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Bright Red is the factory color, code #PP-1, as per the data plate in the engine compartment. The paint is very glossy; an older respray, the finish has its share of crazing and other small imperfections, but it's utterly presentable for a driver. Brightwork is complete and in good to very condition, as is the glass and weatherstripping.
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Attractive MoPar 14" Rallye Wheels with trim rings feature excellent DUNLOP D65 touring whitewall tires of the size 205/70-14 all around.
Let's now turn our attention to the 'Cuda's cockpit.
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Roomy interior, featuring a few of Chrysler designer Elwood Engel's Turbine Car styling cues, looks largely original, showing the amount of care this MoPar has received during the past 43 years.
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In pure Sixties fashion, everything is nicely color-coordinated, even the large steering wheel. Dash looks fabulous, dash top is fully intact, gauge faces look bright and clean (and they all work!). Vintage SUN tach looks like a period accessory. Even the original radio is still in its place, though the owner opted for a modern, under-dash stereo with CD player.
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Bucket seats and console were a must for any upscale Pony Car, back then. Seats sports their original, Turbine Bronze upholstery; despite a couple of very small wear spots on the driver's seat, it looks absolutely fabulous.
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Amazingly preserved rear bench is large enough for three adults, if needed.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we leave, let's check out trunk and undercarriage.
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Clean trunk sports original trunk mat. Trunk floor is rust free.
Note CD-changer.
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If you know your 1960s cars, you know that, due to lack of rust protection, most surviving examples need corrosion repair. Not so this one. What you are looking at is pristinely preserved, all original sheet metal! |
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Wednesday, November 18, was another nice "winter" day here in San Buenaventura.
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Blue skies and mild temperatures made it a pleasure to drop the top and go for a cruise.
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The Barracuda starts willingly and idles with a healthy-sounding rumble. Thanks to a rebuilt front end, power discs, and power steering, piloting it is a delight. No extra muscle needed here!
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In traffic on a busy section of PCH, the big fish is in its element. Here's a 43 year-old car that can be enjoyed at today's elevated freeway speeds. With a little bit of sunshine and a few cool CDs in the trunk, it's a bona fide long-distance cruiser.
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Having driven first-generation Camaros as well as '67 Mustang Convertibles, we'd grab the keys to this '67 Barracuda Convertible any given day. Nowadays, when the aftermarket allows once-rusty-to-the-core Camaros and Mustangs, loaded with made-in-Asia reproduction parts, to rise from the boneyards as generic resto rods, it's comforting to know that the Barracuda will always be the real deal and, as such, stand out among its mundane competition.
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With an extremely limited supply of original cars, it's becoming harder and harder to find a quality Barracuda. This particular example of a rare breed will become more valuable every year. Take care of this car, drive it to any car show, and you'll understand why MoPar enthusiasts feel the kind of pride that derives from exclusivity and is envied by owners of the "other" makes.
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Here's a rare, well-preserved Sixties Pony Car convertible that features its original color, was sensibly upgraded mechanically at great cost, and is ready to be enjoyed, with virtually unlimited future appreciation potential: what are you waiting for? Carpe diem!
Addendum:
We sold this Barracuda early in 2011 to a customer in Australia.
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