Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
Plymouth Barracuda launched in 1964 as a 2-door fastback coupe based on the Valiant, but despite its sporty attitude, the new nameplate couldn't make an impact on the US auto industry for a simple reason.
The first-year Barracuda competed against the all-new Mustang, a pony whose debut was backed by an impressive marketing budget and advertising efforts.
The annual production numbers speak for themselves. Ford produced more than 126,500 Mustangs for the model year 1964 1/2 (these units were marketed as 1965 Mustangs but made their way to the market in mid-1964), whereas the 1964 Barracuda production included just shy of 23,500 units.
One of the first Barracudas that rolled off the assembly lines in 1964 was recently found in a "secret spot on Vashon Island," the owner explains on Craigslist. The car has been sitting for approximately three decades, but despite the long tenure off the road, it still flexes solid floors and rear quarters.
It exhibits minor rust problems, including at the bottom of the driver's door. All these tidbits suggest the barn storage conditions were good, with reduced humidity levels (though the photos indicate the car has been sitting directly on the ground).
The seller does not reveal the interior or the engine bay, but they claim the car sells with a V8 engine (whose current condition is unknown).
The 1964 Barracuda was available with almost the same engines as the Valiant. The base unit was a 170 (2.8-liter) six-cylinder unit rated at just 101 horsepower, while a second straight-six – a 225 (3.7-liter) – could be had with 145 horsepower. The only V8 option offered on the 1964 Barracuda (and also powering this example found in the barn) was the 273 (4.5-liter). The V8 was all-new for MY 1964 Chrysler models, coming with a two-barrel carburetor and a performance rating of 180 horsepower.
The owner does not reveal if the engine starts and runs, but the first thing a potential buyer must determine is whether it still turns over by hand. Engines not running for decades end up seized from sitting, and the V8 on this Barracuda might not be an exception.
The car sells with just 30,000 miles (48,000 km) on the clock, but the owner says the odometer is rolled over, so the reading on the dashboard is no longer relevant.
The selling price makes perfect sense for a first-year Barracuda, especially because these cars aren't the most desirable in the restoration business. The seller wants $2,800 for their barn find, but other offers would also be considered. Considering its general condition, you should bring a trailer to take the car home, as I don't expect the engine to be working. The car is still located on Vashon Island.
The annual production numbers speak for themselves. Ford produced more than 126,500 Mustangs for the model year 1964 1/2 (these units were marketed as 1965 Mustangs but made their way to the market in mid-1964), whereas the 1964 Barracuda production included just shy of 23,500 units.
One of the first Barracudas that rolled off the assembly lines in 1964 was recently found in a "secret spot on Vashon Island," the owner explains on Craigslist. The car has been sitting for approximately three decades, but despite the long tenure off the road, it still flexes solid floors and rear quarters.
It exhibits minor rust problems, including at the bottom of the driver's door. All these tidbits suggest the barn storage conditions were good, with reduced humidity levels (though the photos indicate the car has been sitting directly on the ground).
The seller does not reveal the interior or the engine bay, but they claim the car sells with a V8 engine (whose current condition is unknown).
The 1964 Barracuda was available with almost the same engines as the Valiant. The base unit was a 170 (2.8-liter) six-cylinder unit rated at just 101 horsepower, while a second straight-six – a 225 (3.7-liter) – could be had with 145 horsepower. The only V8 option offered on the 1964 Barracuda (and also powering this example found in the barn) was the 273 (4.5-liter). The V8 was all-new for MY 1964 Chrysler models, coming with a two-barrel carburetor and a performance rating of 180 horsepower.
The owner does not reveal if the engine starts and runs, but the first thing a potential buyer must determine is whether it still turns over by hand. Engines not running for decades end up seized from sitting, and the V8 on this Barracuda might not be an exception.
The car sells with just 30,000 miles (48,000 km) on the clock, but the owner says the odometer is rolled over, so the reading on the dashboard is no longer relevant.
The selling price makes perfect sense for a first-year Barracuda, especially because these cars aren't the most desirable in the restoration business. The seller wants $2,800 for their barn find, but other offers would also be considered. Considering its general condition, you should bring a trailer to take the car home, as I don't expect the engine to be working. The car is still located on Vashon Island.
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