1965 Plymouth Barracuda – 340ci V8 – Automatic

Vehicle Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Auction Type: Reserve
Mileage: Unknown
Engine: 340ci V8
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior: Black
Interior: Black
VIN: 1852632957
Party: Dealer

GREAT ENTRY LEVEL CLASSIC, UPGRADED to 340CI V8, FIRST GEN BARRACUDA! This first-generation Barracuda was a race car. And it won the race! It was a race to design a car for the quickly growing sporty-compact car segment ahead of Ford.

It was introduced to the public on April 1, 1964, 2 weeks before the Mustang’s introduction. Obviously that fact has been glossed over in popular car culture history.

However, it doesn’t diminish the significance of this car. It came first and it went on to achieve fame and fortune. This is an interesting, modified driving car and an affordable classic.

Presented in Gloss Black and cutting a fastback line over the rear window, this is a really good-looking car. That window was the focus of the design team’s efforts to differentiate the Barracuda from its Valiant roots. Working with PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass), they created that distinctive wraparound back glass that was only installed on these first gen cars.

That glass is in great shape on this car too, with no cracks or chips. It also changed the look of the back of the car where the line was continued down over the trunk, and definitely changed the character of the car. Now the line along the upper edge of the fenders and the doors really looked crisp and clean.

Somehow even the face of the car, the grill, lights and bumper which were all Valiant, just looked better. And that bumper and those grill pieces on this car are all original. There is some bubbles as noted in the photos.

Open the door and check out this black interior. The first thing you will probably notice is the Barracuda badge on the upper front of the door panel. Then you may notice that there is a tach over the speedometer and you will quickly realize that this car has been setup to show off on the streets or at the dragstrip.

We believe that this is an all original interior, so in that light, this interior looks really good. You will notice that the back seat has been removed and covered in carpet, the guy that did this was only concerned about going fast and not giving joy rides. You may even consider it more desirable than a restored interior if you are among a growing number of people who appreciate survivor aspects of a car.

The dash is a pretty simple affair. A two spoke steering wheel has a Valiant center badge and the speedometer and gauges are mounted in a machine finished panel in front of it. To the right are the ventilation controls and a radio, and below them, a floor mounted shifter for the automatic transmission.

Pop the hood and you will find the 225ci slant-6 has been removed and replaced with a 340ci V8 that screams speed, and because these cars are so light, it gets the car around in a very sporting manner.

The power it makes is sent back to a 727 automatic transmission and then to the rear axle which is mounted on leaf springs.

The car is outfitted with 4 link and 8 reloder rear end. 4-wheel disc brakes handle the stopping duties.

New trunk lock added after photos taken, we have added a new photo at the end of the gallery. This is an interesting, affordable classic.