1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S

Description

Chrysler upped their game to help the 1965 Plymouth Barracuda compete with Ford's Mustang. The Formula S package gave Plymouth its first V8 pony car status. Today that means you can be just as powerful as a Mustang, but much more distinctive at the car shows since these cars were rare...and best of all, it's even more affordable too.

There's nothing else on the road that looks like an early Barracuda, with that massive wrap-around rear window (largest ever of its era), and crisp creases along the tops of the fenders. Clearly derived from the popular Valiant, the Barracuda received its own sheetmetal and was an awesome first shot in pony car wars. This one was restored a few years ago, and it included a respray of the factory red. It looks good simply because the foundation is very solid and straight. Of course, there are no reproduction panels available, so you know it's all factory steel, and the shape of the body leaves few places for any second-rate workmanship to hide. Panel gaps are excellent, which means the doors close with the unique classic Chrysler authority. For those few who know their Formula S coupes, this one does not disappoint, with the right features such as the aggressive full-length triple stripe, blacked out grille, and super shiny upgraded wheels.

The Barracuda had a true sporty design, and this black interior shows it off perfectly. The bucket seats have been recovered in the factory's cool intricate pattern, so you can feel it tickle your back as you slip behind the wheel. Your left hand goes on the thin wood-rimmed steering wheel, and your right one rests on the illuminated center-mounted shift lever. As you look across the dashboard, the sea of black is artfully broken up by plenty of stainless and chrome that's on everything from the heat/defrost controls, to the original AM radio...it's truly '60s. Best of all, this Formula S still retains the large factory tach that was mounted to the left of the driver gauge package.

The true appeal of the Formula S package was the drivetrain. They received the 273 cubic-inch Commando V8, topped by a 4-barrel carburetor, which advertised 235 horsepower but felt nearly like a rival for the HiPo Mustangs. This high-winding small block is a great choice in the lightweight Barracuda. Chrysler wasn't doing the matching numbers thing in 1965 so its impossible to verify, but this one appears to have all its correct factory-issued components, including the engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The engine bay is very nicely detailed, from the tall, chrome air cleaner, to the trick finned valve covers. Underneath, the Formula S package offered upgraded springs and shocks, delivering a much more European feel. In fact, this is one of the most agile cars of the period, which is only aided by the modern BF Goodrich tires.

It's time to be as quick and cool as a Mustang in a coupe that's far more rare and interesting. And, for all you car show fans, this Formula S even comes with the Factory buildsheet and restoration receipts to show off. Call today!!