Lot 024: 1968 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA

Arguably the first 'pony car' in that it beat the Ford Mustang to market by two weeks, the Plymouth Barracuda was heavily revised for 1967. Longer, lower and wider than before, its all-new sheetmetal was the work of chief stylist Dick McAdam. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell (derived from Chrysler's proven A-body platform), the sporty Plymouth featured independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' back axle and re-circulating ball steering. Powered by a series of economy (straight-six) or performance (V8) orientated engines, the Barracuda could be had in hardtop coupe, fastback or convertible guises. Subtly updated for 1968 with a reprofiled grille and circular side repeater lights, the model also boasted an improved powerplant line-up. Growing from 273ci (4.5 litre) to 318ci (5.2 litre), the 'baby' V8 was rated at 230hp and 340lbft of torque. Comparatively rare, just 9,855 1968-model year Plymouth Barracuda Hardtop Coupes are thought to have carried the 318ci engine. Finished in Metallic Blue with Electric Blue vinyl upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its 5.2 litre V8 engine, three-speed automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Apparently converted from left- to right-hand drive by Rudd's of Brighton before being road registered on May 6th 1968, 'OPN 9F' is said to have covered just 31,000 miles from new. Family owned for the last thirty-nine years, the 'time warp' coupe passed from aunt to nephew in October 1982. Sparingly used over the last quarter century with outings mainly limited to "weekends and the occasional holiday", it rides on steel wheels. The only right-hand drive Plymouth Barracuda we have ever encountered, this desirable, low mileage 1960s 'Pony Car' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until April 18th 2008.