1969 Barracuda

 

“The Sports Fastback: Cubes, Gauges, Gear, RPM’s. And a back seat.” 1969 Barracuda sales brochure

• The ‘Cuda package was introduced in 1969 as the sportiest and highest performing Barracuda.
• As with the 1968 models, styling changes were minimal from the introduction of the second-generation cars in 1967, and mostly were the result of new federal standards.
• 1969 would mark the end of the second-generation Barracudas, and 1970 would bring another complete restyle to the make.

 
The introduction of the ‘Cuda option package, which was built around the former Formula S package, was the first sign that Plymouth was getting serious about building a high performance car that looked good, to boot. On the outside, the ‘Cuda 340 package distinguished itself with a blacked-out grille, dual exhaust, heavy-duty brakes, a refined sports suspension an 14-inch tires. True to the numerical portion of its name, it could be added to cars with the 340 CID V8, as well as to cars with the 383 CID V8.
Engine options available for the Barracuda remained the same as they had been the previous year, with the standard engine being a 145 horsepower, 225 CID slant six-cylinder. From there, Barracuda buyers could upgrade to the 230 horsepower, 318 CID V8 that was introduced the previous year for an additional $106. An extra $212 bought the 340 CID V8, which produced 275 horsepower, and the 383 CID V8, a 4-barrel engine known as the Super Commando, cost $334. That engine was rated at 300 horsepower.
As mentioned before, styling changes were minimal for the car. One way to distinguish the exterior of a 1969 model from the 67 or 68 model is that they had rectangular sidemarker reflectors, as opposed to the 68’s round marker lights and nothing on the 67 version. These were the result of new Federal standards. A new interior option for 1969 that reflected the times was the “Mod Top,” which was a vinyl roof covering with a floral motif that came with matching seat and door inserts. This was an option through 1970.
Even with the new higher performance engine options, total production was down once again as it had been the year before to 31,987. This represented a decrease of 29.57 percent since 1968. As would be expected, each Barracuda model saw production decreases, as well.

 

Muscle Car Specifications

Performance Model

1969 Plymouth Cuda 440

Engine Used

440ci/375hp

Zero to Sixty

5.6 sec

Quarter Mile

13.89 sec @ 103.2 mph

Notchback

Since its introduction in 1967, the notchback Barracuda model sold well relative to other Barracuda models, though it never surpass the fastback model in sales. However, only the notchback would be available after the 1970 restyle.
Production for the 1967 notchback was 12,757 units, and the cars had the lowest base price of any Barracuda at $2,674.
 

Fastback

The fastback was the original body style for the Barracuda when it was introduced in 1964, and it was still the best-selling model. Fastback production for the 1969 model year stood at 17,788, and the cars had a base price of $2,707.

Convertible

For the second year in a row, production dropped sharply for the convertible version of the Barracuda. In fact, it was cut almost in half, with a total production run for the model year of 1,442. The convertible, as it had been since its introduction in 1967, was the most expensive Barracuda, and this year had a base price of $2,976.

Pony Car Competition

By 1969, the pony car wars were raging on the streets of America, or at least in the offices of the car makers as they discussed how to outdo the competition. This usually meant sportier styling and meatier performance, as drivers demanded more and more of each. The following year would see the introduction of the Barracuda’s corporate cousin, Dodge Challenger.
In 1969, Barracuda was at the bottom of the heap, as far as sales numbers go, but was getting ready for a complete overhaul for the 1970 year model and introduction of the Challenger. The move would prove successful, as sales were significantly higher the following year.