Plymouth Barracuda

1969 Plymouth 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.

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

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.

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.

Engine Specifications

Type Size Carb Horse Power Tourqe
I6 225ci 1x1bbl 145 hp @ 4000 rpm 215 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
V8 318ci 1x2bbl 230 hp @ 4400 rpm 320 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
340 Commando 340ci 1x4bbl 275 hp @ 5000 rpm 340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
383 383ci 1x4bbl 330 hp @ 5000 rpm 425 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
440 440ci 1x4bbl 375 hp @ 4600 rpm 480 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Performance Statistics

0 to 60 mph Quarter Mile Engine Source
7.1 sec 15.5 sec @ 92.0 mph 383ci/330hp Estimate
6.3 sec 13.9 sec @ 103.2 mph 440ci/375hp SS
5.6 sec 13.89 sec @ 103.2 mph 440ci/375hp Car Life 6/69
6.3 sec 14.2 sec @ 99.1 mph 340ci/275hp Motor Trend
Overall rating
4.0
Looks
5.0
Performance
4.0
Parts Availability
2.0
Collectability
5.0

1969 340S Convertible

I happen to own a Barracuda 340S four barrel. I need a good parts supplier, any suggestions.

Overall rating
3.8
Looks
4.0
Performance
5.0
Parts Availability
2.0
Collectability
4.0

69 Form S

I bought one new with the 340 auto package. I had a regular plain hood and no special treatment. The only give away was the exhaust and the formula S emblem on the back. Paid $4200.00 new. It was not a fastback but an ordinary coupe. 220 hp @ rear wheels on the dyno and only burnt 100 octane gas. 7 miles highway 4 mpg in the city. Loved it!

Overall rating
4.8
Looks
5.0
Performance
5.0
Parts Availability
4.0
Collectability
5.0

1969 Formula S Barracuda

One of Mopars must overlooked muscle car, they look good, are fast and the 340 ci engine is one quick small blook

Overall rating
4.8
Looks
5.0
Performance
5.0
Parts Availability
4.0
Collectability
5.0

Owner

The Formula S 340 is one of the most rare & over looked of the muscle cars. The vehicle performed real well and are a blast to drive. For a small block these 340 power cars would give the big blocks a run for thier money. I just happen to own the 4spd version.

Overall rating
3.5
Looks
3.0
Performance
4.0
Parts Availability
3.0
Collectability
4.0

A Caveman’s Ride

The last year of the middle generation Barracuda became a powerhouse. The 383 and the 440 produced awesome tire pounding torque. While the car was not the pretties pony car, it was one of the top performers and that is all that mattered to some.

3 Comments

  • I was lucky (or smart enough), to buy a 340 Formula S in 1969. It was to be a “family” car too replace a 1866 MGB convertable. I really lovedthat car, but the mileage, aabout 9mpg in the city, and 11mpgon the highway was getting tlo be expensive when fuel prices began to rise. My wife andI also had a child then, so the high performance was not as important.

  • I bought a new Barracuda S package with 318 in 1969. It had a 160 mph accurized speedometer. It also had a low ratio rear end at 2 something (highway gear). I tried to open it up a couple times but chickened out at 143mph. I did put Michelin X tires on it but I was still afraid of totally opening it up.

  • Those times were done either burning rubber off the line or starting in 2nd gear,thats how they did it…Remember 205/70/14 bias ply tires,no chemical compounds for traction like they use today etc..Tracks then were like dusty Wal Mart parking lots and cars spun..

    Even my 318 2bbl peeled out to a 15.99 1/4 mile,bone stock,bone stock even bias ply tires a little tire screech and she went! Higher powered cars just sat beside me and they spun and spun..Mine wa s a100% stock 90,000 mile 1968 Barracuda 318 2bbl single exhaust and 3.23 gears…My Buddy had a 69 Cuda ‘340 that ran high 12’s and it was stock except wider tires,headers circa 1974..440’s left him standing still,low 12 second cars with a 440.

    Knock off 1-2 seconds off the 1/4 mile time and the 0-60..

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