1966 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S Four-Speed

Description

Despite beating Ford to the punch in the pony car race by 17 days, the Plymouth Barracuda never achieved the stratospheric sales of the Mustang. Odd, considering that the Barracuda debuted with a sporty fastback roofline which didn't appear on the Mustang until the 1965 model year.

“Some like 'em hot... and the '66 Plymouth Barracuda with the Formula 'S' Package fills the bill,” said a Plymouth ad. Introduced in 1965, the $252.75 Formula S package transformed the Barracuda into a real performance machine, with handling and brakes to match the hot “Commando” 235 horsepower V8. To prove the point Chrysler engineer Scott Harvey raced a Formula S in the 1966 SCCA Trans Am series finishing second in the championship, and successfully competed in the SCCA Rally series.

This 1966 Barracuda Formula S was sold new in Denver, Colorado, and the arid climate has preserved it beautifully. It’s nicely optioned, Chrysler “Cool Aire” air conditioning has been added, and it has all original documentation right down to the warranty “Certicard” and assembly line Build Sheet. With just three owners from new this 1966 Barracuda Formula is an original performance machine for those who like 'em hot.

Highlights

• Just three owners from new

• Uncommon Barracuda Formula S (5,316 produced in 1966)

• Rare factory documentation including Certicard and Build Sheet

• LA “Commando” 273 cu-in V8 4 barrel engine producing 235 horsepower

• A-833 four-speed manual transmission and “Sure-Grip” differential

• Added Chrysler “Cool Aire” factory air conditioning upgraded to r134 refrigerant

• Bronze Metallic paint with White stripe over Tan & White Vinyl bucket seat interior as from the factory

• The Formula S package included:

  • High-performance 273-cu-in V8 with high-lift long-duration cam, domed pistons, four-barrel carburetor, dual-breaker distributor, and low-back-pressure exhaust

  • Heavy-duty torsion bars and rear leaf springs

  • “Firm Ride” shock absorbers

  • Anti-roll bar

  • Simulated bolt-on wheel covers

  • Special Goodyear Blue Streak tires on wide-rim 14-inch wheels

  • Tachometer

• The factory options on this 1966 Barracuda Formula S include:

  • 367 Formula S Package ($252.75)

  • 393 Four-speed manual transmission ($175.45)

  • 408 Sure-Grip Differential ($37.60)

  • 486 Console ($48.70)

  • 522 Tinted Glass, Windshield Only ($14.05)

  • 548 Sun Visors, Padded ($6.35)

• The chassis number (BP29D62681185) decodes as:

  • B – Plymouth Barracuda

  • P – Premium

  • 29 – Two-door sports hardtop

  • D – 273 eight-cylinder "LA" engine

  • 6 – 1966 model year

  • 2 – Hamtramck, Michigan, final assembly plant

  • 681185 – Serial number

• The Body Plate decodes as:

  • a,b – 6: Console, 4: Bucket Seats

  • AB,C,T – 32: 273 cu-in V8 4bbl, 3: four-speed manual transmission, 7: Tachometer

  • 606 ­– Planned delivery date 06 June 1966

  • SO NUMBER: 00248 – Shipping order number

  • BDY: BP29 – Plymouth Barracuda

  • TRM: P4V ­– Tan & White Vinyl

  • PAINT: YY4WY – Bronze Metallic body, White stripe, Medium Gold interior

Features

• Recent maintenance includes:

  • New fuel pump

  • New master cylinder

  • New battery reported to have been added this year

• Aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette radio and speakers

• Round “Formula S” fender emblems

• Chrome side-view mirror

• Dual sun visors

• Three-spoke steering wheel

• Lap belts

• Lockable glovebox

• Vent windows

• Manual roll-up windows

• Heater/defroster

• Carpeted cargo area

Known Imperfections

• Bubbled sun visor

• Minor rock chip on hood

• General wear from original condition as pictured

Included

• Assembly line Build Sheet

• Warranty “Certicard”

• Window sticker

• Owner’s manual

• Original keys

• 1966 Barracuda brochure

• Service manual

Ownership History

This three owner 1966 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S was built in June 1966 and delivered to East Colfax Chrysler Plymouth in Denver, Colorado. The sticker price was $3,295.90. It was purchased by the consignor from the second owner in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in September 2000. The second owner advised that it was kept in the garage during his ownership.