I bought this car from a friend of mine. It is super rare – one of only 64 that came with the 383 motor and one of only 40 that also had the 4-speed manual transmission. While I wasn’t thrilled with the color (not the best yellow), it was a fun car to drive. It really moved with the 383. Here are the highlights:
- 1 of 64 Formula S Convertibles produced with the 383/330 HP engine
- Original engine
- 1 of only 40 produced with 4-speed transmission
- 1 of only 7 known to exist with these options and color combination
- Built at Hamtramck, Michigan on May 31st 1968
- Finished in Sunfire Yellow with Black vinyl interior
- Optional bucket seats and tachometer
- Black convertible top with boot cover
- 4-barrel carburetor
- 23 rear axle
- Red Streak steel belted tires
- Full size slotted wheel covers
- Fender tag decoded by Richard Kraus of My Mopar
The redesign of Plymouth’s sporty Barracuda platform for 1967 is why the stellar optioning on this beautiful convertible was possible. Earlier renditions of this model could not host a big-block engine. When this Barracuda was constructed the following model year—at the Hamtramck, Michigan, plant on May 31, 1968—it would become one of just 64 1968 Formula S convertibles produced with the 4-barrel 383/330 HP B-series engine. Of those, only 40 were produced with the 4-speed transmission, and this Barracuda is one of a mere seven known to exist with these options and color combination. Finished in brilliant Sunfire Yellow with a black vinyl interior and top, the Formula S package added sport equipment to this Plymouth model, with higher-grade trim and upgraded suspension pieces in keeping with its horsepower. The 383/330 HP Commando engine was similar dimensionally to those used in the Road Runner and Super Bee, and it has a 4-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers and the rare A-body big-block exhaust manifolds. While many Chryslers came with the automatic, this car is equipped with the A833 4-speed manual transmission and ends in a 3.23 rear axle. Once inside, there are the bucket seats, floor mounted ball-knob shifter, 150 MPH speedometer, tachometer, AM radio and sport steering wheel. The black convertible top with boot cover is complemented by paired black lower body stripes, the chrome hood inserts, fish-design vehicle insignia, Formula S identification, flip-open gas cap and chrome exhaust tips. Optioned with steel wheels featuring full-size slotted wheel covers, this Barracuda rides on Red Streak steel-belted tires, with a full-size spare in the trunk. The fender tag has been decoded by Richard Kraus of My Mopar, and this Plymouth is a statement maker from both an appearance and performance standpoint. Add in the exclusivity of owning a Mopar big-block 4-speed convertible, and we would have to say that this Plymouth is out to win you over.
