Plymouth Barracuda

Plymouth launched the Barracuda on April 1, 1964, about two weeks before the Ford Mustang reached showrooms. That timing gives the car a permanent footnote in muscle car history, but the Barracuda was never just a footnote. It started life as a fastback version of the Valiant compact, sharing most of its bodywork and mechanicals. The difference was that huge wraparound rear window, a piece of glass so distinctive it made the car look like it was moving even when parked.

Three generations followed, each with its own character. The second generation, from 1967 to 1969, kept the Valiant platform but added notchback and convertible body styles alongside the fastback, and introduced the Formula S performance package. Then came the big change: the 1970 model moved to Chrysler's E-body platform, shared with the Dodge Challenger. That third generation, sold through 1974, is the one most people picture when they hear Barracuda. It had a wider stance, a lower roofline, and room for Chrysler's biggest engines, including the 426 Hemi and the 440 Six Pack.

The car's reputation rests on more than looks. The Barracuda was a legitimate performance machine in the right trim, and it competed directly against the Mustang, Camaro, and Firebird in the pony car segment. Sales were modest compared to Ford and GM, but the Barracuda built a devoted following that has only grown as survivors become rarer. Today, well-kept examples, especially Hemi and convertible models, command serious money at auction. [edit]