Available since the Barracuda’s sophomore year of ’65, the Formula S package for ’68 included heavy-duty suspension and wheels, firm-ride shocks, E70-14 Red Streak tires, the new Commando 340 (or the 383), low-restriction dual-exhaust, front fender badges and special hood inserts. It added $168.30 (340) or $221.65 (383) to the Barracuda V-8’s base prices of: $2,711 (hardtop), $2,868 (fastback), or $3,013 (convertible).
The 383-cu.in. B-series big-block was rated at 300 hp at 4,200 RPM and 400-lb.ft. of torque at 2,400 RPM. Its forged-steel crank with 2.625-inch main journals has a 3.38-inch stroke and is held in place by two-bolt main caps in a deep-skirt block. The 6.358-inch-long, forged-steel rods and press-fit-pin, cast-aluminum alloy pistons work in 4.25-inch bores. New-for-’68 “906” heads feature 2.08/1.74-inch valves, wedge-shaped chambers and a compression ratio of 10:1. The hydraulic cam boasts 256/260 degrees advertised duration and .425/.435-inch lift with 1.50:1 shaft-mounted rockers. A Carter AVS carb on a dual-plane, cast-iron intake comprises the induction system, and a dual-breaker ignition, located at the front of the block, was used with either transmission. Specific exhaust manifolds were designed to fit the B-engine into the A-body.
Plymouth produced a total of only 1120 Barracudas with the 383 engine. This car is one of 395 Fastbacks built with the 727 Torqueflight automatic transmission. Numbers matching engine and transmission with original Fender tag intact. A complete rotisserie restoration was performed approximately 10 years ago to award winning standards.
Laser straight paint and body in the cars original color ” JJ1, Ember Gold.” Fully sanded and buffed to perfection with better than new hood, door, and trunk gaps. Undercarriage and engine compartment are as nicely detailed as the top side of this rare Cuda. All chrome and stainless were refinished to show quality including the Formula S only badges and hood monikers. All of the glass is excellent original with a new windshield. All of the seals and weatherstrips have been replaced.
The interior was completely refinished as originally ordered in Black with bucket seats and console. All materials were sourced from “legendary interiors.” All gauges and lighting are operable. The Cuda has optional 3 speed wipers and remote mirror.
The 383 was rebuilt to “Stock +” specifications meaning it has internal upgrades to add performance but only in a way that will not affect its drivability. Upgraded Cam, Aluminum intake, electronic ignition, Holley 750cfm Carburetor, dual Y jet hot coated headers, and custom stainless exhaust with x pipe crossover cover the extent of modifications to the engine. The transmission has a shift kit and 2500rpm stall convertor. All of these upgrades add performance and truly make the car a blast to drive. Rear differential is the factory 323 sure grip 8-3/4. This Barracuda stops great with its factory ordered optional 4 piston front disc brakes.
Stunning car that is very well sorted, in fact the previous owner spent over $17,000 on miscellaneous repairs to make the car drive “right,” with receipts to back it up. Starts right up and warms up on choke nicely with no feathering of the throttle, shifts perfectly and downshifts correctly when the car is floored (and its fast!!)
