The Plymouth Barracuda:

1967

1967 brought about the second generation of the Barracuda, this year it finally became a true pony car. The Barracuda was redesigned on a new, longer wheelbase and offered a choice of V8s, the 273 cid and a new 383 cid V8. This radical alteration is largely accepted as a response to the Ford. Unfortunately, the 383 engine was so large that the power steering pump couldn't fit under the hood, so it was unavailable, which resulted in poor handling.

Also, to compare with the Mustang, the original fastback model was now joined by a notchback and a convertible model.

The Formula S option package was still available and added a heavy duty suspension, tachometer, Wide-Oval tires, and special emblems and trim.

1968

The big news in 1968 was the HEMI put in a stripped down Barracuda. This was a drag race only package, it didn't even come with a warranty!

In other news the Barracuda hadn't changed much.

The Barracuda received minor styling change, a new grille new the tail lens. But there was a greater availability of engines for 1968.

The top of the line 383 also received a power boost. A new 340 4 barrels. And the 273 cid engine was retired.

1969

This was the last year of the A-Body Barracudas. But it was this year that Plymouth finally got serious about performance. They boosted the output of the 383 cid engine to 330 bhp and found room to fit power steering!

The grille got a more distinctive redesign, and a smoother hood.

Plymouth also introduced a cosmetic package built around the Formula S option, which they called the 'Cuda.

The 'Cuda could be had with either the 275 bhp 340 V8 or the 383, but it still wasn't fast enough. Plymouth responded by stuffing in the triple carburetors 440 V8 under the hood, the largest engine available in a pony car.

Unfortunately, the larger engine required the elimination of power steering (again!) and was only available with an automatic transmission, as the rear axle needed to be cushioned against the immense torque of the 440. With 57% of the car's weight over the front wheels and the use of drum brakes all around, handling and braking suffered.

The 'cuda 440 is a mid-year introduction, only 340 were made.