Frame Up Built Barracuda 5.7 Liter HEMI Keisler 5 Speed

We're all familiar with the term “resto-mod” and how it gets thrown around to describe cars which 1) haven't been restored all that well and 2) haven't been modded all that much. Simply put, the true theme of the resto-mod movement is: combining the best elements of classic show with the best elements of modern go. And if there was ever a textbook example of a true-to-form resto-mod, this 1968 Barracuda has to be it. Showcasing the hard work of a skilled enthusiast who understands how to enhance the best attributes of a slick classic, this cool Mopar features a slew of handpicked, top-shelf parts that create a muscle car worthy of being driven and enjoyed. If you're in the market for a super-clean street bruiser that you can build on and road trip in for years to come, kick your summer off behind the wheel of this incredibly priced Plymouth!

First impressions are important, and this bright blue Barracuda certainly makes a strong one. For starters, Plymouth did a great job whittling the Valiant's conservative shape into a provocative and interesting body that lends credibility to the car's name. That body, which includes good fit and solid-closing doors, was stripped to bare metal and equipped with high quality replacement panels that ensured solid, flat surfaces. Once those surfaces were completely clean and fully prepped, a nice coat of conventional blue basecoat was sealed under a thick clearcoat shell. And today, even though this Mopar has seen ample road time, its paintwork presents very well.

Although it continued to share many components with Plymouth's most economical offering, the second generation Barracuda was fully redesigned with model-specific sheetmetal that provided an upscale and aggressive appearance. At the front of the car, a stainless-trimmed grille, which was inspired by an inverted trapezoid, hangs crystal clear parking lamps between bright halogen headlights, a show worthy bumper and an offset “PLYMOUTH” script. Behind that grille, a smooth blue hood anchors traditional turn signal indicators and small silver accents between a chrome Barracuda emblem and a stainless-trimmed greenhouse that's complemented by correct chrome mirrors. At the sides of that greenhouse, small “Barracuda” scripts, bold “HEMI” emblems and blocky chrome door handles combine with dent-free wheel lips, textured rocker trim and a handsome metal fuel filler to add character to an awesome notchback profile. And at the back of the car, a silver-trimmed and “Barracuda” branded valence hangs organic looking tail lights above a second show worthy bumper and bright stainless exhaust tips.

Chrysler's powerplants have never been defined as weak or limp-wristed. And straight from Mopar Performance, this Plymouth's 5.7 liter Hemi V8 backs a solid 360 horsepower with an impressive 360 lb./ft. torque. At the top of that cast iron block, a chrome K&N air cleaner shoves wind through a big Holley carburetor into a Mopar Performance single-plane intake. That aluminum intake rides inside chrome Mopar Performance valve covers that are sandwiched between Blue Mopar Performance wires, and aluminum Mopar Performance heads. Those heads ride above cast pistons that are connected to heavy duty rods and a heavy duty, cast crank. That crank rides below a hydraulic roller cam that's connected to a traditional roller timing set. Lubrication for the bright orange mill is provided by a high volume oil pump, braided Summit fluid lines and a remote-mounted filter. Cooling comes courtesy of a clean aluminum radiator that circulates water past two Flex-a-lite puller fans via high quality, corrugated hoses. Spent gases are whisked away by a slick set of ceramic coated, long-tube headers. Visually, the clean engine compartment comes together just as well as the outside of the car featuring details like Satin Black fenders, attractive decals and polished stainless fuel lines. And, best of all, this is a Hemi that'll fire up in any weather, drive thousands of miles before anyone needs to turn its bolts, and probably lay waste to any old school muscle car that's fishing for a challenge.

Like its exterior and engine bay, the bottom of this Barracuda is a great combination of both past and present. The powerful Hemi engine sends its thrust through a rugged Keisler 5-speed that's connected to a traditional 8.75 inch Chrysler Sure Grip rear end and stout 3.55 gears. That awesome drivetrain is held off the ground by a double A-arm front and rear leaf suspension which is built around a color-keyed AJE Racing front clip, modern power rack and pinion steering, beefy coil overs and proven Edelbrock shocks. Exhaust is handled by three inch true dual pipes that flow through an X-shaped crossover, manual cut-outs and great sounding dual-chamber Flowmasters. Braking is handled by traditional drums out back and an Aerospace Components system up front, which includes big drilled and slotted rotors. And power flows to the ground through 17 inch Showwheels Streeters which spin 205/45 Sumitomos in front of 235/50 Sumitomos. This Plymouth's frame and floors are solid and display no signs of major rust or serious weathering. And everything from the car's quick-spinning mini starter to its sturdy driveshaft hoop is fully sorted and ready to pound the pavement!

Open this A-Body's solid closing doors and take in a simple black interior that, as a combination of serious hardware and vintage aesthetics, serves as the perfect place to remember the good 'ole days of performance. The first thing you'll notice is plush front bucket and rear bench seats that were completely rebuilt during the car's restoration. Between those seats, a TKO shifter props a Hurst handle in front of a custom console that's finished with chrome power window switches. In front of that shifter, a sculpted dash hangs a stylish engine turned fascia behind a remote-controlled Clarion CD player and a full array of Auto Meter Sport Comp instrument and accessory gauges. At the sides of that dash, black door frames hang black door panels between fresh trim, folding cup holders and large kick panel speakers. At the bottom of those panels, stain-free carpet is protected by color-keyed floor mats. Opposite that carpet, a tight headliner frames a fully functional dome light. In front of the driver, a silver Grant GT steering wheel keeps the swerves to a minimum. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk sandwiches a relocated battery between a fresh mat and a correct decklid decal.

The sale of this cool blue coupe includes an original owner's manual, a warranty booklet, a small stack of restoration receipts and a few accessory manuals.

Over the past couple of years, some of our best sellers have been ultra-clean, super sharp 1968 to 1974 Mopar compacts. They're fast. They're tons of fun. And best of all, you don't have to spend the kid's college fund to buy one! If you're looking for a cool old muscle car that you can keep and enjoy for years to come, you simply can't go wrong with this '68 Barracuda!