1968 Plymouth Barracuda Super Stock

Yes, we do consider these factory production vehicles as they were several built (enough to be considered production) and, unlike misguided popular belief, yes, they were actually available for purchase by absolutely anyone from any Plymouth dealer in North America.

For many years, dropping the Hemi engine into the Barracuda was a popular way to gain dominance at the dragstip. Chrysler, with the help of Hurst, sought to duplicate the efforts from the factory. Chrysler would built the Barracudas and ship them to Hurst for the final conversion.

The race prepped Hemi was highly underrated and actually produced well over 600 horsepower. The hood and fenders were fiberglass. The front bumper and doors were light-gauge steel. Getting the 426 Hemi into the engine back took some modifications. The battery was moved to the trunk. Both the right shift linkages for the four speeds, and special rear-axle assemblies from Hurst had to be specially made.

The cars came with street tires and a shallow oil pan off the trailer. The only modifications most racers did were the installation of slicks and a deeper oil pan. The SS Hemi Barracudas were delivered in early May so they would be ready to qualify for the NHRA Spring Nationals.

R.D. McLaughlin, Chrysler-Plymouth general sales manager, outlined for dealers and racers what they could order. Here is the letter:

February 20, 1968
To: All Plymouth Dealers
Subject: 1968 Hemi Barracuda Super Stock

The Chrysler-Plymouth Division offers for the 1968 models a 426 Hemi Powered Barracuda Fastback for use in supervised acceleration trials. These cars will weigh approximately 3000 pounds and have been designed to meet the 1968 specifications for the major sanctioning drag strip organization.

Coupe
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The Hemi-Powered Barracudas will be available through production in limited quantities in March. To order this vehicle use the Barracuda Order Form and specify Body Code BO29 and Transmission Code, either 4 Speed Manual Code 339, or Automatic Code 395.