1965 Plymouth Barracuda
A-body (Valiant platform) · Second year. Barracuda actually preceded the Mustang by two ... · The fastback that beat the Mustang to market — America's overlooked pony car pioneer
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
64,596
Original MSRP
$2,412
Assembly Plants
Hamtramck, MI · Los Angeles, CA
Wheelbase
106 inches
Body Styles
2-Door Fastback
Curb Weight
2,820 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Formula S — Formula S
2-3x base
uncommon
Available Engines
170 170ci — inline-6
Base six
101 hp
225 225ci — inline-6
Slant Six option
145 hp
273-2V 273ci — V8
Base V8
180 hp
273 Commando 273ci — V8
Formula S package — 4-barrel, solid lifters
235 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Formula S Commando non-matching loses 40%. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode fender tag for Formula S and Commando options
Check massive rear glass — unique wraparound design, expensive to replace
Inspect A-body floor pans and lower quarters for rust
Verify Formula S badging and suspension if claimed
Check engine suffix for Commando designation
Inspect fold-down rear seat mechanism
Verify correct front disc brakes if equipped
Check frame rails for corrosion
Look for broadcast sheet under front seat
Road test: Commando has distinctive solid-lifter sound
Known Problem Areas
Rear glass replacement cost — unique design
Floor pan and frame rail rust
Formula S fraud
Slant Six cars converted to V8 appearance
Lower body rust typical of A-body
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Formula S Commando with 4-speed and fender tag
Original intact rear glass
Numbers-matching Commando
Documented Formula S
↓ Decreases Value
Cracked or broken rear glass
Heavy rust in floor or frame
Formula S fraud
Non-matching engine
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
High — rear glass is the critical challenge
Parts Availability
Fair — improving Mopar A-body market
Driver Quality Cost
$15,000 – $30,000
Show Quality Cost
$35,000 – $70,000
Key Suppliers
Year One · Classic Industries · Mopar specific vendors
Pop Culture & Legacy
Technically the first pony car — debuted two weeks before the Mustang
Massive wraparound rear glass was unlike anything else on the road
Underappreciated predecessor to the legendary 1970 HEMI 'Cuda
Other Plymouth Barracuda Years