1969 Barracuda Fastback
Considering how few American cars get imported over here, it is not surprising that Plymouth’s second-generation Barracuda is relatively unknown. The first generation, essentially a modified and rebadged sporty fastback A-body Valiant, was a direct rival to Ford’s new Mustang when both were introduced in mid-1964, the Barracuda actually two weeks earlier than the Ford. It was notable for its huge curved rear window. When the second generation arrived in 1967, the pony car phenomena was firmly established and the Barracuda had shed its staid family car persona. When the third generation Barracudas were introduced in 1970, the large B-body chassis and curvaceous lines forever defined what a Barracuda represented. The second gen cars were almost immediately forgotten, despite their handsome lines and varied choices of engines and body styles.
Along with the fastback, one could order a convertible and a ‘notchback’ coupe. Model kit manufacturers produced models as soon as possible after release of the real thing, the fastback Barracuda being no exception. MPC produced a 1:25 scale 1967 fastback, which was updated with modified tooling to match the factory refreshes in 1968 and 1969. This kit has since been reissued numerous times and is returning again as a 3-in-1 model, with 129 parts to build it stock, custom, or for drag racing.
It’s clearly a Sixties era MPC kit, with much moulded-on detail on the chassis, a similarly simplified interior and a reasonably detailed engine. This is a 383cu in V8 with an optional four-barrel carburettor. There are three wheel options, including Torq-thrust mags and stock wheels, four wide street tyres, with optional padprinted white pinstripes and pad-printed M&H Racemaster hollow slicks. Racing accessories include a hood scoop, custom seats, roll bar, additional instruments, optional racing console and a back seat cover.
The decals provide a variety of graphic stripes in black, red and white. There are innumerable emblems, instrument faces, number plates and so on. Moulded in white, clear, transparent red, with chrome-plated parts and black vinyl tyres, its construction may be rather simple compared to today’s complex kits, but it will still create a more than acceptable replica.