Jerry “Metal Man” Battaglia heads to the New York bureau and talks with Benny about his barn find muscle car coming all the way from Minnesota.
Noteworthy classic cars aren’t exclusive to the Long Island junkyards that YouTuber Jerry “Metal Man” Battaglia frequents. Such is the case with a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S sitting on the streets of Brooklyn with a story to tell.
We learn the car came in pieces from a Minnesota barn find and only became street-capable after getting put back together by the owner, Benny. While this Barracuda has its share of dents and dings, the car serves as a reminder that even crowded urban areas need an epic muscle car.
More Work Ahead For This 1968 Plymouth Barracuda
Calling this 1968 Plymouth Barracuda a work in progress is a fair assessment. With the engine reassembled and roaring, it starts with authority and delivers smile-inducing burnouts.
Yet significant efforts still lay ahead as Benny looks for frame rails, which tell us there’s more than surface rust to deal with. It’s a possible result of the car’s untold years in Minnesota. But at least one thing won’t need restoration; the front seats appear showroom worthy. There’s no word if the crisp upholstery is stock or the result of a rework.
About The 1968 Plymouth Barracuda
1968 helped firm up the muscle car credentials of the second generation of the Plymouth Barracuda, a car still with the DNA of the first-gen edition and its economy-car roots. Not only did the 1967–1969 Barracuda enjoy a more rakish profile, but buyers could also choose from three body styles (hardtop coupe, fastback coupe, or convertible). The original Barracuda was strictly a fastback coupe.
In 1968, Plymouth swapped out the modest 273 cubic-inch V8 for the more powerful 318 as the base eight-cylinder engine (the trusty slant-six powered the starter Plymouth Barracuda). But stepping up to the Formula S added a 340 V8; throttle junkies could also upgrade to the 383 Commando engine.
If you’re looking to see how much a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda costs, expect to pay $10,000 on the low end up to $70,000 on the high end according to ClassicCars.com.
Exploring A Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
Besides a more potent engine, the Formula S delivered other enhancements. These include the unique front fender badges and “340-S”-themed chrome hood inserts that we see on Benny’s vintage ride. The flip-open gas cap and side stripes also hint at this Barracuda being a Formula S.
More substantially, the Formula S package added performance capabilities such as a low-restriction dual exhaust, a heavy-duty suspension, and upgraded wheels. Standard firm-ride shocks helped with the Plymouth Barracuda’s street manners.
