Let me take you on a little journey back to 1976—a time when things were much simpler for me. A large part of my world revolved around my mom’s dark blue 1967 Plymouth Barracuda. This wasn’t just any car; it was the epitome of cool to my eight-year-old self. With its 318 cubic inch V8 purring like a contented lion, those cool chrome pods on the hood, it was my childhood dream on wheels.
Everything changed one foggy Sunday night. The family was packed into the Barracuda, cruising home from church with Grand Funk Railroad playing on the radio. Suddenly, dad slams on the brakes and struck a Ford LTD making a questionable maneuver in the fog. It was minor, but it sadly marked the end of my adventures in that Barracuda. Watching it get towed away was my first experience with heartbreak.
That loss stuck with me, becoming a silent vow to someday drive one myself. Over the years, the Barracuda turned into a legend in my mind, one memory that had stuck with me was the red tail light lenses my dad crafted as a replacement for the ones I’d enthusiastically destroyed with a screwdriver. (Yeah, I was that kid.)
Decades flew by, and with them, cars came and went. Yet, the Barracuda remained a dream deferred until a candid chat with a friend cut through my indecision about choosing a project car.
After a couple of weeks of indecision over my next project car. My friend hit me with “What’s your dream car?” he asked. Without hesitation, I blurted out, “A blue 1967 Plymouth Barracuda coupe!” His reply was no-nonsense, “Then get that one, dumbass.”
Just like that, indecision vanished and the search was on.
Miraculously, the universe seemed to align when I found a similar version of the car on marketplace the same day.
Fast forward through some logistical drama (which, let’s be honest, is part of the charm of acquiring a vintage car), and the Barracuda was mine.
Now, as I embark on the journey of restoring this beauty, I’m reminded of the simple joys of my childhood and the dreams that fuel our passions. This Barracuda is more than just a car; it’s a bridge to the past, a fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and a testament to the enduring connection between young people and classic cars.
So, stay tuned for more tales of restoration, nostalgia, and the adventures that await. Thanks for joining me on this ride—it’s going to be a good one!
Delivery Day 2021
Forty-Five years in the making
Photos from the Ad
April 2021
