The 1968 Plymouth Barracuda marks the second model year of Chrysler’s pioneering pony car, bringing notable updates to styling, chassis, and performance. Built on an extended and widened platform shared with the Chrysler A-body, the ’68 Barracuda introduced a formal hardtop, revised sheet metal, and improved interior comfort while expanding engine options to compete in the emerging muscle car segment. This profile outlines factory body styles, powertrain choices, production context, and specification patterns useful for research, evaluation, and period-correct restoration.
Body Styles and Trim Levels
For 1968, the Barracuda was available as a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a pair of notchback fastback coupes marketed as the Sport Roof. The Sport Roof featured a fixed rear window and a more upright greenhouse, giving the car a distinctly leaner profile than the earlier fastback. Chrysler offered several factory trim levels, including base and upgraded custom trims, with option codes denoting features such as upgraded interiors, exterior brightwork, and sport suspensions. The introduction of a formal hardtop option without B-pillar trim reflected contemporary styling trends and improved glass visibility.
Sport Roof Highlights
- Distinctive roofline and reduced rear window area
- Available fixed side windows for improved ventilation
- Tuned for better high-speed stability relative to earlier fastbacks
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
The 1968 Barracuda used a body-on-frame construction with a boxed front frame rail and crossmembers designed to isolate powertrain vibrations. Independent front suspension featured short-and-long-arm geometry with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, while the live rear axle relied on leaf springs with optional limited-slip differentials. Steering was recirculating-ball, and power-assisted variants were offered. Brake systems typically paired front discs with rear drums, though some high-performance orders included larger front discs or drum upgrades.
Suspension Tuning Notes
- Stiffer springs and stronger shock absorbers available in performance packages
- Adjustable rear axle options for wheelbase and camber in select markets
- Front anti-roll bars to reduce body roll in cornering
Engine Options and Performance
Engine choices spanned efficient inline-six bases to potent V8s suited for both street and track use. The base and midrange trims typically offered six-cylinder and small-block V8 combinations, while higher-performance orders included larger displacement V8s and specialized intake manifolds. Factory performance packages often bundled stronger valve trains, higher-compression pistons, and updated carburetor calibrations to meet emission and durability targets for 1968.
Factory Engine Matrix (Representative)
| Engine | Configuration | Power (gross hp) | Carburetion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 273 cu in V8 | Wedge V8 | 145 | 2bbl | Base small-block; compact combustion chamber design |
| 318 cu in V8 | Wedge V8 | 230–250 | 2-4bbl | Common police and fleet option; good low-end torque |
| 340 cu in V8 | LA-series V8 | 275 | 4bbl | High-compression performance option; stronger valvetrain |
| 383 cu in V8 | Wedge V8 | 330–350 | 4bbl | Performance wedge; available in select muscle trims |
| 426 Hemi | V8 Hemi | 425–430 | 2x4bbl | Rare dealer/installer option; premium torque and racing pedigree |
Standard Equipment and Features
Factory appointments in 1968 balanced comfort and sport appeal, with cloth or vinyl upholstery, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a driver-focused instrument cluster. Common extras included upgraded sound systems, illuminated sun visors, and bright moldings. Performance-oriented buyers often selected sport steering wheels, tachometer packages, and enhanced gauge clusters that grouped critical readouts for track or highway use. Interior color combinations and seat materials varied with trim level and optional packages.
Typical Factory Options
- Power steering and power brakes
- Three- or four-speed manual transmissions; automatic optional
- AM/FM radio and rear speaker packages
- Striping, badging, and custom wheel choices
- Heavy-duty suspension and limited-slip differential
Production and Model Year Context
Production of the 1968 Barracuda occurred primarily in mid-1967 through mid-1968, aligned with Chrysler model year conventions. Sales began in late 1967 as a 1968 model, with build dates used to determine model year for registration and valuation purposes. Total production climbed compared to the inaugural 1967 model year, reflecting stronger market demand for affordable performance. Regional availability varied, with certain trim levels and performance options offered in specific states or through select dealerships.
How to Read Barracuda Identification and Options
Decoding a 1968 Barracuda’s build sheet and factory codes helps confirm originality, equipment, and value-influencing options. The VIN provides series and manufacturing plant information, while the second label or plate often lists option codes for engine, transmission, and interior. Exterior and interior codes together indicate whether the car had the base coupe, a Sport Roof, or a premium custom package. Matching major components to original invoices or build sheets supports authenticity verification and aids in period-correct restoration decisions.
Buying, Collecting, and Maintaining a 1968 Barracuda
Buying a 1968 Barracuda involves verifying body panel fitment, panel thickness and seam alignment, and signs of prior repairs that may affect originality. Well-documented cars with build sheets, original window tags, or dealer invoices typically command higher collector confidence. Routine maintenance should focus on frame condition, suspension bushings, brake system service, and rubber component replacement such as hoses and seals. For show or concours owners, preserving or carefully reproducing factory colors, stripes, and interior trims will retain period correctness and long-term value.