I bought this car in 2003 after a friend found the listing on eBay. He knew I had been looking for a 1968 Barracuda convertible for some time. After making contact with the seller, I was able to arrange a meeting, and after some negotiating, the car was mine.

 

What I purchased was somebody else's project that proved too costly and too ambitious for him to complete. I bought a car that was almost entirely disassembled, boxes and bags of parts, and a skeleton of a car that barely resembled a Barracuda.
But I knew what I had found. These cars are rare. One of less than 2000 Barracuda convertibles built in 1968.

 

These cars were also prone to rust issues so very few original survivors escaped the wrecking yards and crushers. Of the survivors few still exist in original, unmolested condition.

 

Even though my new project was a bit of a challenge, it had less rust than most, and some of the metal work, including floor pan repair, new quarter panels, and inner fenders were already in place.

 

The search began immediately for rust free southern body panels. It took several years, but I was able to secure straight, rust-free doors, deck lid. header panel, and front valence. All parts were stripped, primed, and then massaged repeatedly to create a pristine surface worthy of black paint. You can't skimp on body work when you're painting your car black!

 

As the two-year paint and body process progressed, I gathered all the other parts I needed, including some very rare convertible only moldings, and other very illusive parts like brand new trunk trim panels, new tails lights, bumpers, gas cap, door handles and windshield wipers. Grill surrounds and inserts were also almost impossible to find in good condition, but my persistence paid off.

 

I hired a professional paint shop to perfect the body work and complete the seven stage paint job. One coat of base black, and six coats of clear, blocked out between each coat. Meanwhile, I turned my attention to the engine and powertrain. 

 

Even though the car was born as a humble, red, slant-six, benchseat car, it's re-incarnation would result in a triple black, bucket seat, console car with a professionally built 500hp 340ci small block mated to a 727 Torqueflight automatic with a 2500 stall converter, special clutch pack and a shift kit. A chromoly driveshaft delivers the twist to a 8.75 Suregrip Posi with a 355 gear set, and Moser axles.

 

Suspension is mostly stock in nature, but utilizes heavy-duty torsion bars and an SS spring package, KYB adjustable gas shocks and a tied and boxed subframe provides the torsional rigidity needed to handle the increased power.

 

Next came an all new deluxe-style interior including re-chromed and detailed dash bezel, factory-correct tachometer, Tuff wheel, carpet, gauges, and switchgear. Every part is either new or refurbished.

 

Other noteable upgrades include a custom Be-Cool high-capacity aluminum radiator, a complete 3" ceramic-coated TTI header/exhaust system with x-pipe, Dynaflow mufflers and Magna-flow tailpipes. This sound system makes beautiful music, and it's the only stereo it needs.

 

Brakes were upgraded to a full Wilwood Race kit with disc brakes at all four corners.

 

Wheels were custom made by James Coy (Coys Wheels) to fit this car, ensuring maximum rubber in stock fenderwell openings. 18's up front, 20's out back, wrapped in Cooper Zeon directional tread rubber.

 

An Optima rear-mount battery system was installed in a tidy aluminum box in the trunk. Factory trunk mat finishes off the otherwise stock trunk area.

 

I have two file boxes of documentation, with receipts totalling well north of $100,000.

 

Completed in Spring of 2013, this Barracuda trophied at it's first public showing – World of Wheels Auto Show in Winnipeg, winning the Outstanding Custom Convertible category.

 

Although very show worthy, this car was built to drive. It currently has less than 2500 total miles since completion. Please note that this car is not perfect, but it's close. It may just be the nicest example of an A-body convertible in existence today, built with all the right parts, and finished in a highly desireable triple black combination.

 

To build this car today, you will be looking at almost double my asking price, or more. Let my obsession be your winfall. You can own this car for half the cost of building it.

 

It looks baddass, it sounds baddass, and it drives baddass. To experience it for yourself, please contact me to arrange a viewing appointment.