In 1965, the Barracuda line, essentially a Valiant under updated sheet metal, included the optional Formula S package. This package, which was a significant upgrade, featured a high-performance 235-horsepower four-barrel 273 engine. However, as the 1960s advanced, the muscle car war between the auto manufacturers was nearing its peak, and a 273 was not the performance answer for the Camaro and Mustang.

The new body style ’67 Barracuda, a significant leap in performance, came with a more powerful 280-horsepower 383 engine. However, the ’68 Formula S Barracuda, fitted with the all-new small block rather than the 300-horsepower 383, struck a chord with Mopar enthusiasts due to its unique characteristics and performance capabilities.

The ’68 Barracuda Formula S, powered by the highly regarded 340 cubic inch engine, was a true performance powerhouse. Although the factory rated the engine at a conservative 275 horsepower, it was believed to pack a much bigger punch. Its 625 cfm Carter AVS four-barrel carburetor enhanced its responsiveness and performance, making it a thrill to drive and igniting a sense of excitement and eagerness in any Mopar enthusiast.

The 340 V8 engine, known for its reliability and tunability, became famous for those who wanted a fast and fun vehicle without the weight and bulk of larger big-block engines. Its reliability meant owners could push the engine to its limits without fear of breakdown. At the same time, its tunability allowed for customization and performance upgrades, making it a favorite among automotive enthusiasts.

Additional components on the Formula S package included upgraded shocks, torsion bars, and a thicker diameter front sway bar for improved handling. Further, the Barracuda Formula S had unique wheel covers on steel wheels along with wider tires for improved cornering and handling. Each Formula S Barracuda received special badging and striping to give the car a more aggressive look, setting it apart from other models in the Barracuda line.

The Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 340, a rare gem in the world of muscle cars, offered a perfect balance of power and handling. Its scarcity added to its allure, making it a highly sought-after model today. Jonathan Parise is one of the fortunate few to own a Formula S 340. It is a particularly scarce 4-speed convertible car. In 1968, Plymouth produced only 3,917 Formula S 340 Barracudas, which quickly dwindled to a mere 60 when factoring in the rarity of the 4-speed and convertible top.

If Parise’s name sounds familiar, Mopar Connection Magazine did a spread on his beautiful 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye a little over a year ago. Parise purchased the Charger and the Barracuda on the same day in September 2020. Like his Charger, Serafine ‘Sar’ Tolerico once owned Parise’s Barracuda. It, too, received special attention at Sar’s Body Shop.

After purchasing the Barracuda in Harrisburg, Sar and a friend made the 140-mile trip back to his body shop in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The 340 ran flawlessly on the trip. The engine ran so well, apart from a tune-up, which included cylinder compression and leak-down tests, new Champion plugs, a new factory cap, rotor, and plug wires; the 340 has been run as-is during Sar’s and now Parise’s ownership. Along the way, a previous owner swapped the 340’s coil for an Accel unit, but the rest of the engine bay remains factory stock in appearance.

Similarly to the engine, the New Process 833 4-speed and the 2.76:1 geared 8 ¾-inch rear end did not suffer from mistreatment during previous ownership. Again, a preventative maintenance oil exchange for the transmission and rear end was the depth of the repairs required for the driveline. At some point, the suspension bushings (and likely the ball joints) were replaced with factory pieces.

As with most convertible top vehicles, the interiors take a beating from the sun. Parise’s Barracuda was no exception. Prior to Sar’s purchase of the car, the seat upholstery and the carpet had been replaced with factory-appearing parts. Parise added the factory-style rubber Barracuda floor mats to protect the carpet.

The Barracuda left the assembly line wearing a set of E70x14 red sidewall bias-ply tires, but the rolling stock now consists of BF Goodrich 225/70R14 (rear) and 205/70R14 (front) radial tires. After all these years, the stamped-steel 14×6-inch wheels remain and are still adorned by the dog-dish style ’68 hub caps.

Sadly, Sar’s health had greatly declined before Parise purchased the Barracuda; thus, much of its history is lost. However, what is known is the Barracuda was special ordered by its original owner and it was built on October 2, 1967. The Barracuda came with green deluxe trim grade bucket vinyl seats and was painted in a medium race green metallic color.

Additionally, the Barracuda came with wide sill and wheel lip moldings, hood-mounted turn signal indicators, a driver’s side outside remote-operated mirror, and 3-speed windshield wipers to round out the Barracuda. However, the most noticeable exterior option was the black convertible top. If Parise ever tires of the hum of the 340 or the rush of the air flowing over the topless Barracuda when cruising, he can try and enjoy the tunes the factory AM radio pumps out.

Parise has plans to update some parts of the wiring harness, have various chrome pieces replated, and perform some detailing on the Barracuda. Yet, his desire is to enjoy the Barracuda at every opportunity possible while he is busy restoring another Mopar – a GTX.

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