Plymouth Barracuda S, White, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $49,995.

While the later 'Cudas seem to get all the press, true Mopar enthusiasts haven't forgotten the early Barracudas, and most notably, the Formula S models with their 383 cubic inch big blocks, upgraded suspension, and bigger tires. This particular 1968 Barracuda Formula S is dressed in the unusual notchback body style, shows just 20,480 original miles on the clock, and is 100% numbers matching throughout. No question about it, this is a very special car.

For authenticity, here's the fender tag decode:

CAR: Plymouth Barracuda 2-door hardtop
ENGINE: 383 cubic inch 4-barrel V8
TRANSMISSION: 4-speed manual floor shift
TIRES: E70x14 Red Sidewall, steel belted
MODEL YEAR: 1968
BUILD DATE: November 20.
AXLE: 3.23 rear axle ratio, Sure Grip
INTERIOR: Vinyl bucket seats, black Interior.
PAINT: Monotone White Paint.
OTHER: Black upper doorframe color.

MOLDINGS:
25: Drip rail mouldings
78: Wheel lip mouldings

ABC OPTIONS:
D9: Front disk brakes
F7: Barracuda Formula S Package
R1: AM radio
W9: 3-speed wipers
X1: Tinted glass (all)

abc OPTIONS:
b4: Bucket seats
h7: Fender or hood mounted turn signal indicators
k7: Passenger outside manual mirror

Beautifully restored just a few years ago, this car presents today in absolute stock condition and looks like it may have just hours after the proud new owner drove it home. The work is show quality throughout, and the original body panels are proof that this car has been a cherished toy from new, and not someone's beater or track star. Finished in correct monotone white paint, the car is unassuming and blends into the background, which is what I presume the original owner intended. Sitting next to this one at a stoplight on Woodward Avenue late at night, and you'd hardly give it a second glance. The black stripes along the side might draw your attention if you're looking carefully, but they were available on any Barracuda. The Formula S badge up front on the fender might have told you something, but in the dark, who's looking? Unless you were driving something with some serious blasting powder under the hood, it's pretty likely that after the light turns green, all you'd see is that full-width rear taillight as the Barracuda pulls away. You wouldn't have time to notice how nicely the panels fit, how glossy the paint is, or how brilliantly the chrome has been refinished. You'd just sit there in slack-jawed amazement at the little Mopar's stunning performance.

From inside the Barracuda, however, the driver is enveloped in a cool black bucket seat interior, and Chrysler stylists in the '60s were at the top of their game. Like the body, it's simple and unadorned, but the detailing and shapes are brilliant. A comprehensive set of gauge are easily visible through the slender steering wheel spokes, and the 4-speed shifter falls easily to hand just inches from the rim. The back seat is as new, the carpets are new, the headliner is new, and well, you get the picture. This car is ready to show and win at the highest levels. It even has the original Music Master AM radio.

In the horsepower department, this Formula S packs its original, numbers-matching 383 cubic inch Super Commando V8, which, in this guise makes 300 horsepower. Both the engine and the 4-speed transmission have been recently rebuilt, and it drives like a new car. The engine bay is brilliantly detailed, and accurate down to the smallest items such as hoses and wire-style clamps. The block is bathed in Mopar Turquoise, adorned with factory chrome valve covers, and some of the best-looking, best preserved exhaust manifolds we've ever seen. The air cleaner is a '67 piece, but is original and correct for this early-build car and has been properly finished in black wrinkle paint.

The chassis is highly original, and the original floors are still covered in factory-applied undercoating. A correct dual exhaust system has been installed, complete with crossover and original rectangular tips. Front disc brakes are probably a smart idea with all that horsepower in such a lightweight package, and the guy who ordered this one was no dummy. The rugged Chrysler 8.75 inch rear still carries the original 3.23 gears, which make this car great for long distance cruising, and it has recently been rebuilt with new bearings throughout. Wheels are the original 14-inch steelies wearing dog-dish hubcaps and redline radials for an authentic look and modern performance.

If you've read this far, I don't have to tell you that this is an extremely cool, rare car. With low mileage, a fresh restoration, and matching-numbers, this is clearly an investment-grade car, made all the more appealing by its true sleeper looks. The guy who ordered this car (his name is on the original CertiCard, which is included) seemed to know what he was doing when he filled out the order form. All the go-fast parts, a low-profile notchback body, and that nondescript white paint with plain steel wheels-it just doesn't get cooler than that if you're into sleepers. Ready to show or drive, this is a car that will make even the most jaded Mopar fan sit up and take notice. Call today!