The only visible deviation...
The only visible deviation from stock is the set of 4.0-bolt-circle, 14-inch Rallye wheels shod with BFGoodrich rubber for fun weekend cruising.
Fast Facts
'69 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible
Scott and Shelby Martin
Roanoke, VA
Mopar Power
Engine: The second-gen (LA) 318 was the most basic V-8 engine in the Chrysler line from the late-'60s into the '90s, and would eventually get such goodies as a four-barrel carburetor and high-flowing heads. In 1969, however, all of them were the same as the one found in the Martins' car, with a two-barrel pot, restrictive exhaust manifolding, and 9.2:1 compression, but good cruising manners. For many of today's Mopar enthusiasts, the 230-gross-horsepower little mill was the beginning of a great relationship with the breed.
Transmission: Chrysler had two automatic transmissions during this era: the bigger 727 and the 904 series found in this car. Often disrespected as a weak link, it has come into its own in recent years as a drag-racing unit that uses less horsepower than its bigger sibling. This one is stock.
Differential: Since the engine was not a fire-breather, the Barracuda has a 7 1/4 rear under it, with an open-end 3.23 ratio.
Horsepower & Performance: The car is a V-8 Mopar, need we say more?
The LA-series 318 was the...
The LA-series 318 was the workhorse V-8 of the Chrysler engine lineup for several decades. It would not receive four-barrel carburetion until 1978.
Sure Grip
Suspension: Basic premium pieces went into the rebuild, but since the idea was to keep the car stock, there was no need to go too far with the handling gear.
Brakes: This one has the stock, nonpower drums.
Wheels: While the factory would not release these 4-inch, bolt-circle Rallye wheels until 1970, the Martins decided they liked them better then the original steel-and-hubcap setup, so they are now part of the package.
Rubber: Though restored, nobody wants to drive on bias-ply tires, so a new set of BFGoodrich TA radials (205/70R14 size) now help the car color inside the highway lines.
High Impact
Body: Like many drop-tops, this one was showing its years, so another '69 Barracuda was sacrificed to bring the sheetmetal back to life. Scott did the bolt-on pieces, but gave the fresh quarter-welding process to Mac Owens, who also did the final panel alignment before the car was shot.
Paint: Since modern paint is pretty cool, the Martins left the '60s behind and went with Martin-Senour Viper Red basecoat/clearcoat, which was laid down by Richie Brown. Butch Helms did the final graphics, and Paul's Chrome plating worked their magic on the shiny side of things.
Interior: The interior was completely redone using hand-cut material. Salem, Virginia's Mike Whitlock and the Custom Seat Cover Shop get credit for both it and the virgin top.