1965 Plymouth Barracuda AKA. The Hell Fish

The LA family was introduced in 1964 with the 273; the primary difference between the A and the LA was the new lightweight casting technique, which saved a great deal of weight (and was ahead of its time).

The first LA was the 273, with a two barrel carb, and 180 hp (gross). By 1965, a four-barrel carb and high performance cam were available to push that to 235 hp; and, in 1966, a limited edition 273 with a 700 cfm carb and .500" lift cam put out 275 hp (gross).

The first Barracudas (1964) were actually a Valiant option package. The base engine was a 170 cid slant 6 (the smallest engine Chrysler had), with a 225 slant 6 and 273 V8 (the smallest V-8) available as options. With the 180 hp V8, early Barracudas would run 0-60 in 12.9 sec, and the quarter mile in 17.8 @ 72 mph. MPG was 16-19. The test car had 2.73:1 rear gears and a 3-speed automatic. (Car Life, July/64)

By the end of the first generation (after the 1966 model year), the 273 (now known as the Commando V8) was producing 235 HP. With 3.23:1 gears it would propel the Barracuda to 60 MPH in 10.3 sec, with the quarter coming up in 17.7 @ 79 MPH.  (Road & Track, March 1966). Car & Driver got 0-60 in 9.1, and 1/4 mile in 17.6 @ 81 MPH (C&D, June/66). Both test cars had automatics.

Motor Trend tested an '65 with 3.55 gears and a 4-speed at 0-60 in 8.0, and the ¼ mile in 16.1 @ 87 (MT, Jan/65).

In 1965, the Formula 'S' was introduced, with stiffer springing, front anti-roll bar, special badging, and most importantly, the 'Commando 273' engine, putting out a 'conservative' 235 hp. (Most engine simulation programs put the Commando 273 at 271 horses output. In modern times, with relatively stock engines (no special pistons or camshaft, etc.) my 180 hp 273 Cuda does 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, my brother's '66 Commando 273 'Cuda 4 speed significantly quicker. Engines were the same in '65 and '66. The 4 speed was available from the introduction.

In 1965,The Barracuda Got A Performance Package. The Formula S. The Car Could Already Be Had With The Standard 225cid Slant Six Or The 273cid V8. But The Formula S Got The Commando 273 Version With 4 Barrel Carb, Higher Compression Pistons, & High Lift Cam. The Car Got Heavy Duty Springs & Shocks, Anti-Roll Bars, Blue Streak Tires & A Tach. Optional Was the New front Disc Brakes & Racing Stripes.