For all who've wondered what I use to haul my race car with, here's your answer. Shown, is my 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340-S Convertible. I get lots of looks going to the drag strip! It's an original 340 CID model that I purchased on April 1, 1984 from the first owner. He traded a '67 Hemi Coronet for it and was a fool for letting go of both!

A little info on these cars: This style was produced from 1967 to 1969 and was available in either a coupe, fastback, or convertible. The fewest convertibles were made in '69 (1,442). Of those, 100 were 'Formula Sport' versions (83 w/ 340 CID & 17 w/ 383 CID engines). How hard to find are they? Including this one, I've only seen four - and one of those was a shell in a salvage yard!

The first owner found this one on the showroom floor in Atlanta, so it has every option except the big-block (with the 340, they handle better and go just as well). Options include: 340 CID 4-barrel engine; dual exhaust; console-shift automatic transmission, Sure-grip rear differential, heavy-duty front and rear suspension w/ front antisway bar; power steering; power front disc brakes; air conditioning; power top w/ glass rear window; woodgrain dash w/ tachometer; AM/FM radio; variable speed windshield wipers; tinted windshield; high-option door panels; body striping.

Some things I've changed/refurbished: rebuilt engine, transmission, and front suspension/steering; added '70 Duster/Dart Rallye wheels (rears widened to 7"); added transmission cooler, electronic ignition & voltage regulator; changed rear axle from 3.23 to 3.55:1 ratio; added rear antisway bar from ex-police car; added gas shock absorbers; changed side marker reflectors to lighted units from '70 Duster (they fit with minor modification); trailer hitch & brake controller; changed mufflers to larger B-body types w/ crossover tube; added custom-made subframe connectors (to stop chassis flex). Most of the above can be easily undone if a 100% concours restoration is desired. But, I'd be afraid to use it for what MoPars do best - drive!

The photo shown was taken at Renegade Raceway during a divisional track championship race. I left the race car home but, with all the action, I just had to make a few passes down the ¼ mile! How did it go? Considering the altitude (about 2,000 ft), having a 318 camshaft in it at the time, and rear gearing, not too bad - low 15 second times @ about 95 MPH.

I'm interested in hearing from others with interest in cars of this era - especially, if the interest is Chrysler products (A-bodies in particular).