The 1964 Plymouth Barracuda Targa Top Prototype stands as a fascinating “what-if” from the dawn of the American pony car era. Originally provided to Chrysler designers to explore potential convertible variants for the brand-new Barracuda line, this vehicle served as a rolling canvas for experimental styling. It represents a unique factory design study that captures the innovative spirit of Chrysler stylists during the mid-sixties. By modifying the roof to accommodate a specialized Landau-style cover, engineers sought to offer open-air freedom without compromising the car’s distinct fastback silhouette.
Experimental Golden Silhouettes and Landau Styling
The exterior of this prototype is finished in a period-correct Gold, highlighting the radical “glass-house” fastback design that made the original Barracuda famous. Unlike the standard production models, the roof section was specifically modified between the windshield and the rear pillar to house a Landau-style cover. This custom design concept reflects early factory attempts to integrate a Targa-style configuration years before the term became a household name in the automotive world. The car features a white convertible top and sits on 14-inch wheels, maintaining its experimental factory appearance while showcasing the creative risks taken by the design team.
Mid-Century Gold and Analog Simplicity
Inside, the cabin continues the monochromatic theme with a matching Gold interior that epitomizes 1964 luxury. The layout remains largely faithful to the early Barracuda production series, featuring a three-spoke steering wheel and a clean, horizontal dashboard. Authentic mid-century touches include an original AM radio and durable vinyl upholstery that has been preserved to reflect its prototype status. Because this was a styling study, the interior serves as a time capsule, showing the environment Chrysler designers envisioned for their future sports-car clientele. It is a functional workspace that balances prototype uniqueness with the era’s standard of comfort.
Commando V-8 Power and Factory Driveability
Underneath its experimental skin, the prototype is powered by a reliable 273 CI V-8 engine, which was a staple of Chrysler’s small-block lineup during the 1960s. This engine features the higher-output configuration, delivering power through a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. The V-8 produces 235 hp / 238 PS and an estimated 280 lb-ft / 380 Nm of torque. While the car was built to showcase body modifications, the mechanical foundation is robust and road-capable, recently benefiting from the installation of a new master cylinder. The driving experience is characterized by the light weight of the A-body platform paired with the steady, predictable torque of the 273 powerplant.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 273 CI V-8 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Exterior Color | Gold |
| Interior Color | Gold |
| Wheel Size | 14-Inch |
| Special Feature | Modified Landau-Style Roof |
A Prototype Among Production Rivals
In the collector market, the 1964 Plymouth Barracuda Targa Top Prototype occupies a space that few other vehicles can claim. While the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvair were primary rivals on the showroom floor, they rarely appear at auction in “factory design study” form. The unique selling point of this Barracuda is its documentation as a genuine piece of Chrysler corporate history. Collectors of Mopar history value prototypes for their rarity and their ability to anchor a world-class collection. Compared to a standard production Barracuda, this prototype offers an unmatched level of exclusivity that appeals to those who prize historical narrative over mass-market volume.
Historical Value and Design Pedigree
Acquiring this prototype means securing a serialized monument to Chrysler’s early pony car development. The inclusion of the original factory top with the sale ensures that the car’s experimental configuration remains complete and historically accurate for future display. Its reliability is rooted in the proven 273 V-8 architecture, making it a viable candidate for regional tours and high-end concours events. As a unique factory design study, its value trend is historically stable, as there is no direct equivalent for comparison. This Barracuda is more than just a classic car; it is a physical record of the creative process that defined a generation.
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Source: mecum.com
