Finding a first-generation Plymouth Barracuda in decent condition isn’t impossible, but good luck finding one with a removable roof. Of course, there’s a good reason for that, as Plymouth never offered such a configuration on its original fastback.
However, Chrysler’s designers did experiment with the idea back in 1964, creating a one-off Barracuda Landau prototype. Now, more than six decades later, that very car is looking for a new owner.
The unusual Plymouth is currently listed on Bring a Trailer, where it’s being offered without reserve. At the time of writing, bidding had reached just $22,500, making this an interesting opportunity for Mopar collectors.
Despite its experimental bodywork, the car still has much of the character of an early Barracuda, including a small-block V8, a push-button automatic transmission, and an unmistakably 1960s gold-on-gold color scheme.
A Barracuda Unlike Any Other
Plymouth introduced the Barracuda in April 1964, complete with its distinctive fastback roofline and enormous wraparound rear window. Chrysler’s design team then modified this particular example by removing the main roof section.
The result was a targa-style arrangement with a removable fabric panel, while the windshield frame, rear window, and curved roof section behind the opening were kept original. It offered an open-air driving experience without turning the Barracuda into a conventional convertible.
The prototype is finished in Gold, although the seller notes it was repainted under previous ownership. It also has chrome bumpers, V8 badges, and 13-inch steel wheels with decorative covers.
A 180-HP V8 Under The Hood
Power comes from a 273-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) V8 equipped with a Carter two-barrel carburetor. The engine was factory-rated at 180 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Inside, the cabin features gold vinyl bucket seats, a folding rear bench, an AM radio, and push-button transmission controls. The five-digit odometer currently displays approximately 52,000 miles.
The car also has power-assisted drum brakes, with the seller reporting a recently replaced master cylinder. Mechanically, it’s a relatively straightforward example of Chrysler’s early small-block V8 engineering.
A Rare Prototype With A Few Problems
Its historical significance doesn’t mean the Barracuda is in perfect condition. The seller reports chipped paint, pitted exterior trim, a worn driver’s seat, and nonfunctional fuel and coolant temperature gauges.
More importantly, the removable fabric roof panel is damaged and doesn’t fit properly. Anyone planning to drive the car regularly would likely need to address that issue.
The prototype reportedly sold for $21,000 at Mecum’s Nashville auction in September 2026, before returning to the market on Bring a Trailer. Its latest auction has no reserve, so the highest bidder will take it home regardless of the final price.
For collectors interested in unusual factory experiments, this Barracuda offers something genuinely different. After all, how often does a one-off Chrysler design study come up for sale?