The first generation Barracuda's main claim to fame was its enormous fastback wrap-around rear window, considered the largest piece of automotive glass ever installed at that time. Power trains were identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's legendary inline 6 — a 170 in³ (2.8 L), 101 hp (75 kW) version and an optional 225 in³ (3.7 L), 145 hp (108 kW) version offered. A two-barrel 180 hp (134 kW) 273 in³ (4.5 L) V8 was the top engine option for 1964, so performance at first was modest. The 170 in³ six was later eliminated as an option, leaving the 225 in³ 145 horsepower version as the smallest engine option. The Barracuda sold for a base price of $2,500 USD, and unlike any other year, all automatic 1964 Barracudas had a push button shifter on the dash. |