Classic recollections: 1966 Plymouth Barracuda

What's a high-performance fastback doing with a 7-foot-long utility space?

It's a fair question and one period advertising posed regarding the 1966 Plymouth Barracuda. The response? “Making sport of utility.”

That was certainly the aim with the ultra-functional two-door that splashed into the automotive scene on April 1, 1964 — two weeks ahead of the Ford Mustang's release. Despite being the first to arrive, overwhelming sales success for Ford's thoroughbred meant history would forever remember the muscled class as the ‘pony car' (not ‘fishy car') segment.

Plymouth may have lost out in the numbers — and naming — game, but that certainly didn't mean their multipurpose offering hasn't become quite a catch for today's collectors.

Three of these enthusiasts are the men of the Polit family. In 2002, Kevin and his dad, Steven, were hunting about for a project vehicle when younger brother Brian came across this '66 in Volo. It was bought the same day and hauled back to their Mount Prospect home.

“It just felt special and we hadn't seen too many around,” Steven said.

One distinctive feature that set the Barracuda apart was its massive rear window, which at the time of its manufacture was the largest piece of glass installed in any U.S. production car. “The auto buffs just stand there and admire its grandeur,” Steven said.

Because of that expansive view and combined with the massive cargo space, the car became quite popular with drive-in movie goers. With the rear seats folded down, occupants could gaze out uninhibited at the latest Hollywood reels in absolute comfort.

Speaking of cinema, the Polit's wheeled machine even has some silver-screen glamour, making a brief appearance in the 2001 Will Smith film “Ali.” While in its supporting role, the 'Cuda wore a coat of Bronze Metallic paint, but it has since been sprayed in R46 Chrysler Blue and given a white racing stripe.

The Polits left the factory 235 horsepower, 273-cubic-inch V-8 underhood, opting to bolt on a set of Cragar wheels to match the car's performance persona. Other than some basic maintenance items and a recovering of the seats, this hauling sportster has served its owners well.

In the local suburbs, you'll find it parked at the Lombard or Mount Prospect cruise nights. The guys also enjoy taking downtown road trips, heading to Navy Pier or the Adler Planetarium, or simply rolling along the crowded streets like Rush and Michigan Avenue.

“It has involved lots of hard work, money and busted knuckles,” said Steven, reflecting on the whole project, “but it has always been good times.”