Own one of the Mopars that even Chrysler didn’t think existed – until they documented that it does!  This is a right-hand drive 1967 Barracuda convertible built at Hamtrack for the English market.  I’ve been into Mopars my whole life, and didn’t know this car existed either until I came across it.

I inquired to Chrysler Corporate Historical Collection for any history or information they may have.  The woman I talked to was surprised to find the IBM card.  I asked if she knew anything about who ordered them – was it a dealer in England? a dealer in US who was going to export?– and she did not.

Information obtained from the Mopar Muscle Association (MMA) of Great Britain said that the RHD Barracuda could be purchased in England only from Warwick Wright, a dealership with connection to Chrysler through Rootes.  The information that MMA had gathered over the years was that in 1967 there were fastback and notch-back RHD Barracudas with 273 V-8 engines, but no convertibles.  For 1968 and 1969 there were fastback, notch-back and convertibles with 318 V-8 engines.  I have a copy of a letter from a volunteer at Chrysler Historic which states there were 17 right hand drive Barracuda convertibles built for export in 1968.  No information for 1967 or 1969 is included in the letter, but I have heard there were possibly 9 for 1969, but NONE for 1967.

A road test review of the Barracuda by Autocar magazine published in August, 1967 also stated Warwick Wright Ltd to be the ‘concessionaires’ for Chrysler imports direct from the USA.  They drove a fastback, and gave mention to a notch-back (i.e., hardtop) and convertible being available in the line.  It stated that all would have 4.5 litre (273 ci) engine and automatic transmission, with heavy duty suspension and anti-sway bar for European spec requirements.

I have tried to puzzle out where all the parts and pieces are from to turn this regular Hamtramck Barracuda into a RHD export.  Some of the high points:

-          firewall stamped opposite of LHD

-          wiper motor on other side so wipers go “backwards”, and wiper arms are stamped RHD

-          dash is from a Valiant, near as I can tell, because of the square instrument cluster – seems like it would be easy enough to transpose that instrument cluster from the left to the right without any modification

-          turn signal lever is on the right

-          gas is still on the right, brake on the left

British specs and safety standard requirements:

-          Amber / orange lights on the rear trim panel

-          Built seat belt delete and had special anchor plates and seat belt with shoulder strap added; plate stating the vehicle meets British standards for seat belt anchorage points screwed onto inner fender wall

-          Headrests added and handwritten notation on build sheet

-          Outside mirror delete (for left-hand side)

-          Radio delete, with a Motorola installed by Warwick Wright, LTD in England

-          Heavy duty suspension that would have been with the Formula S package

-          323 sure-grip 7-1/4 rear end

Documentation includes:

-          Certicard (no owner’s name stamped in)

-          Fender tag

-          1 full, nice build sheet and 1 partial

-          Tag stating Valiant, Chrysler Co. Detroit, Michigan Made in USA (export tag?)

-          Glovebox dealer maintenance card, having the Chrysler Corporation of North America name overlaid with a sticker saying Chrysler International S.A.

-          Copy of IBM card and VIN decode from DaimlerChrylser

-          Import documents from Manchester, England back to US

-          “Galen Registry Letter” with fender tag and broadcast sheet decoding, stating to be 01 of 01 1967 273-2bbl Plymouth Barracuda Convertibles built to specs for Export Order (as well, he told me orally that he did not know of any other right-hand drive Barracuda Convertibles of any engine size)

The car’s scheduled production date was 1/26/67.  It was a special order car, shipped from manufacture at Hamtramck to Boston Region #18, dealer McNamara Motors, Inc., in West Lebanon, NH on 2/20/67. 

The car has its original short block and transmission (all rebuilt).  Originally a 273 2bbl (D-code).  I’ve put a factory ’67 date coded intake manifold and correct air cleaner and valve covers for a 273 Super Commando 4bbl.  I’ve also added factory ’69 340 X-heads.  I have the original 2bbl heads, intake and carb.  Wearing original issue (not repro) 4” bolt pattern Cragar SS wheels. Small rust spot in front of the right rear tire, otherwise rust free -- rust free trunk, frame, inner fenders.

New top with correct curved glass rear window.  New carpet.  New windshield.  New backup bezels.  New bumpers.  Excellent original grills.  98% original interior upholstery – 2 seam repairs on the bottom of the driver’s seat.  Original PP1 red paint in engine compartment, door jams, and trunk.  Now wrapped in graphic tribute to its British history.

Take a virtual walk around the car here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pt7DCPYMSE

AS IS - NO WARRANTY

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, express written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.

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