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'68 Barracuda 340 Formula S by H-61
This is one of the most graceful body designs to come from Chrysler as the second generation of Barracuda which, in 1967, was finally separated from its Valiant "A" body heritage. It was finally morphing into a real pony car and its shape was now much more refined. The fastback roof now ended in a boattail bulge on the deck. The front end and bay were now capable of accepting any engine in the Plymouth line including the big block 383 and the 426 Hemi.
This particular release represents my favorite option for the street, the 275 hp Commando 340 with the Formula "S" package. This option was first introduced on the 1965 model and externally was marked by the "S" badging and a single chromed external resonator that made my head turn when I heard it on the street.
This bad boy has full dual exhausts with twin resonators, chromed hood power bulges marked "340-S" as well as the fender badges. Black side stripes and E70-14 Red Streak wide tires complete the trim package.
This little beauty by Highway-61 is shot in Turbine Bronze and captures the look and stance quite nicely even with operating suspension.
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H-61 did not forget that 1968 models were now required to have side warning lights and a dash mounted VIN# plate.
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The Turbine Bronze looks geat and the finish is virtually flawless. H-61 has also replicated the factory overspray onto the undercarriage.
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As you look at the undercarriage photo, you see the usual attention to detail including brake and fuel lines, the use of paint and textures to simulate the different metals and finishes, you'll also notice a lack of screw mounting pylons. H-61 has employed new "screwless" packaging on these Barracudas. They are affixed within their standard window/display box with a clear thermoformed plastic insert. Good new for those who have long objected to the obtrusive mounts on the undercarriage, but this paricular format seems to be prone to rubbing marks on the prominences. Long term storage may also increase the incidence of interaction. My example had a rub off of the tampo'd side stripe.
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Note the beautiful photoetched script and badging the model has. This really adds so much realism to the exterior.
The hood has a PE Barracuda emblem.
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The rearlight panel has the 3-D script and emblem too.
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Note the twin external resonators. My example had one that was broken and poorly glued back into place. In this picture, I had already remounted it in it's proper alignment.
The front grill and chrome are very well executed and the use of period S.C. plates are a nice touch.
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While here, pop the hood which oddly operates on simple arc hinges instead of the scissor spring-loaded type that H-61 usually employs. The engine bay is really well done. The Commando 340 is there in all its plumbed and wired glory. The aircleaner graphics and the manufacturer's stickers are represented, but the battery is a generic 12V. H-61 has even modeled in the weld welting on the inner fender panels.
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The shutlines are tight all around so that if you can't shake them open, you'll need the special tool provided.
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Check the little package that contains that special tool and polishing cloth. In there is also the carpeted cover for the trunk that hides the spare.
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The interior is absolutely top notch. The doors open easily on invisible hinges. Even the interior door locks are modeled. All the hardware and trim is chromed. The seats are soft and articulated including the rear bench that folds down to make a carpeted bed. All the front and rear seat belts are modeled with PE hardware as are the roof mounted shoulder restraints. The floor is carpeted with the floor mats molded in. The dash has pretty 3-D gauges, and the dash insert is chromed and blackwashed. The glove compartment is functional. The center console houses a 4spd shifter. The faux wood trimmed sport steering wheel is perfectly done with horn center logo, scaled directional lever and chromed spokes. The roof liner is acoustically textured and sports sun visors and an accurate rear view mirror.
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All in all, I really like what H-61 has done with this great sixties classic, and I highly recommend it to all you Mopar fans out there.
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You're getting to good Richard! I had 29 e-mails asking if Motor Trend bought us out and one from
Hemming's Motor News wanting to know if you want to put the Plymouth in their classified section.
LOL... I wish I had a 1:1 to offer up.....
and pay off some holiday bills. Seriously, this model does have a great look to it.
New Packaging
Nice review, Rich!
I'm really pleased that H-61 listened about those annoying screw lugs. Good riddance! Now it would seem that a little piece of kleenex or tissue paper as padding, like the other mfr.s do, would solve the rubbing problem
To Tom Haverland: Thanks Tom!
packaging
I guess it all boils down to the perceived value of window packaging. I can understand that being employed by lower pricepoint diecasts where they're going to be stacked in TRU or Costco where floor/shelf space is at a premium and it's designed for impulse buying. The inherent vulnerability of this format is offset by the sheer numbers sold. Listing for $60, these models are for the discriminating collectors and frankly I think should be packaged in styrofoam cocoons and let the boxart show a representative model. While I can appreciate the idea of the packaging doubling as a display case, the quarter round profile precludes stacking so I find it eats up too much shelf space while offering very limited viewing angles and display options.
Thanks for the review and pics Rich. I appreciate all your efforts to provide a picture to illustrate each point in your review. Thanks for all your efforts.
or, you could look at it another way......
every picture I take is worth a thousand words I don't have to type! LOL Seriously, thanx for the compliment. It was my pleasure.