The Barracuda began life in 1964 as an option package on the Valiant and added a 273-cu-in V8 as an option over the base engine, the 225-cu-in variant of Chrysler's legendary slant six.

Built on the Valiant’s chassis and bringing a 273-cubic-inch V8 engine, what truly made the ’64 Barracuda unique was its fastback styling and enormous wrap-around rear window. The 1965 ...

used in the Barracuda were the exact same as the Valiant. The highest-performing engine given to the Barracuda was Chrysler's all-new 273-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) LA V8 engine topped with a two ...