Drawing, Barracuda Concept

Chrysler debuted the Plymouth Barracuda in 1964, a sporty fastback automobile designed to compete directly with the 1964 Ford Mustang. The success of Chrysler’s first compact car, the 1960 Valiant, urged designers to continue to experiment with smaller automobiles. By the mid-1950s, American consumers were growing more interested in purchasing smaller cars, a desire that was enhanced by the 1958 economic recession. John Samsen and other designers in Chrysler’s Plymouth division experimented with a fastback version of the Valiant, which soon became the first Barracuda. The Barracuda’s downward sloping roofline gave it a sporty look evocative of 1940s Oldsmobiles, Buicks, and Pontiacs, while its compact size made it desirable to consumers. Early Barracuda advertising also emphasized utility—the small car offered seven feet of storage space once the back seats were folded down, an unusual feature at the time.
This 1964 sketch by John Samsen presents an early idea for the second-generation 1967 Barracuda series. Further highlighting the sporty qualities of the vehicle, this automobile design features accentuated ramping over the vehicle’s wheel arches and grills on both front and rear fenders. The numerous designs for the 1967–69 series by Samsen and his colleagues demonstrate Chrysler’s eagerness to expand the Barracuda line. This second series was available in fastback, notchback, and convertible styles featuring an elegant hood designed by Samsen to accommodate the introduction of the 340 V8 engine.

Drawing, Barracuda Concept; Designed by John Samsen (American, active mid-20th century); Office of Chrysler Corporation (United States); mixed media on paper; 33 × 41.9 cm (13 in. × 16 1/2 in.); Museum purchase through gift of Paul Herzan and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund; 2017-18-22