1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S Unrestored with 5804 Miles on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@jaybeardslee252]

Had a '65 Barracuda, bought new that year in Pensacola, FL. Hurst shifter, etc. The exhaust/resonator had a beautiful sound. I used to like driving down alleys with buildings on both sides just to hear it rumble, tunnels too. The inboard running lights/turn signal were a trip. I think this was the first year the amber front running lights stayed on all the time. Sometimes come up behind someone and they would immediately slow down. I figured they might have thought I was a cop. Blew the engine in '66. Girlfriend (now old lady) was following me in her Valiant on the super slab. I told her to not pass me, just follow. So being Sicilian she had to pass me. I slammed that Hurst down into second, hit the gas, and blew the engine! Thank you, Chrysler, for the five-year powertrain warranty. Came back a week later to pick it up and only had to pay for the oil change. Lots of hanky panky under the glass with the seat down. Good days, wish I still had it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jay Beardslee, Good memories and good times :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing your story, Lou

[@jaybrown1828]

Hey Jay ! This is Jay Lmao 😂 I had a gold 1964 with a 273 2bbl and Hurst 4 speed. My girlfriend at the time was Italian,and she pissed me off one night on Interstate 270 in St Louis,I downshifted and blew the synchronizer in the shifter.We had just left a local drive in where we also had the seat down and had hanky panky !!! Great car, great girl, great times 🚗

[@mikedennis6791]

I believe this car was purchased around 1988 in Dayton Ohio from the original dealer own, he must have been in his 80's. It was great car and was offered to me for $10,000.00 I wanted it bad but just did not have that kind of money. So happy to see it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mike, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Wiseguy1408]

I had a Silver '65 Formula S, 4 speed, I picked up at the factory in Detroit 2 days after I got out of the Army. I ordered it about month before I got out. Pretty hot little car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Wiseguy1408, Glad to read you 65 Formula S story :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@saltydog4759]

WOW is all i can say. This is the finest example of a 65 Formula i have ever seen. It would have been amazing to able to order a 340 in these 65s! Alas the 340 wasn't born yet

[@loucostabile]

Hi salty dog, High praise :-) Lou

[@joewebb4836]

I had a 65 cuda with just the stock 273 that was given to me by a friend of my late uncle, met a old school mopar mechanic that told me how to adjust the correct lash on the valves and set the kick down linkage for the tranny, thing ran like a dream !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joe, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@anthonyrudgunas7117]

Hey Lou, You fulfilled my dreams of finally hearing the sound of the original exhaust again before I die. I bought a White with Red Interior 66 Formula S 4 speed with a center console from Montclaire Motors in Clarks Summit PA. One of my main reasons for buying the car was because my good friend had the 65 Dodge Dart GT Automatic and I fell in love with the sound of his exhaust. Unfortunately my 66 came with a completely quiet muffler. I went to the Lenoxville Pa Plymouth Dealer because I heard he stocked up on the 65 mufflers. It was the muffler that made the gurgling sound, and of course my car came with the resonator and very large chrome exhaust tip that kind of made the sound echo. I too heard the rumor that the govt made Chrysler not put that muffler on the 66's. Not sure if it's a rumor or not. Love to hear what others say about it. I thought I was the Cat's Ass with that car. Everyone loved the sound it produced. I've been to plenty of car shows and nobody even has the stock resonator or let alone the 65 muffler. You would think someone would have got the correct information and re-produced the muffler and resonator. I believe you may be the only one in North America who has the original sounding 273 Commando Baracuda or Dart GT in America. Please, for the benefit of others like me. Would you arrange to do a quality sound tape and post it on this channel. I have gone so far as to check out the Recorded Sound Section of the Library of Congress. They have sounds and singing that have disappeared from the earth. But not what you have. Back to my Baracuda, I remember I was a member of the Baracuda Club and received several club magazines. Wish I still had them. Mine had the light package with the turn signals mounted on top of the front fenders. I can't remember if it had dual mirrors. I remember having the Goodyear Blue Lined Tires mounted onto Crager SS Mags. I believe I was the first person in Forest City PA to have an 8 track Ranger Stereo installed. I bought the 8 track at Sugarman's Dept. Store. My first tape was Sonny & Cher "The Beat Goes On" The selection of tapes to choose from was about ten tapes. As weeks went on the selections got bigger and better. I Hope to hear a comment from you.

[@loucostabile]

Hey Anthony, Happy to read "You fulfilled my dreams" :-) Glad to read this car brings back memories of your car. Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@richardturk7162]

I had a maroon 65 formula S Barracuda 273 4 speed. My brother bought it new and I bought it from him in 69. He had drag raced it a lot a had balanced and blueprinted the engine. Pulled the 7 /1/4 rear end and put in an 8 3/4 rear end and 4:56 gears. The car was a killer on the street and I won a lot of money street racing.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Richard, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@strattuner]

I had one in the summer of 1969,bought it for 950 dollars off the back lot of our dealership where me and my dad worked,nobody wanted it,i did,i put fenderwell headers on it custom made by gary emig,it was the 3rd fastest car in kc,won many 150 dollar races,street races,even the cops raced with us,damn fine times,all the engine is a baby 340 magnum

[@loucostabile]

Hi strattuner , Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of the car you bought back in the Summer of 69 :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

A girl I dated many years ago bought one of these '65s with a slant 6. That thing amazed me. With studded winter tires it smoothly went up hills with no problem. I recall going past a Bug that had slipped off the road into a ditch. I also remember when it got stuck in a bit of mud. I got out to push and got it out of the mud but I ended up covered in that slimy brown mess. I guess I got behind the wrong wheel.

[@loucostabile]

That's a funny story Alex. You're right about being behind the wrong wheel :-)

[@tercelken]

Wow!!! That puppy has a nice rumble once started😱😳!!👍🏽

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ken, Happy to receive a "Wow!!!" regarding the sounds from this car :-) Lou

[@ohcommando]

It's interesting the original purchaser didn't opt for the woodgrain wheel. Beautiful Formula S car! So glad to have found this video.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Commando InOttawa , Happy to read you appreciate this car & episode :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tercelken]

I also had a 1965 Barracuda, black, looked like it had a 6 cylinder but it actually had a 440 v-8 with a 4 speed manual tranny🤯😱 No dents, no rust. Clean as the board of health!👍🏽

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ken, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tomhiggins4124]

Hi Lou ,Tom from England 🇬🇧, wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, that must be worth it,s weights in gold !!!!!, your Plymouth dealer is a dealer man .

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tom from England, High praise :-) Lou

[@JeffKing310]

Impressive discipline to not drive it much. Beautiful car. Thanks Lou

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff King, I like driving them, I'd be challenged just letting it sit. You're welcome, Lou

[@mattclarkrealtorhoustongal2733]

OMG!!!! You know that is an AMAZING car. (Remember you shot my gold "customized restomod 65 barracuda at Rosemont in March of 2020) and I talked about my dad buying a brand new gold formula S 4 speed car..welllllll you just found the unicorn! . So seeing this MINT unrestored un molested car, was a dream of mine. Thank you, Please have the owner contact me if you can. WOW!!! Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Matt, I remember your car, and happy to share this "dream car" with you :-) You're welcome. I'm not aware of this car being for sale, However e-mail me, and share details, and I can forward to see if he'd be interested in selling, Lou

[@duanehughes7826]

Glad you gave us the exhaust sound as part of the video. It was unique to American V-8's; had a wicked rasp. I test drove a 4 spd '65. I remember the salesman telling me to sock it to 'er in 1st gear; darn quick. I revved it to about 5000 rpm. The car only had maybe 50 miles on it; I wouldn't have bought that one if my life depended on it after abusing a tight motor like that.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Duane Hughes, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@donkarnes5946]

Back in 1969 I bought a '64 model from the original owner. Black w/red interior, 4spd 273, no formula S in '64 but still a fun car. BTW it was my first car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Don, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1st car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@PR-rh9qm]

Beautifully done. I hope I get mine done someday.

[@loucostabile]

Hi PR, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Hope your gets done too, Lou

[@albionguy1]

My dad bought this Barracuda in 1964 in Canada and drove it Every day! Loved literally to death. Rusted through in twenty years of British weather! But it was Used and enjoyed. These guys are collectors,not petrol / gas heads waste of a great car IMHO!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeremy Cottam, Sounds like Dad had a blast in his car :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy, Lou

[@matrox]

I had one of these as a hand me down. Mine was a 6 banger. The sound of that starter takes me back. Seems like yesterday.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this video brings back nice memories :-)

[@matrox]

@@loucostabile I didn't say they were nice.

[@gary9426]

A sleeper for sure! The 273 was a really good engine.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary, Happy to read you appreciate this "Sleeper" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@daviddyck9730]

I have a 65 Formula 'S', as mentioned some of the items for the Formula 'S' package was the 273 HP Commando engine which was the forerunner to the 340, tachometer to the lower left of the instrument panel, upgraded suspension rear sway bar, & front torsion bars. Additional Formula 'S' features included the wood grain steering wheel, 14" wheels with front disk brakes, 3:23 Posi-trac rear differential, and custom racing stripe from the front hood, over the top and trunk, in a color matched to the car's exterior paint. My 65 Formula 'S' has all of that in the correct silver body color and black racing stripe. The only think not original to my car is the engine, it now boasts a 440 HP 408 Stroker, with TTI headers and dual exhaust, and of course period correct Cragars.

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@MrPappysCobra]

Awesome Barracuda! Great video Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mark's Snakepit, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@richhauxwell7848]

I love when survivors are found, but damn, red ? Beautiful just the same

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rich, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jqentertainment6966]

I had one that looked just like that. It had a 318 with a 3 speed auto. Sounded awesome with glass packs

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jon, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@laurencelance586]

I was the second owner of a '66 S. Brings back memories.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@zwild1160]

Pretty cool seeing this rare gem. I had the pleasure to drive a 65 Barracuda on a regular basis. I worked for an independent tire dealer in the early 80's. The one owners father owned a 65 Barracuda with the 273 and it had 13 inch wheels. He was the original owner and he let the shop use it as a parts/ tire hauler. It had the buckets and the little shifter console. The back seat folded down making lots of room. Sad to say he gave it to one of the employees to drive and he eventually cut out the rear wheel wells with and air chisel and installed huge BFG All- Terrain tires and drove it through the woods behind the shop. Unfortunately in the early 80's it didn't have much desirability or value.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy seeing this "rare gem" :-) Glad to read it brings back memories of the one you used to drive.

[@tippey2011]

This car originally came from my state of Ohio. Awesome car love the color shape and sound! He has a real treasure there.

[@loucostabile]

Glad you consider this one a treasure :-) Thank you for sharing Steve Flad.

[@tripjet999]

@7:05 - Drive belt is loose and/or worn.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Slimjim260]

That was great Lou! Unbelievable, Love the 43jr hat I want one!!! Where did he get it???

[@loucostabile]

Hi Paul, Happy to read you enjoy this :-) Not sure where he got it, Lou

[@stevetucker7582]

Love the car had one just like that wished I still had it it was bad to the bone

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@matrox]

He kept saying he bought it from the original dealer leaving us to think he bought it new in 65'. Lou caught the BS and pinned him down by asking him how long the dealer owned it.

[@loucostabile]

:-0

[@charliejohnson4166]

Lou. Nice and nice I had a 65 cuda when I was 16. Back seat folded down. Got in a little trouble in tne. Kk river parkway, with my chick. Police. Big Glass . well. I'm sure I need say no more. After all tnis is a G rated channel. Be well lou

[@loucostabile]

Hi Charlie, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 65 Cuda, & thank you for keeping it "G" rated :-) Good times, good times, Lou

[@garryhatchett775]

Amazing car. I would love to have done this.

[@loucostabile]

+Garry Hatchett Hi Garry, Glad you enjoyed the video and shared a comment. Take care, Lou

[@ernestyoungblood8271]

Lou Costabile

[@ernestyoungblood8271]

Fabulous car. I owned a 1975 Formula

[@ernestyoungblood8271]

I owned a 1965 Formula S Barracuda. 273 ci 235 rated horses. Gold. Totaled by roommate in college. I would love to find one in great condition with all original parts including that beautiful sounding resonator exhaust system, both in idle and driving. Great car. Ahead of its time. Solid anti sway bars , solid lifters, etc. drove like an European sports car today practically. Great weight HP ratio. Car was fun to drive. Clocked it at 143 mph. I'm 68. I would like to find one to buy to show my kids and grandkids what the car was like. Ernest Youngblood. Knoxville Tn. [e-mail]. 865 386 7730 cell.

[@ernestyoungblood8271]

Lou, you are a lucky guy to own that 65 Formula S. enjoyed the video and hearing the resonator exhaust. Brings back memories 50 years ago. Thanks.

[@Moparmaga-1]

Okay Lou, like the shows

[@loucostabile]

We'll enjoy the Channel together Korie Creson :-) Lou

[@daviddyck9730]

Hey Lou, thanks for the reply, I will be doing a video of my 65 Formula 'S', how do I post it on KZbin?

[@loucostabile]

Hey David, Here is a link on how to post your 1st video on KZbin, Lou kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWOYd4GGodOLjrM

[@doubledeuce5084]

I wonder if you could get the 273 S motor without the S package? I know you can get the rest of the S package as line items inn 66. You could order most if not all of the package in1966. My car was ordered with the 14" wheels but it came with Satellite caps. The 13" caps looked the same as the 14"s and I always thought they were just very hard to come by. And that was why my car came without them, but I'm just guessing. Does this car come with the 8 3/4 rear? Maybe Automatic cars didn't get it. Nicest Barracuda I've seen. Wasn't the Barracuda still an option, in 1965? And became it's own nameplate in 1966. That probably would effect the options available. Somebody must know.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Double Deuce, Happy to read you ordered one :-) Cool! I do not have the answers to your question, and hoping a Viewer can share knowledge. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@doubledeuce5084]

@@loucostabile I'm the 2nd owner, if you don't count his son that inherited it. My car doesn't have the S package, it was ordered without the special engine. The original owner has passed so I will never know why. He was in his 80's when he bought the car new. I have all the documentation, including salesman notes. When you bought a new Barracuda, I think you were automatically a member of the Barracuda Club for a year, which gave you 4 quarterly magazines the club put out. I have those too. Curious if this car has the 8 3/4 rear? They were put in little Barracuda's, sometimes with a posi called a sure grip, but I think that is kinda rare. I have only seen one or 2, but I don't see many Barracuda's anymore either. I wonder if the owner of this car checked under the back seat for the build sheet. I'm going to look again at the engine compartment to see if the Certicard is in the holder. When you film these cars for your channel please show the documentation if any, that the car still carries. You can decode these cars, to see if they really are original. Thanks

[@fingling8]

My gold-hued same ... did it have chrome grille or body-coloured? I could swear it had chrome ...

[@loucostabile]

HI fingling8, I thought the grills are chrome. Maybe a Viewer has more knowledge to answer your question. Lou

[@fingling8]

@@loucostabile I just meant, yours are red here. Painted?

[@curtsmith3064]

65 Cuda-the greatest single exhaust of all time.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Curt, Happy to read you appreciate the sounds of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@dansdotcom]

It's a 1965 Valiant 2T . Not titled as Barracuda until 1966

[@loucostabile]

Hi dansdotcom, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@mddlclsswrkr8134]

What a shame take a beautiful car and then never use it kinda like marrying a beautiful woman and never making love to her cars a meant to be driven pictures are meant to be looked at

[@loucostabile]

Good analogy.

[@fingling8]

Argh. I want one. I had the non-Commando, sold 1995 or so for $500. Not in perfect shape like this. Is that square tailpipe original?

[@loucostabile]

Hi, This car is all original, so I'm not guaranteeing anything, however I'd bet the tail pipe is correct as you see it. Hope you find one for you again, Lou

[@fingling8]

Thanks, Lou. Maybe best let the past be the past... but sure liked that car. Yours is one heck of a find.

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome, and I agree with your other thoughts too.

[@gcgar1951]

The chrome tip of the exhaust, is actually the tip of a "resonator" attached to the exhaust pipe. Chrysler Corp. designed the resonator to have a specific sound, exhaust note or rumble for this application, the Formula S and the Sport package. Dodge Dart GT with the HP 273 had it, also.

[@davidszakacs6888]

@@gcgar1951 I remember my friend and I checking out one of these, brand new, on the lot of Young Motors in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1965.. That exhaust note was in my opinion, the best factory exhaust sound ever produced. It barked and crackled rather than rumbled. The Government made Chrysler tone it down in subsequent model years.

[@futureliner]

Also had a dual point dist Too bad not a 4spd and no center stripe. I thought the s had dual exhaust and 15" wheels

[@loucostabile]

Hi Paul, Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@fredsmith5731]

They change their body styles every 3 years

[@loucostabile]

Good to know.

[@Moparmaga-1]

I have a dakota r/t & am trading for a 65 formula s 4 speed. Ill updater soon.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Korie Creson, Hope that trade works out for you, Lou

[@robertclymer6948]

Awesome car! I remember them well. Too bad this car is a trailer queen for the most part. I would drive this as much as possible weather permitting, you only live once, and you are not gonna take it with you.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Robert, Happy to read you remember this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@andregordon1384]

Valiant steering wheel? Why not a wood grain Barracuda steering wheel?

[@loucostabile]

Not sure.

[@duanehughes7826]

'64 Barracudas were called Valiant Barracudas. This could be an early '65 before they dropped "Valiant" out of the name.

[@edwardkantowicz4707]

@ Duane Hughes. Yes, indeed many came with the Valiant insignia on the steering wheel. As its my favourite American car of all time, I have seen and studied many up close. In several promotional clips, and dealer films, the Valiant insignia can be seen.

[@dflf]

A fastback valiant. I’d take a ‘67-9 cuda instead.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@supersportryder]

Swirl marks? The guy that did it would still be in the trunk.

[@loucostabile]

:-0

[@randylenart9674]

To bad its a automatic mine has a four speed with hurst shifter 273 commando

[@loucostabile]

Hi Randy, Happy to read you have a fun car too :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Moparmaga-1]

Is that a tarpon ? C'mon ! I hope you were kidding...I've seen some of your vids and maybe you were serious.

[@loucostabile]

I'm seriously kidding :-) Enjoy the Channel Korie Creson, and thanks for going along with me for the fun ride. Hope you see many cars you'll be amazed with, Lou

[@chuckhaugan4970]

That is one meaty 273! LOL.... So ugly, it's beautiful. The early Barracuda's get no respect. Oil change stickers.... I forgot about that! It was part of our jobs, as "Shop boy" at my Dad's Texico…. A box for every fluid change..... A book report on a sticker.... For his executive, gear head, customers, we kept files for them. You have to understand, that was an undertaking of file cabinets....

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chuck Haugan, Happy to read you enjoy this car, and happy to read it brings back memories of Dad's Texaco :-) Lou