1964 Plymouth - General

The 1964 Plymouths and Valiants were introduced September 20, 1963 while the new Barracuda was not available until May,  P.N. Buckminster was the chief executive officer of the company.  A total of 6,359 Chrysler products were built with 426 cubic inch engines for model year 1964. Some were Plymouths and others came from the Dodge and Chrysler Division.

For 1964, Plymouth re-trimmed the new Valiant body released in 1963. The most obvious styling change was a new grille with a horizontal bar theme. A medallion was placed at the center of the grille where the bars had a flat bulge. At the rear, the taillights were redone and were now positioned vertically in the ends of the fenders. The ring-style rear deck decoration was replaced with "Valiant" in script, located at the right-hand corner. All 1964 Valiants had a beveled feature line along the edge of the roof.

The Barracuda was born on April 1, 1964. The sporty, new "glass back" coupe, as it was called, went head-to-head against Ford's new Mustang. It had not been intended to happen that way - Plymouth was looking to make a mini "Sport Luxury" car and neglected to add any meaningful performance pieces to the option list at introduction. This oversight cost it dearly in head to head competition with the Mustang.

A new 273 cubic inch V-8 was optional in all Valiants, but it did not become available until January 1, 1964. It was a modernized version of the old 318 architecture, but it featured more standard wedge-shaped, not polyspherical, combustion chambers like its big brothers. In the Valiant line, there was no separate V-8 series; it was merely an option.

Plymouth full-size styling was redone for 1964. A beveled edge feature line was used for the roofs of sedans, while hardtops had a new, cantilevered-type roof pillar. With this design, an extra large, wrap-around backlight was employed, and the pillars were much wider at the top than the bottom.

A full-width grille was seen - spanning from fender tip to fender tip, without the intrusion of the parking lights. That grille was veed to the horizontal plane and featured an insert with six short horizontal blades, segmented by vertical division bars. These horizontal blade sections were wider at the outboard ends, and the dual headlamps were placed side-by-side. A more massive front bumper, now housing the parking lamps, was used. At the rear, the 1963 look was refined to appear new. The rear end was lengthened slightly and more tapered than in 1963.

The 'Super Stock III" 426 cubic inch wedge head V-8 was continued as a racing-only option for about $403, but now was only available over the counter. Depending on compression ratio, it gave 415 or 425 horsepower. New was an optional, factory-installed and street-tuned "426-S" version that was rated at 365 horsepower.

On February 9, 1964, the return of the Hemi-head V-8 was announced. This new "Super Commando" V-8 could be purchased, over the counter, for about $1,800. Three versions, rated the same as the Super Stock III wedge, were set at 410, 415 or 425 horsepower. They were only available to Plymouth-selected professional racers.

Full-size model year production peaked at 319,442 units - almost more than the 1962 total including Valiant! Valiant production was a solid 227,585. Total calendar-year production for Plymouth and Valiant combined was 547,027 units.

Plymouth Models -

1964 VALIANT V-100 6-CYL6-CYL and V-8

The V-100 was still the base series. Standard features included heater and defroster, vinyl trim, turn signals, courtesy lights, front door arm rests, and five tubeless black sidewall tires.  Passenger cars had V-100 identification on the rear roof 'C' pillar, but station wagons had Valiant signatures behind the front wheel housing and small V-100 nameplates on their narrow 'C' pillars.

1964 VALIANT V-200 6-CYL and V-8

The V-200 again represented the a step-up from the base Valiant, and trim differences were designed to distinguish the V-200 from the V-100. There was a triangular badge on the deck lid centerline, a latch panel beauty molding, a thin belt line moldings, bright metal roof gutter rails, and lower body side moldings. V-200s had all of the basic V-100 equipment plus full wheel covers, special upholstery, DeLuxe carpeting, front and rear arm rests, instrument panel beauty moldings, and a cigarette lighter. A small plate bearing the series designation was placed under the "Valiant" in script at the right-hand corner of the deck lid.

1964 VALIANT Signet-200 6-CYL and V-8

The 1964 Signet came with foam rubber front seat cushions and attractively-styled wheel covers. A lower body side molding stretched horizontally, between the wheel housings, and was complemented by another molding on the lower rear quarter "projectile" flare. The front fender, ahead of the wheel housing, carried a chrome "Signet" in script and a "200" plate. Bucket seats were standard. Cars with the optional 273 cubic inch engine came with V-shaped emblems at the sides of the cowl.

1964 BARRACUDA 6-CYL and V-8

The Barracuda was an adaption of Valiant sheetmetal with the addition of a uniquely styled roof, deck, and rear window. The roof received a wrap-over look, which was mated to an oversized, curved rear backlight window with a fastback shape. The deck lid bulged up to meet the glass.

Trim features, front to rear, were distinct for this model. They included a split, negative space grille with center insert and horizontal outer division bars, wide rocker sill panels, and a chrome band across the rear window base, housing a center medallion. "Plymouth" in block letters decorated the trunk and "Barracuda" in script was positioned on each side of the cowl. Front fenders with a slimmer, V-shaped feature line were used.

Standard equipment included bucket front seats, bucket shaped rear bench seat with folding back rest, special finned wheel covers with simulated knock-off hubs, and round, chrome backup light housings. It was sold with the base Valiant power team with the 225 CID six and the V-8 as options.

1964 SAVOY 6-CYL and V-8

Savoys had large, rectangular, single tail lamps. There was just a hint of a dorsal fin remaining on the rear fenders. "Plymouth" in block letters decorated the edge of the trunk. Standard equipment was the same as 1963. A Savoy identification script was positioned on the sides of front fenders, behind the wheel opening.

1964 BELVEDERE - 6-CYL and V-8

Plymouth's full-size middle line offering was once again called Belvedere. These cars could be identified by a full-length body-side molding that was hook-shaped at the front end. Sedans also carried a horizontal "C" pillar chrome strip. A "Belvedere" in script appeared behind the front wheel openings and on the right-hand side of the deck lid latch panel. Surprisingly, there was no "Plymouth" in block letters on the rear edge of the trunk. This was said to have been done by the Company to give the Belvedere its own strong identity.

Equipment extras over the Savoy were the same as 1963 and included rear arm rests, front foam seats, and cigar lighter.

1964 FURY 6-CYL and V-8

The Fury was Plymouth's high-level offering. It included four V-8 only models, and only two models, the 4-door sedan and the 2-door hardtop were available with Slant Sixes.  Trim distinctions were designed to be apparent. They included wide body side moldings with color inserts that tapered to a single spear on the front fenders, "Fury" in block lettering on the rear fender sides, "Fury" in script on the right hand edge of the trunk, a rear deck panel stainless "grille," dual tail lamps, and roof pillar medallions on sedans. All Furys had upgraded interior trim.

Equipment extras above the Savoy were the same as featured in 1963 and included a padded dashboard, backup lamps, and electric clock.

In addition, there were specially available options such as all-vinyl trim in hardtops, rear foam seat cushion, and Six-Way power seat. Wheel covers, however, were optional.  Only two styles, the sedan and the two-door hardtop, were sold with a Six-cylinder as the base engine. Four-door hardtops and convertibles came with only V-8 power.

1964 SPORT FURY V-8

The Sport Fury was the year's sport offering. Exterior trim was characterized by a wide body side feature line molding with a color insert and red, white, and blue cowl side decorative panels. "Sport Fury" block lettering and in script were placed in the same locations as were the "Fury" designations on that series. V-8 power was standard.

Standard was everything regular Furys came with plus bucket seats, center console, wheel covers simulated knock-off hubs, all-vinyl upholstery, DeLuxe steering wheel, and rear foam seat cushion. Cars ordered with the special '426-S' wedge-head V-8 had a unique, external "426" numbers set against a black panel bridging the opening of the stand-up hood ornament.

Engines -

• VALIANT and Barracuda Base Engine. Inline Six. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 170 CID Bore and stroke: 3.406" x 3.125". Compression ratio: 8.2:1. Horsepower: 101 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 155 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid lifters. Carburetor: Carter BBS one-barrel Model 3462S.

• VALIANT, BARRACUDA and PLYMOUTH 225 6-CYL. Inline Six. Overhead valves. Cast iron or aluminum block. Displacement: 225 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.406" x 4.125". Compression ratio: 8.2:1. Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 215 ft lbs @ 2800 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBS one-barrel Model 3839S.
  
  
• VALIANT and BARRACUDA V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 273 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62" x 3.312" inches. Compression ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 260 ft lbs @ 1600 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3767S.
  
  
• Plymouth Base V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 318 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.906" x 3.312". Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 340 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3682S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 361 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 361 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 380 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3472S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 383 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.250" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 410 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3472S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 383 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.250" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 ft lbs @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "426-S" V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 10.3:1. Horsepower: 365 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 475 ft lbs @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic Valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "SS-III" V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 415 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 470 ft lbs @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter Type AFB four-barrels Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter only.


• Plymouth Optional "NASCAR" V-8.. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 12.5:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 480 ft lbs @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: One Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter only.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "Super Commando" Hemi V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 415 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 470 ft lbs @ 4600 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter Type AFB four-barrels Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "Super Commando" Hemi V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 12.5:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 480 ft lbs @ 4600 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter Type AFB four-barrels Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional NASCAR "Hemi" V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 12.5:1. Horsepower: 400 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 465 ft lbs @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: One Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.

Chassis - 

• Wheelbase: Valiant and Barracuda 106.0" Plymouth Full Size 116.0".
• Overall length:  Valiant and Barracuda 188.2", Wagons 188.8" Plymouth Full size 206.5", Plymouth Wagons 211.5".
• Front Tread: Valiant and Barracuda 55.9" Plymouth 59.5"
• Rear Tread: Valiant and Barracuda 55.6" Plymouth 59.6"
• Tires: Valiant and Barracuda 6 cyl. 6.50 x 13, Valiant and Barracuda V-8 7.00 x 13, Plymouth Wagons 7.50 x 14 Plymouth Other 7.00 x 14.

VALIANT and BARRACUDA Powertrain Options -

• Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
• Four-speed manual floor shift transmission ($180).
• Six-cylinder 225 cubic inch 145 horsepower two-barrel engine ($47).
• V-8 273 cubic inch 180 horsepower two-barrel engine ($131).
• Heavy-duty 48-amp batter ($8).
• Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).

PLYMOUTH Powertrain Options -

• Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
• Automatic transmission ($191-$210).
• Four-speed manual Hurst floor shift transmis¬sion ($188).
• 361 cubic inch 265 horsepower two-barrel engine ($59).
• 383 cubic inch 305 horsepower two-barrel engine ($71).
• 383 cubic inch 330 horsepower four-barrel engine ($122).
• 426 cubic inch "426-S" 365 horsepower four-barrel engine ($483).
• "Super Stock III" V-8 426 cubic inch 415 horsepower 'wedge' engine ($515).
• "Super Stock III" V-8 426 III cubic inch 425 horsepower 'wedge' engine ($545).
• "NASCAR" V-8 426 cubic inch 400 horsepower "wedge" engine ($514).
• "Super Commando" V-8 426 cubic inch 400 horsepower NASCAR "Hemi" engine. (*).
• "Super Commando" V-8 426 cubic inch 415 horsepower "Hemi" engine. (*).
• "Super Commando" V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower "Hemi" engine. (*).
• Four-barrel carburetor on 2-barrel 383 where not standard ($51).
• Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($50).
• Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.23:1; 3.31:1; 2.93:1 and 2.76:1.

(*) The 'Super Commando' 426 cubic inch Hemi V-8 was released February 9, 1964 for competition use. The price was approximately $1,800 for this engine "in the crate".

Valiant Significant Options -

• Air conditioning ($364).
• Backup lights, V-100 ($11).
• Backup lights, with applique, V-200 ($14).
• Basic Group, V-100 ($102), V-200 ($105).
• Basic Radio Group, V-100 ($165), V-200 ($167).
• Custom Appearance Group, V-100 ($50), V-200 ($34).
• Day/Nite inside rear-view mirror ($4).
• DeLuxe wheel covers ($16).
• Front and rear bumper guards ($12).
• Front foam seats, except Signet ($11).
• Front seat belts ($18).
• Heater with defroster ($74).
• Left hand OSRV mirror ($5).
• Padded dash ($16).
• Power brakes ($43).
• Power steering ($82).
• Power tailgate window ($33).
• Radio ($59).
• Roof luggage rack ($48).
• Special Signet Group, Signet-200 only ($188).
• Tinted glass, all windows ($28)
• Two-tone paint ($16).
• Undercoating with hood pad ($13).
• Variable speed wipers ($5).
• White sidewall tires ($29).
• windshield ($14).
• Windshield washer ($12).

Plymouth Significant Options -

• Air conditioning ($417),
• Backup lights, standard Furys ($11).
• Basic Group, Fury ($104), others ($114).
• Basic Radio Group, Fury ($162), others ($173).
• Cigar lighter Savoy option ($4)
• Electric clock, Savoy & Belvedere option ($16)
• Foam seats, Savoy option ($11).
• Front bumper bar ($14).
• Heater and defroster, without air-conditioning ($74).
• Left hand OSRV mirror ($6).
• Light Group, nine-passenger wagon ($7), others ($12).
• Padded dash Savoy & Belvedere option ($14).
• Power brakes ($43).
• Power steering ($82).
• Power windows, Furys only ($102).
• Pushbutton radio ($59).
• Pushbutton radio, deluxe ($84).
• Rear bumper guards ($14).
• Rear foam seats, Fury ($11).
• Safety Group, Furys ($94), others ($107).
• Six-way power seat, Fury only ($95).
• Steering wheel, DeLuxe, standard Sport Fury ($11).
• Tailgate assist handles with rear wind deflector ($21).
• Tinted glass ($40),
• Tinted glass, windshield only ($22).
• Undercoating with hood pad ($14).
• Variable speed wipers ($6).
• Wheel covers, standard Sport Fury ($19).
• Windshield washer ($12).

NOTE: Fury(s) means Fury and Sport Fury.