Plymouth

1960 Plymouth XNR

The 1960 Plymouth XNR is one of the most unique and driver-centric vehicles ever built. This concept car was produced by Ghia and designed in 1959. The Plymouth XNR was debuted at the 1960 concept car show. Virgil Exner, chief design engineer at Chrysler designed and named the vehicle after himself.

The 1960 Plymouth XNR was able to hold two people but was truly designed to be a a one person vehicle. The body style was a bold departure from other cars produced during the same time frame. Boasting a very asymmetrical design with flared fins running down the driver’s side hood and trunk. The Plymouth XNR had a single curved windshield to protect the driver only. A fold up windshield was available if a second person was in the car. The passenger seat was lower than the driver’s which offered the passenger some protection from the elements while prominently displaying the driver of this beautiful car.

The 1960 Plymouth XNR’s frame was built with a grille design that was unique and consisted of the bumper all in one connected piece. The rear bumper was styled in an “X-motif” design to be visually appealing while reminding others of the car’s name and designer.

The car’s engine has a remarkable 250 horsepower and 208 pound per foot of torque. The XNR is capable of reaching a top speed out at 151 miles per hour, which was a feat of engineering for a car prodcued in this time frame. This solid steel vehicle had a wheelbase of 106 inches with the overhang stretching it to a length of 195 inches and only 43 inches tall at the highest point. Only one red XNR was all that was ever built. The interior was appointed with a luxurious black leather and chrome accented pieces for the instrument panel.

1960 Plymouth XNR Photos:

Plymouth Barracuda

September 12, 2011 No Comments

The Barracuda was a two door muscle car that was produced by Plymouth from 1964-1974. The first Barracuda was a fastback coupe that was based off the Plymouth Valiant and came out in 1964. The car’s powertrain was identical to an earlier car, the Plymouth Valiant. The standard engine had a piston displacement of 170 cu in and an output of 101 bhp. The Formula S was introduced n 1965 with a bigger engine, new suspension and bigger tires in an effort to compete with the Ford Mustang.

The second generation was radically redesigned and came in fastback, notch back and convertible variations. The second generation had a production run from 1967- 1969 and was really popular with muscle heads. The 1967 Barracuda had a larger wheelbase and was still based on the Valiant design. The second generation of Barracuda cars were the first cars to face U.S Federal safety standards but that did not stop Plymouth from increasing the engines horsepower, as muscle cars began to grab hold of the industry.

The last new design was introduced in 1970 and was the first to not feature the Valiant design. The original fastback design was removed and the car was only available in convertibles and coupes. The car shared the same platform as the new Dodge Challenger and had a slight decrease in performance from earlier years.