READERS RIDES: DOUGLAS DRAGER’S BARRACUDA

READERS RIDES

DOUGLAS DRAGER’S 1968 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA

XANDER YESSAIAN

If you’ve been a regular reader of Motorhead Magazine you may recall the February 2017 issue when I made my debut as the World’s youngest automotive journalist in an article called “A Baby Boy and His Hellcat”. In that article I professed my love for all things MOPAR and promised to deliver some of the fi nest and fastest cars this area has tucked away. Through the years I’ve had the privilege of reviewing, Chargers, Challengers, Vipers, and one of my personal favorites the RAM SRT-10 “Viper Truck” (December 2017 issue). But when posed with the question, “What is your favorite car, if you had to pick one”, my answer would defi nitely be the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible.

While I’m currently showcasing all makes and models in my new column “Cruisin’ with Xander”, have no fear, my heart still belongs in the MOPAR world. And my love for the 1968 Barracuda has never weakened, it was actually rekindled recently during a trip to New England Dragway where I watched Fred Clark’s immaculate example of this model ripping wheelies and tearing up the quarter mile. There’s also a really sweet Barracuda at the Merrimack Valley Car Club Cruise Night on Fridays. And of course, in my dad’s hometown of Wakefi eld, MA, there resides a very nice 68 Barracuda Convertible belonging to Douglas Drager, which is the focus of this Reader’s Rides segment.

Douglas acquired the Barracuda just recently through a scenario we have heard too often, where the car owner passes away and the children sell off the car. God rest that gentleman’s soul for creating such a masterpiece, and God Bless Douglas for picking it up and bringing it back to its former glory. According to Douglas the car needed very little to be road worthy, which was a relief because he really couldn’t wait to enjoy it on the open road. The engine was the original 318 which puff ed a little smoke but after cleaning it up and replacing the valve seals it ran

like a top. The engine was mated to the stock automatic and the car boasts all of the factory power options. According to Douglas the car is just a really great driver but I personally think it also shows very well. I was sure to let Douglas know that if he ever wanted to sell the car, I’ll be saving up my Motorhead paychecks and of course he has no intentions of ever letting the car go. I guess I’ll have to just keep my eyes out for another one, but you never know!!

You heard it here fi rst- Xander Y- OUT!!