Revolution on Wheels: The First Super Stock ‘Cuda Listed for $2 Million
In the world of car enthusiasts, the 1968 B029 HEMI® Super Stock Barracuda is not just a vehicle; it’s a legendary piece of history that has recently surfaced on an unlikely platform: Facebook Marketplace. For those embedded in Mopar lore, this isn’t just another listing. It’s a whisper of the past roaring back to life at a staggering $2,000,000.
The Birth of a Legend
Crafted for dominance on the drag strip, only 50 of the B029 Super Stock Barracudas were initially manufactured through a strategic partnership between Chrysler and Hurst Performance to revolutionize the NHRA’s Super Stock/A HEMI (SS/AH) class. But even before these cars hit the races, a single machine led the charge—the “Mule”, Chrysler’s factory prototype and the first of its kind.
Engineering Excellence: The Journey of the Mule
In late 1967, Chrysler’s Special Vehicle Group, under the gifted leadership of engineer Bob Tarozzi, transformed a standard 1968 Formula S 340 fastback Barracuda into a racing powerhouse. It involved more than just dropping in a 426 cubic-inch HEMI; Tarozzi innovated extensively, even stamping “Nobody Cares” on the decklid in defiance of corporate attitudes.
The One That Almost Wasn’t
The Mule should have ended its days in oblivion, but Arlen Vanke, a keen NHRA racer, saw the potential no one else did, saving it from certain destruction for merely a dollar—about the cost of a cheeseburger. He revived it into the “Suppa Cuda,” continuing its racing legacy to remarkable acclaim.
Historical Significance
This piece of automotive artistry retains much of its original test gear—426 HEMI with cross-ram intake, dual Holley carbs, and a Dana 60 rear end, among other features. It’s a testament to raw power and precision, not created to woo crowds but to master races.
Reflecting on Its True Worth
Despite a low auction bid of \(125,000 at Mecum Indy 2025, its current \)2,000,000 marketplace listing seems justified. To car historians and real hot-rodders, this isn’t mere metal and horsepower. It’s an irreplaceable segment of American drag racing’s backbone whose invaluable legacy far surpasses mere financial estimation.
Preserving the Legend
While the collector market may prioritize shinier, more polished models, true aficionados understand that the real value lies in provenance. The B029 HEMI Barracuda isn’t just a car; it’s the blueprint that ignited a drag racing revolution and continues to resonate with motorsport pioneers today. According to MoparInsiders, a new owner who’s not just a guardian but a believer in its legend is all that’s missing to continue the epic tale of the Mule’s timeless heritage.
