Who's idea for the 68' Hemi Dart
A > The Test Mule was originally a 1967 Barracuda 383-S, Automatic.
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Where did you get that information?
Legend,lore and I think the 68 magazines reporting on the mule say it was a 67.
In talking with Bob Tarozzi directly about the year of the mule, it was a 68 Barracuda from the pool of 68 test cars. There is a formal name of that group of cars but I can't remember it. The test car was received well into the 68 model year, negating the chance of a spillover 67.
In looking at that interior picture of the mule, everything points to it being a 68 and nothing pointing toward it being a 67. 68 deluxe door panels, 68 one year only dash frame with lower pad removed, 68 door arm rests, 68 steering wheel and horn pad, 68 dash pad, 68 door window vents, 68 glove compartment box door. And of course all 68 exterior trim.
I think what throws people is that there is no lower dash pad on the mule. So they assume it's a 67. But that actually makes the case for it being a 68 even stronger as you can see the holes and stamping unique for a 68 only dash frame. Most (not all) 68 Hemi Super Stock collectors are not A-body people that know the nuances of A-bodies. And most were not physically hands on restored by their current owners.
