I know that some readers will grit their teeth when they see the term “blank canvas,” but there are few better to describe this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. The current owner has returned the car to a rust-free state, leaving the winning bidder to choose their paint color, trim, and drivetrain combination. This Plymouth could be the ideal candidate if you have previously dreamed of creating your perfect muscle car. It is listed here on eBay in Goshen, New York. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $25,400, and plenty of time remains on this auction to see how far that price will climb.

The seller purchased this Barracuda approximately three years ago, spending the time working through returning it to a rust-free state. The initial impression is positive, with new rear quarter panels, trunk drop-offs, and pair of OEM front fenders finding their way onto this classic. The panels look straight, although there could be minor bumps and bruises for the buyer to tackle before they grab the spray gun. The underside seems particularly clean, as do the rails and trunk pan. However, one aspect of this car raises concerns in my mind. As you can see in this shot, the driver’s side front floor is patched, and the work quality doesn’t look that impressive. It probably warrants an in-person inspection to determine whether it is okay or whether the winning bidder faces rework to achieve a high standard. It is unclear what paint shade the car originally wore, but having it dismantled to this state means the buyer can choose a shade to suit their taste. I don’t see any glass in the supplied photos, and it appears the buyer faces the cost of sourcing a high percentage of new trim and chrome pieces.

The photos suggest the original owner ordered this Plymouth with its interior trimmed in Black vinyl, but what remains of the upholstery is well past its prime. A retrim is on the agenda, and with the center missing from the wheel, that is another item to add to the list. However, the interior is a further aspect of the build where the buyer can let their imagination run wild. They could opt for a sympathetic retrim in its original Black, but other ideas might be worth considering. Cloth could be more comfortable on hot days, while leather would provide a luxurious touch. The choice will depend on taste and budget, but it is a chance for the winning bidder to place their stamp on this classic.

This Barracuda is a roller, with its original 383ci V8 and transmission nothing but distant memories. Sourcing date-correct replacements is possible, but the lack of originality across other aspects of this classic means that the winning bidder wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if they chose an alternative. If the budget stretches that far, a Hemi will provide neck-snapping performance. A 440 Six-Pack would be more affordable, but those are merely two possibilities. Following the restomod path is another option, allowing the new owner to retain the Barracuda’s inherent character but with a more user-friendly drivetrain package. As with every aspect of this car, it will be a matter of personal taste and budget that will determine the final choice.

I would typically speculate on the possible final sale price of this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, but I have decided that this is one where I would rather monitor the auction to see where it goes. What will be more fascinating will be to scroll through your feedback. My challenge for you is to post a comment providing a vision of how you would build this classic. Which drivetrain combination would you choose? What paint shade would grace its panels, and how would you trim its interior? It will be interesting to see whether a common theme develops or whether there will be a diverse range of approaches. So, over to you.