When an enthusiast’s vision is to turn an auto into a clone, I’m generally supportive of the idea, as my thoughts are that if it’s your car, you’ve got the right to do whatever you want with it.  However, finding the most basic model possible to accomplish your goal seems like the way to go, instead of taking a somewhat uncommon and more upscale version and transforming it.  That’s what’s been happening with this 1971 Plymouth E-Body, as it started as a luxurious Barracuda Gran Coupe and is in the process of being turned into a Hemi Cuda.  This one is in Longmont, Colorado, and can be found here on eBay, where 55 bids and a price of $55,100 have failed to lift the reserve.   Curvette, thanks for the fine tip here, and please keep them coming!

Fortunately, even though this one’s already had several modifications completed, the fender tag is still present.  The BP23 code identifies this one as an original Barracuda Premium Gran Coupe, which is a distinct and desirable commodity among Mopar enthusiasts in its own right.  Some of the already transformed items from Gran Coupe to Cuda include the replacement of the front fenders with gilled components, a shaker hood, and the appropriate Cuda emblems and trim.  The seller says that the bodywork is complete, and that this one’s ready for paint.  A pair of black Hemi Billboard Stripes will also be included.

One item of significant importance in meeting the objective that hasn’t been addressed yet is the engine.  Code E44 on the tag indicates that this Barracuda left the Hamtramck assembly plant with a 230-horsepower 318, and it’s still the original engine providing power, along with the factory automatic transmission.  The seller mentions that this car has sat in a storage unit for the last three years, but it’s running, so there’s still the opportunity to keep it numbers-matching and put the correct Gran Coupe components back on.  The owner also mentions that the reason for the paint delay was that he was waiting to get a Hemi engine and install it first, which never happened.

The interior looks great here, and while it’s got the standard instrument cluster, it’s good to spot that the roof consolette is still in place.  This one’s also pretty much loaded with options, and while I completely respect what the seller was going for here, I’m about as equally inclined to tip my hat to the idea of reversing the changes and returning this one to an as-original-as-possible Barracuda Gran Coupe.  I may be in the minority here, and I’m curious to see what our readers have to say.  How would you complete this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda?