Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe. One of 1,615 built, this Barracuda is powered by a reportedly numbers-matching, original 383ci V8 backed by a rebuilt three-speed automatic transmission with Slap-Stik shifter. Features include power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, vinyl top, bucket seats, AM radio, remote driver-side mirror, and overhead console. Finished in Bahama Yellow with a dark gold vinyl top over tan leather interior, this Barracuda comes from the selling dealer with Quebec, Canada documentation.
When the Barracuda was drastically redesigned for 1970 on its own E-body platform, Plymouth introduced three models: standard Barracuda, performance-oriented ‘Cuda, and the luxurious Gran Coupe. Following the lead of the Mercury Cougar XR-7, Ford introduced the Mustang Grandé with more luxurious trimmings in 1969, and Plymouth thought it was a dandy idea to offer the Gran Coupe to do battle in the market. Both the Gran Coupe hardtop and convertible came standard with leather buckets and fancier door panels, overhead consolette, woodgrain dashboard trim, pedal dress-up, belt moldings, unique rocker moldings, special grille trim (the same which would be used on the AAR’Cuda later in the year), Argent rear panel, and special trunk lid trim. Most of the unique equipment was carried over for 1971 aside of the obvious model year changes, though the hardtop was the only Gran Coupe left. The Gran Coupe was discontinued for 1972.
The exterior was stripped to bare metal and refinished in the original color of code EL5 Bahama Yellow during its 2005 restoration. Features include wheel opening moldings, rocker trim, Barracuda Gran Coupe emblems on the doors, and a tobacco brown aftermarket vinyl top. A detailed walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.
A set of 15-inch Rallye wheels with gray center caps and stainless trim rings is wrapped in 245/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
The front buckets and rear seat are upholstered in tan leather. Features include an overhead console, soft molded headliner, optional center console with a locking storage compartment, simulated woodgrain trim, and automatic transmission with Slap-Stik shifter. Additional features include power steering and brakes, AM radio, and air conditioning. According to the selling dealer, the interior is original except for the carpeting, and the dashboard has a few fine cracks.
The woodgrained instrument panel (a Gran Coupe item) features the standard Barracuda dashboard with a 120-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, and alternator. The odometer reads 38,219 miles, which the selling dealer believes to be accurate.
Power is provided by a reportedly numbers-matching 275-horsepower 383ci two-barrel V8 backed by a rebuilt three-speed automatic transmission. Underhood features include an upgraded Holley four-barrel carburetor and electronic ignition system. Most Gran Coupes were powered by the 318 but, to give you an idea of its rarity, 161 of the 1,331 built to U.S. specifications had the L-code 383.
This Barracuda was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Power front discs and rear drums bring motion to a halt. A full-length dual exhaust system exits at the rear under the valence panel. The selling dealer states that the undercarriage has its factory undercoating.
The online auction for this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe ends on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
