Many enthusiasts dream of creating a classic from a blank canvas, but finding a suitable and affordable candidate can be challenging. That’s where this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda may ride to the rescue. The photos suggest it has been many years since it saw active duty, but the vital components are present to transform it into a distinctive and potent muscle car tribute. The Plymouth is listed here on eBay in Livonia, Michigan. Bidding has passed the reserve, sitting at $2,247 at the time of writing.

The Third Generation Barracuda is an ideal candidate for those searching for a classic with a muscular appearance. Chrysler scored a home run with its E-Body models. Dodge successfully rode the retro wave with the Challenger in 2008, over thirty-four years after the last E-Body rolled off the line, demonstrating how universally accepted and iconic these cars are. This Barracuda appears to be a stalled project, with the car’s original Scorch Red paint emerging in some spots from under the layer of Gray primer. The panels have accumulated minor bumps and bruises, but most look repairable. Some steel replacement is inevitable, as are the usual rust repairs. The floors and trunk pan are fit for the bin, but the lower extremities and prone area around the back window look solid. The buyer’s shopping list will include trim pieces and glass, but patient online searching may unearth the required parts at reasonable prices.

The “blank canvas” theme continues when we examine this Plymouth’s interior and drivetrain. The dash is intact, and some handles and knobs are present. However, there are no seat frames, door trims, steering column, or soft trim items. Kits to achieve a factory appearance are available, but the buyer could follow the custom path. The new owner might draw inspiration from the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by creating a bare-bones interior with only one seat. That approach would undoubtedly turn heads and draw comments at a show or a Cars & Coffee. The car is a roller, with its original 198ci slant-six and transmission long gone. With 125hp and 205 ft/lbs of torque on tap, the combination would not have set pulses racing. However, this is the ideal opportunity to slot something below the surface that will give the Barracuda performance that matches its muscular good looks. The world will be the new owner’s oyster, and the only limitations will be their imagination and the size of their wallet.

Okay, it’s hypothetical time. What would be your approach if you found this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda lurking in your workshop? Would a faithful refurbishment be your goal, or would you create a muscle car demanding attention and respect? It would be easy to consign this classic to the too-hard basket, but the fourteen bids submitted confirm that some people are willing to roll the dice with this potential project. Would you consider joining them, or will you sit out this dance?