Ed Larsen's Barracuda

The Barracuda is a custom car built and designed by Edward Larsen of Ogden, Utah.

Made from a dozen cars

Larsen started the build in his garage in 1953. David J. Heffernan did a story about the car for a newspaper in 1956, and according to that story, Larsen built it with parts from more than a dozen cars. A 1939 Ford frame was cut and lowered before Larsen bean constructing the body from various cars. The front fenders were fashioned from four 1953 Pontiac fenders, and the rear fenders came from the rear quarter panels of a 1953 Studebaker. Larsen constructed the rear deck from a 1942 Hudson roof. Other parts included a windshield from a 1953 Packard convertible and a top from a 1941 Ford.

Looks like a Barracuda - Goes like a bomb

According to David J. Heffernan, Larsen's custom "Looks like a barracuda - goes like a bomb." Power came from a 1951 Ford engine and automatic transmission, and Larsen told Heffernan in 1956 that building up the engine was next on his list of alterations. When Heffernan shot the car the engine was stock except for a dual carburetor set-up.

It took Larsen three years and more than 2500 hours of painstaking labor to complete the build. "Almost all the work was done right in my own garage workshop where I have nearly $3000 worth of body and fender working equipment," Larsen told Heffernan. The build was completed in 1956, and Larsen showed it a Rod and Custom show held by the Salt Kings in Ogden. The Barracuda took first place in the Sports Car Class at the show.

Built on a 1939 Ford frame, 's custom incorporates components from several makes. Rear body section is made by 1951 Studebaker and 1942 Hudson parts. The sculptured rear fenders were fit with Ford taillights. The grille was homemade, designed to give the car a European look.

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