My 71' Gran Coupe doesn't appear to have holes in the doors for the side "Barracuda" emblem or Gran Coupe shield. I've seen very few 71 Gran Coupes, one of which has the door Emblems, one that does not. So few cars are original so I'm reluctant to made a decision here. Anyone have any insight as to what they all received or, if it was dependent on other factors? This started out as a search for hole locations but I want to avoid doing something stupid.

Without:
https://frankscarsinthehood.com/1971-plymouth-barracuda/

With:
https://autohunter.com/Listing/Details/40038909/NO-RESERVE-1971-PLYMOUTH-BARRACUDA-GRAN-COUPE

The first picture is a Cuda with the gilled fenders it appears and not just a grand coupe. It would not have those emblems. It may have the overhead console and leather seats. I did not look. I’ve personally owned two 1970 Gran coupes but have seen a 71. You might look at pictures in the part’s manual.

That's why this has been such a challenge. Its either a Cuda or a Gran coupe, not both. I believe Gran Coupes could have fender gills, I'm sure someone would correct me, but mine did not. Given it's condition, it appears the Gran coupe badges on the rear could be original given their wear.

I would say the first example you've posted would not be a good reference considering it's been "restored" with too many options added that were never available for the gran coupe... I've personally seen 71 gran coupes and none have the gills, performance dual exhaust rear pan, or obviously the shaker from the factory... With the gran coupe being a model, if by chance something was ordered and it was even an available option it would have to be called out on the tag/build sheet and wouldn't be standard like the cuda ..But that first example does have the woodgrain surround for the standard dash, gran coupe rocker moldings, and the original trunk medallion... Speaking of them,The new year one gran coupe trunk medallions don't have the argent silver paint around the perimeter like an original piece and it's commonly missed during a resto.... The reason you're not seeing any evidence of the door emblems were they were entirely a stick on emblem by 71... Here's an NOS set for sale now.. gran coupe badges Here's a better example of a 71 Gran Coupe from a few years back...

In my research on the door Emblems, the 71 was a studded emblem and the 70s were stick on
I have the stuffed set (I may have both actually), and my lock cover is fully smooth without the argent outline. Just sold one on eBay with the textured outline.

What really confuses me is the driver door on this car is original, the passenger door is not. Yet nothing on the inside shows sign of mouth ing holes. Perhaps I'm wrong on stud vs stick on years

Chrysler typically went from stud-mount to adhesive on other nameplates, so it doesn't seem logical to replace an adhesive-back with stud-mount.
Traditionally, they were always looking at less-expensive production.
I don't believe a GC would have 'Cuda gills- though I suppose an error is possible.
Bear in mind these cars are 50+ years old, lots of people personalized or modified their cars back then, and restoration errors are common.
Really, only original cars can be used as references.

Yeah I agree. I have a few sets of studded emblem. I like the look, maybe I'll shave the studs off and get some emblem backing and convert them.

If anyone has an idea of measurements for position that would be great. Worst case I'll eye ball it and then when some expert at a show points it out I'll be able to know for sure haha