72 - 74 Cudas

[mrob]

I'm looking at some different E-Bodys as potential additions to the "fleet" and I've noticed that the 72 - 74 Cudas don't carry the hefty price tags as the 70 - 71's do. I understand that after 71, there were no more big blocks and most of the performance options were no longer available. Is this the only reason why they have a lower value? Personally, I think the 72 - 74 Cudas look great (except for the 5 mph bumpers on the 73, 74's). So what do you think - would a 72 - 74 Cuda be a good candidate? Or will these Cudas always be overshadowed by their "big block brothers"?

[IMNCARN82]

I wanted a 70.  Decided on a round taillight car.  They are much more cost effective. I actually like the lights and grille better. As for the bumpers... I just got done changing mine to 70-2 style. Removing the filler strips and moving them in. Looks much better.  I don't mind the marker lights so much,just got new ones.    After this 73' 340 4 speed is alright I'll go for another 72-4 but a 440/727 combo.           I LOVE 'cudas.   

[Carlwalski]

You pretty much answered your own question. Bigger engines & more options. With these options, engines & style, they gathered a reputation in the muscle car culture & basically had a cult following from day one. Overall, I think it's what they offered back in the day that makes them appealing.

It worked back then and still does today. Big engines with big options = massive sales and higher resale. I actually prefer the 72-74 over the 70. The grilles in the later cars fill out the gap better, the 70 (IMO) is too small and looks misplaced. Only 70 I would consider would be an AAR.

[matt63]

The nicer 72-74's aren't that cheap anymore as they do look good and are a desirable car.  Even project cars are more expensive like everything else.  25 years ago I used to turn my nose up at the 72-74 E bodies as they were not built during the peak muscle car era and performance was dropping on these cars.  I think they will remain desirable.

[Carlwalski]

That's another point, no disrespect to the Challenger owners but I think it's pretty safe to say that the Cudas have it over the Challengers in terms of overall year appeal. All year Cudas look super hot and sell well. 72-74 "sad mouth" Challengers seem to be a flat spot IMO. I like them myself and did look at a couple but they still don't sell like the equivalent 72-74 Cudas do.

[ragtopdodge]

I love the '72-'74s, but there are a variety of reasons for the lower purchase prices:

- lower performance motors.  No big blocks, six-packs, hemis, etc.  All have had lower compression small blocks.

- less cool options (except sunroofs).  no power windows, rear spoilers, Dana trak paks, convertible option, leather seat options, overhead console, Shaker hoods, rubber bumpers, etc.

- exterior details.  Striping not as cool (IMHO) as the '70 hockey or '71 billboard.  Side markers are generic Chrysler, huge bumperettes (easy remedy).  No real unique diff. between the 3 years.

However, I do like a lot of the '72+ details.

I like the round taillights (as long as the rear Gran Coupe-like trunk trim has been removed) and the grille is very agressive looking.

I would be very proud, and maybe I'll own one some day, a later year 'Cuda.

I would get one with as much options as possible.  A 1972 340 'Cuda would be ideal, with AC and a four-speed.  Preferably Tx9 Black!  I'd put on rubber bumpers, keep the power bulge hood, change the side markers to earlier style, and flat black '72 stripe.  And change out the reverse taillights w/regular running lights and have all four light up when driving/braking!  Probably an AAR rear spoiler.

yea!
 

[mrob]

Great comments! If you have more, I'd like to hear them.

I agree with NZ 440R/T's point about the "sad mouth" on the 72-74 Challengers. IMHO, Cudas for the same years definitely looked better. Plus, the Cuda had a different VIN (BSxxxxxxxxxxx) than the Barracuda (BHxxxxxxxxxxx) which made it a separate model. I think the Rallye Challengers had a JSxxxxxxxxxxxx VIN in 72 but afterwards dropped it and went with a JHxxxxxxxxxxx VIN for a Challengers (correct me if I'm wrong).

[F N Cuda]

73, Got the big block and 727 now! Price was right too.
Sure I'd trade for an earlier 70-71 but I couldn't pay for it and I couldn't cut one up like this either!
Gotta be street/strip for me. Bone stock doesn't do it for me except for the $ factor can't be equaled.

[KellysCuda aircard]

I wouldnt trade mine for any other, I like the round tail light and the grill better than the others (except the 71 of course).

[kingtroll]

I am a fan of the round lights.......

[HP2]

Resale wise the 70-71 Dodge and Plymouth both, will always be more valuable. While some of the nicely done, big block converted 72-74s are going up in price, they still can be found in reasonable prices in decent condition if you look.

It also seems that currently Cudas get more $$ than Challengers as well. That may or may not change if the 08 Challenger comes out and does well sales wise.

I agree the 72-74 Challenger grill isn't the greatest. However, if you remove the body color from them and paint them in argent or black them out altogether, they don't look to bad. Check my sig for a look see.

[360 'CUDA]

I am a fan of the round lights.......

 

[4Cruizn]

I own one!!     Love it!!  

[mrob]

I never realized how good black looks on a Cuda. Special thanks to 4Cruizin, kingtroll, ragtopchally for the pics. Its giving me ideas ... hmmm.

[RUSTY Cuda]

You guys are hard on my bumperetts    My orig 'Cuda was a 74, the rustbuckets I have now are a 73 barracuda & a 74 'Cuda, both will have the bumperetts, I like em, I think they help make the car look longer & leaner & they do serve a good purpose being from NY & now living in jersey, many a ding in my bumpers were avoided by that extra rubber!  Rich.