71 cuda on CL

[Duff]

Just went out into the middle of nowhere and looked at this cuda:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2541581405.html

It's like a 10 year old resto (estimation) with a paint job that's good from 10 feet, but shows lines on the right front quarter and has bubbles behind each of the rear wheels (though the metal on the inside of the area with the bubbles was solid and didn't show rust).  To be honest this doesn't bother me much cause in Hollywood the car's bound to get a nick or two, it's just a harsh place to own a car.  However, I probably would want to fix the bubbles behind the rear wheels.

The guy didn't appear to drive the car a whole lot and was likely just bored of it after owning like 10 hemi cars in the past 40 years.  On the positive side the car was garaged and looks like it was taken care of well.  The underside is super clean and shows very little wear.  I also believe the trunk and floors are solid and original based on visual inspection. 

It's a 340-4 barrel and he says matching numbers, though I don't yet know how to verify all of that.  He said it was sold to him as a numbers matching car but he never checked. 

It's got two fender tags, but apparently no build sheet.

M88 N23 N41 N42 N85 CTD
J45 J54 M21 M25 M31
C55 G11 G36 H31 H51 J25
GT2 U A04 A62 B51 C16
GT2 SRX9 000 225 089289
E55 D32
R35 26 EN2

I checked this out using http://www.mopar1.us/build.html and it looks like the options all match up, though this car had leather.  If there's anything unique or out of the ordinary i'd love someone's opinion, but using the decoder it looks like a pretty normal version of the car with a couple nice things like the leather and rally dash. 

Right door sags a bit and should be adjusted.  I don't suspect it's a big deal, but am not sure.

BS23H1B.....

Overall the car looked great, the interior looked perfect, and the car sounded good, though this was the first one i've looked at to buy. 

Any chance someone can help me out with how much it's worth? 

How can I tell if it's originally a red car? 


Thanks!

[72rtchallenger]

the last few numbers of the vin will be stamped on  side of block as well as on the tranny,,and that would have to be checked to make sure its numbers matching as far as motor an tranny,,if it is numbers matching makes it more valuable to collectors

[GranCuda1970]

Nice 71 !!

[TorOrange]

Tunisian Tan Metallic with hood pins and billboards if I'm not mistaken.


Code    Description
BS23   
B = Plymouth Barracuda
S = Special
23 = 2 Door Hardtop
H1B   
H = 340 275HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL
1 = 1971
B = Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
304575   Sequence Number '304575'
GT2   
Paint Code: Tunisian Tan Metallic
SRX9   
Trim Grade/Style/Color
S = Sport
R = Vinyl and Leather Bucket Seats
X9 = Black
000   Upper Door Frame: Full Door Panel
225   Date Built: 2 / 25 / 1971
089289   Order Number: 089289
GT2   Roof Type OR Color:  Tunisian Tan Metallic
A04   Basic (Radio) Group
A62   Rallye Instrument Cluster
B51   Power Assisted Brakes
C16   Console w/ Buckets
C55   Bucket Seats
G11   Tinted Glass All
G36   Left Hand Remote, Right Hand Manual Outside Mirror
H31   Rear Window Defogger - Blower
H51   Single Air /w Heater
J25   3 Speed Variable Wipers
J45   Hood Tie Down Pins
J54   Sport Hood 70-1
M21   Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M25   Wide Sill Molding
M31   Belt & Hood Molding
M88   Quater Panel Tape Treatment
N23   Electronic Ignition Standard only 4bb Engine
N41   Duel Exhaust w/o Tips
N42   Chrome Duel Exhaust Tips
N85   Tachometer
CTD   Continued on 2nd Tag
D32   Upper Door Frame: H-D A-727 TorqueFlite Trans / Some Years A-998
26   26 in. Radiator
R35   AM / FM Multiplex Sterio
E55   340-4 Barrel 69-73

[Duff]

Thanks guys.  Any idea on the value, like if it's def #matching or definately not?  He wants $32,500.

[crocha617]

That is not an original Bill board car. M88 is not Billboards - Bill boards would be V6X or V6W if I remember correctly. Not a bad asking price if numbers matching and presentable driver as is. I would start the offers in mid the $20's and see what happens.

[TorOrange]

Ah gotcha so what's M88 ?

[crocha617]

It's been awhile but i think it's the SS trim around the tail panel on a 71. I think it is something different on an early 1970 though, I would have to do some research to be sure.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

If that is a numbers matching car, then the price seems fair. Of course you would have to see how it looks in person, but it sounds good. 71 Cudas and Barracudas always bring a premium price. I can't believe it had the electronic ignition upgrade from the factory.   

[tommyg29]

I agree if it is a numbers car it is a fair asking price. You must find the drivetrain numbers to be sure. But the color change devalues it a little.
My car was originally tunisian tan, which is a gold type color.
Check the cowl and rad support numbers too.

Welcome and good luck

[Duff]

Thanks guys! I feel like i've still got a good amount to learn here before I pull the trigger on something, so I want to get behind the wheel of a few more before choosing, but for something 90% restored that I can jump in and drive it seems like a fair option.  I'm really impressed with the community here and I look forward to being a part of it!

[tommyg29]

you are twofold wise:
first, you are taking your time and looking at and driving several cars. Spending some time searching here, and asking lots of questions WILL save you thousands of dollars and a lot of trouble.
second, probably the best way to buy an ebody, is to buy one 80 to 90% done to your liking. That is, if you have the funds, and if you are not capable or motivated enough to restore one yourself.
I'm biased, because thats what I did. I spent almost a year looking for a car closest to what I would build, and then found it. I feel bad that the guy I bought it from had a lot more into it than I paid, but thats the way it goes. Building one yourself, you will almost certainly spend more in the long run than it will be worth.

[Duff]

Thanks again for the continued advice.  I've been on the way to that conclusion for awhile now and what you've said solidifies it.  I fully believe i'm capable of restoring one, but I don't have a garage here in Hollywood so I think it's best to do exactly what you're saying, and i'm certainly not in a hurry. 

[ragtopdodge]

Keep looking.  340-automatics are the most common.

$32k and needs another $10k paint job.  I dunno.  I'd find a car that's a bit more unique.

- four-speed car, and/or

- billboard car, and/or

- high impact color or  black, and/or

- big block car

I honestly think you can get a real nice one for a bit more money.

E.g. I bet $50k would buy you this car and is a heck of a lot cooler:

http://www.cars-on-line.com/50529.html

[Duff]

Exactly the logic I used.  I agree 100%, and that b5 blue is killer, I love it.