What's better? 383 high impact 4 speed or V code auto green?

[Cuda Cody]

What is a better car to restore.... talking about final value once completed:


Car #1 = Originally a factory 1970 Challenger RT 383 Plum Crazy Purple, white interior, white stripe, 4 speed with rallye dash and performance axle package 3.91 gear 8 3/4 rear end.  The body numbers match with original fender tag, but not numbers matching motor / trans or build sheet.  Pretty solid car with typical rust.

Car #2 = Originally a factory 1970 Cuda 440 six pack, F8 Green, black interior, black vinyl top, AUTO with standard dash and 4.10 Dana rear end.  Original shaker, but now a repopped shaker.  The body numbers match with fender tag, but not numbers matching motor / trans or build sheet.  More rust than the Challenger and about $20,000 more needed in parts / bodywork than the Challenger



Considering these would be restored to original factory specs and the $20,000 more cost to restore the Cuda, what car will be the best to restore?  For the sake of comparison, please do not add or take away value for the type of car.  Lets assume that 1970 Challenger RT's and Cuda's are about the same in the desirability.

I've been wrestling with this for days! 

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

Pics!

I'd restore both.

[challengermaniac]

Hey Cody,

If the Cuda did not need the $20k in extra parts and extensive rust repair I would likely go with that car for marketability, but given the discriptions, I would go with the Challenger with the 383 and consider putting a 440 in it which would be my preferred car of the two anyway.

[Katfish]

Is there really even a question about this?

Let me see, a 383 or a 440-6? 

[Chryco Psycho]

I had exactly the same dilemma when I bought my Chall
 I had a choice between an F8 440+6 auto 70 Chall R/T & the Purple 383 4 spd R/T SE , I could not live with F8 & even more the Auto trans so I bought the FC& 4 Spd & have never regretted the choice especially when I found out it was the only one known with the bronze Bee stripe !!

[GranCuda1970]

Tough choice the cuda would be worth more in a good market someday, but the 4-speed challenger might be a better short term , 70 Chally's are starting to grow on me!!

[torredcuda]

Even with better options and color I can`t see the 383 R/T being worth more than a 440-6 `cuda but the $20k more in parts needed for the `cuda evens it up some.I still think the `cuda is a better investment as 440-6 cars always bring good money.

[quapman]

You restore the Challenger and send me the cuda. I used to hate green, but it's been growing on me lately like Kudzu!

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Cody, with your abilities in restoring cars I would go with the Cuda.  440-6's are so cool.  Automatics don't bother most people.  The Challenger can wait.  PK

[ragtopdodge]

To keep or to flip?

If to keep, the Challenger would be more fun IMHO.

[HEMROID]

To keep or to flip?

If to keep, the Challenger would be more fun IMHO.

Agree, fit a 440 to the Challenger and mod it as a fun car.

Or as collectible or flipper I reckon the V Code is the go. But it's a hard call without knowing exactly what is required on each.

[AARuFAST]

  
 A S K N  P R I C E S
Keep lookin.
L ook for Fender tags, Build Sheets, or Matching # engine if V or N, R.
Nice 70  Barra Cuda Convertible 318 no reserve on ebay.
Build it like u like it.

[71chmark]

Since they are not numbers matching I would say the Challenger.  20,000 is a lot of cash to make up.  Difficult to not take the type of car into account since that would definitely make a difference in the final value.

[dutch]

I wonder if either would bring enough money to get resto costs covered in this economy.  I also have the feeling high impact colors are getting less popular... at least on this side of the pond. An F8 cuda 440-6 sounds a lot better than a 383 rt... at least to me 
good luck making a decision.... tough one 

[joelson6]

IMO


anything with a 4 speed is better than an auto