Non 70 or 71 e bodies, is having one that bad?

[Super Blue 72]

thats like saying a blond has a better smile untill bent over an becomes a readhead

Sorry, off topic, but that reminds me of the line from "Born in East LA" when the pretty redhead walk's in to Cheech's shop and he rolls out from under a car to see up her dress and she says, "I have a black Peugeot" to which he replys, "Yeah, I didn't think you were a natural redhead." 

[joelson6]

Well....if you have to cut one up to make stuff fit, it might as well be a lesser desired model as they would be cheaper, like mine

yea, a lesser desired model 


NOT, i'll take you car any day

[HP2]

Non 70 or 71 e bodies, is having one that bad?

Uhmm, no, not at all. I think my '74 looks half way decent.  Even in its current rat machine appearance, it still aint half bad (my avator picture is about 10 years old). Runs better than most too. Of course a 425 horse 360 never hurts regardless of whatever body you put it in.

[Ghost]

I've always preferred the 72-74 Challenger grill.  As for cuda's, 68 is obviously the best year.

[72bluNblu]

I personally like the looks of the '71 ebody's best, Challenger and 'Cuda. And if you're a collector or restorer and want a big block or high optioned car, '70-'71 is pretty much the only way to go. But if you actually want to drive your car, a '72-'74 is the best deal. They usually cost less, and swapping out a 318/auto for a 340/4 speed or 440 raises the value, regardless of the matching numbers thing.

I bought my '72 because it was the first e-body I found. In retrospect, I probably should have waited and looked for something a little cleaner. But, since it was already a non-numbers matching car, I don't have to worry about what I do to it. Which is great, because the 340 4 speed I'm dropping in it will only raise the value. And I don't have to worry about messing up some numbers matching, 1 of whatever car by driving it every single day. Which is pretty much what I do with my '72, it's my "newest" car and my daily.

And when I finally take it off the road and rebuild it, its getting '71 fenders, grille and rear markers. Tail lights are staying, I like the '72-'74 tails better, and it lets the collectors know its not actually a '71. And since its a '72 I don't have to move the bumpers.  Just makes it easier, there's no dilemma about keeping it stock. In stock trim it was a base model grocery getter with freeway gears. With a 340/4 speed, 11 3/4" disks and 11" drums, B-body rear, 275 wide tires and hotchkis gear, its a street bruiser. And I didn't lose any money because its not numbers matching or bone stock anymore.

Regardless of year, the value of these cars is going to go up. The '70-'71 cars will always be worth more, and the collectors will always be willing to pay more for one. But if you're not worried about having some numbers matching show car, the '72-'74 cars are the best deal running.

[kissalien]

If it's not a '70 or '71 U R A LOSER.

No really, I don't understand why people can't be happy with what they have. If you've got any year E-Body that's awesome. If someone turns up their nose at you then screw them. They probably don't have one at all, or if they do, they aren't worth your time.

Personally 1970 is my favorite in both models, but that doesn't make them better. Now a convertible or a multi-carb car is certainly rarer and more valuable. But does that mean that other '70s and '71s aren't worthy too? No.

[Bobfish]

Sticks and stones, apples and oranges. Its yer car do with it what you please and if someone gives ya grief ask them who owns the car. Then tell them to go pound sand. I do!! Personally I think people with "show/concourse cars" are doing the car a great disservice by IMPRISONING it in the garage....

[Challenger6pak]

Personally I think people with "show/concourse cars" are doing the car a great disservice by IMPRISONING it in the garage....

I and another guy built a Superbird to this level. It is an art, maybe a sport of it's own.  We had to wear the little booties over our shoes, like surgeons wear, and gloves just to move the car into an enclosed trailer.  It got old quick.  I like driving them better.  For instance, my 70 Cuda does not have the original drivetrain.  I'm going to add air conditioning and drive it.  Not everywhere; but I plan to use it.  My point is to enjoy your car.  If you have a 72-74, enjoy it.  If you want to move to a 70 or 71 later then you can do that.  I have looked for a 72-74 to use as a daily.  They are great cars.  They have disc brakes.  Many have sway bars.  Most have air conditioning.  Parts are far easier to get than parts for a 70. I very much dislike people who get down on others because a car is a different model year than theirs.  I feel the same about people who get down on people who drive a different body style of Mopar, such as E vs. B.  They are all great to see IMO.

[Gus cuda]

I will break my neck to get a look at any of em! I always wanted a drop-top so i only had 2 years to choose from.

[Rare_T_A]

for me it dosn't matter one bit. They are all great cars and getting hard to see one on the road at all.

[cudazappa]

Personally I don't think its bad to have any old car.  Its good to have friendly rivalries, but some people are ridiculous!

When I was looking for my Challenger, I was looking at all Challengers I could find.  71 is just the year I happened to find.  Would've been cheaper to get a 72-74 or easier to get a 70.  But 71 is my favorite year for Mopars!

I would've considered another Barracuda/'cuda (I've owned a 64 and a 67) but most everybody knows Challenger's are better! 

[MizzouRT]

Once you replace the 5 mph bumpers on the later year cars, it's just personal preference what model year you like best.  They are all great looking cars.  I have much respect for the matching numbers folks, but that is not for me, since I would be uncomfortable driving the car and would always be conflicted about making the performance mods I like and want. 

Without the rare / desirable high performance models, the 72-74 models give you lots of flexibility in customizing the car without worries about reducing the value.  Here is a "lowly" 1974 Cuda with "incorrect" billboards from 1971, an AAR-style hood & spoiler from 1970, and without the 5 mph bumpers.  It looks fantastic, and that's not just my opinion - it won best in class at the Houston Autorama.

http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/mizzourt/Autorama%20-%20Houston%202011/?action=view&current=Autorama094.jpg

Under the hood, a nicely detailed 440 with 550 hp:

http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/mizzourt/Autorama%20-%20Houston%202011/?action=view&current=Autorama093v2.jpg

[Rare_T_A]

Once you replace the 5 mph bumpers on the later year cars, it's just personal preference what model year you like best.  They are all great looking cars.  I have much respect for the matching numbers folks, but that is not for me, since I would be uncomfortable driving the car and would always be conflicted about making the performance mods I like and want. 

Without the rare / desirable high performance models, the 72-74 models give you lots of flexibility in customizing the car without worries about reducing the value.  Here is a "lowly" 1974 Cuda with "incorrect" billboards from 1971, an AAR-style hood & spoiler from 1970, and without the 5 mph bumpers.  It looks fantastic, and that's not just my opinion - it won best in class at the Houston Autorama.

http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/mizzourt/Autorama%20-%20Houston%202011/?action=view&current=Autorama094.jpg

Under the hood, a nicely detailed 440 with 550 hp:

http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/mizzourt/Autorama%20-%20Houston%202011/?action=view&current=Autorama093v2.jpg

Man you got that right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  She is sweet!

[Doomed]

I Love 'em all, Redheads, Blondes and Brunettes...mine happens to be a Black '74.

Kyle.

[Challenger6pak]

for me it dosn't matter one bit. They are all great cars and getting hard to see one on the road at all.

Outside of carshows, I have seen 4 Ebodies on the road in 5 years, in my area of South Florida. They used to be everywhere.