1973 true 340 Cuda question

[Twisted73]

I was at a car show yesterday, took 2nd place by the way..... and a guy asked me a question that after 16 years of owning this car I finally started to think about. My Cuda is absolutely one of the last true 340 Cudas made, mid 1973. The difference in mine compared to all others that I ever see is that it is an automatic 727 on the column. I have NEVER seen a "true Cuda" with the auto/column shift. Has anyone else seen this and if so any idea on how many were made that way? Again, i have had the VIN decoded and it is indeed a true Cuda with the Column shift. Thanks guys!

[Chryco Psycho]

All of the info on #s built was lost in a fire , Chrysler used to have all the records just liek GM & Ford but they are all lost so no #s actually exist .
 I have seen a number of Bench seat column auto cars over the years , even a Purple 70 Hemi Cuda with column auto but it is rare for sure .
 I love the 4 speeds so it would be the Last option I would check !!

[torredcuda]

I have seen a number of `72-3 `cudas with the column auto but I think they all had the 318,not sure if I`ve ever seen a `73 340 car.I almost bought a `72 318 `cuda, blue on blue, column shift auto with bucket seats.

[70cudafan]

I have a 70 cuda 340 auto with a column shift with the bench/bucket seats.   I also had a 70 barracuda( 318 ) with the same seat combo.  During my teenage dating era my dates could sit next to me.

[DAYTONA]

...I purchased a 1973 Cuda 340 new...the option code was a C16 for the console...without that, it would have been on the column...I remember being asked if I wanted the console shifter (answer, HELL YES)

...copy of my order sheet and pix of the car the first day I owned it...it was wrecked the first time later that night, hit numerous times in the next few years, crushed by a tree and finally drowned in a river of sewage(Christines younger sister)...I saw it on the streets the last time around 1976-77, it was rusted to death then... I hope it died a miserable death, it was also a true LEMON

...ordered with every option except a stripe and a vinyl top, didn't want either of them

[Twisted73]

Mine is supposed to be Triple Black, Bucket Seats with column shift, the "Cuda" package with the 340/727 and the 8 3/4 rear end. I have decoded it and it is definitely a true Cuda. I had a couple of people ask for a picture of it, keep in mind i have changed the color and drive the heck out of it.... One day it will go back to the Triple Black though, and yes.... I did put a 71 billboard on it, not a fan of the 73 stripe and love the bill board. People must not mind since I just won my 7th trophy at a car show this weekend....

[Jamiez]

I believe it was possible to get a manual on the floor without the C16 console code.  I believe I've seen pictures of cars like that.  I'll have to look for some when I'm home

[kissalien]

I believe it was possible to get a manual on the floor without the C16 console code.  I believe I've seen pictures of cars like that.  I'll have to look for some when I'm home

Yes the manual was available with or without a console. Here's a 4 speed.

[inot2old]

I had a '73 'Cuda, 318, auto on column, bucket seats.  I have seen an AAR 'Cuda with column shift also.

[CHL2T]

My 73 is a manual with no console 

[Twisted73]

Its a shame that all of the information was lost in a fire, would be nice to know how many with the 340 actually came out though. Even though it isn't the ideal shifting option, I have to say with the stiff shift kit it is a blast to drive.... especially with the 3:55 gear ratio! It doesn't bother me that it is a column shift and to come totally clean, once I decoded the tag I HAD to buy the car 16 years ago. I had never seen a 340 Cuda with auto on the column and still haven't to this day other than mine. I guess that's why I am curious if it is odd to see a verified 340 Cuda with this option.

[kissalien]

Its a shame that all of the information was lost in a fire, would be nice to know how many with the 340 actually came out though. Even though it isn't the ideal shifting option, I have to say with the stiff shift kit it is a blast to drive.... especially with the 3:55 gear ratio! It doesn't bother me that it is a column shift and to come totally clean, once I decoded the tag I HAD to buy the car 16 years ago. I had never seen a 340 Cuda with auto on the column and still haven't to this day other than mine. I guess that's why I am curious if it is odd to see a verified 340 Cuda with this option.

Numbers still exist. But the information you want never existed, since Chrysler did not track option combinations except for engine/transmission combinations.

So you can find out how many 340 automatic 'Cudas were built. You can also find out how many Cudas were built with a console.

You can't tell how many manuals were built with a console. You can't tell how many automatics had a console. And you certainly can't find out how many 340 automatics were buiilt without a console (column shift).

Also rarity does not equate to desirability or value. There's a reason some things are rare. Personally I think it's cool, but most people didn't and still don't.

[Twisted73]

kissalien.... yeah, I bought it because I had never seen one like that, and it doesn't bother me that it is on the column at all. As a matter of fact, it usually turns into a pretty good discussion at car shows... I love the car, and even though 73 isnt the most desirable year, I dont care, it is fast, fun, & cool  to have it in my garage. All of the purists and people who say "71 was the last of the true muscle cars" cant bite me really. If I love it, I dont really care what anyone else thinks....