Cuda vs Barracuda

[bolo185]

I'm a newbie so forgive my questions, I'm sure it's been hashed out before. Finally at the old age of 55 I want to buy the dream car I never had when I was a teen, a 70 Cuda. Had my heart set on finding a plum crazy with a shaker hood but looked at a local one yesterday. It's a 70 Cuda with a non matching 340 6-pack and 5 speed tranny, air bag suspension w/pump, custom interior and more. Not a stock Cuda or Cuda color but a very cool black on black restore with a build sheet and every receipt put into the car. My question; Cuda vs Barracuda. I've seen cars with the Cuda emblem on the rear, on the door panels and on the dash. This one has Barracuda recessed into the passenger side of the dash. Do true Cuda's have Cuda in the dash or do all have Barracuda emblems recessed into the dash? He says the insurance company inspected it and calls it a Cuda.         

[dutch]

all have barracuda in the dash.  The only way to know for sure if it is a Cuda is by vin.  Cuda vin starts with BS

[70CUDA4SPEED]

That sounds familiar, I'm born 1957 and bought my 'Cuda last year when I was 55, wanted one since 74 or 75, good luck.

[Cuda Cody]

Welcome!   

Like Dutch said, the VIN tells you everything.

Barracuda's = VINS start with BH2....
Cuda's = VINS start with BS2....

[HP_Cuda]

Never thought about it before but it's a bit funny that Cuda's start with BS.....

[diyhemi.com]

Welcome!   

Like Dutch said, the VIN tells you everything.

Barracuda's = VINS start with BH2....
Cuda's = VINS start with BS2....

Or BP = barracuda gran coupe

[CudamanTom]

Never thought about it before but it's a bit funny that Cuda's start with BS.....

 

[Surfmichaels]

He says the insurance company inspected it and calls it a Cuda.       

Don't trust insurance or the title. The title on my car states cuda but it is a barracuda. VIN is the only thing that matters if you want a real, from the factory cuda. And be careful of custom interior, my custom work was all done to hide interior issues with the original panels. Dynamat laid down straight over rust metal, I can't even begin to explain what a pita that is.

[4 speed fish]

Imo you should have someone that knows these cars go with you to look at any cuda.I would not believe anybody when it comes to spending that kind of money.

[Rich G]

All 70s Cudas or barracudas has the word barracuda moulded in the dash pad. 71 and up had a barracuda decal recessed in the pad.

[TinCuda]

All 'Cuda and Barracuda models had "Barracuda" on the dash.  Here is what a factory decal looks like from 1971-1974.  The 1970 had an inlaid script but still said "Barracuda".

[hooD]

it's a cheap factory aluminum decal that was glued on to the dash...here's my '73

[Super Blue 72]

Would love to see some pics of it. Sounds nice! 

[bolo185]

Thanks for all the replies, this forum looks to be a real helpful group for when I find my Cuda. I took pics and movies of the black 1970 I looked at, I'll try to post a couple pics to see what you all think. Another question, I don't know enough about these cars to know their value or identify potential issues. Is there a reputable inspection company that specializes in classic cars? I'm in Northern CA, but I may end up finding my car in another state. Is there a company that is highly respected or recommended for inspections? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. 

[4 speed fish]

What part of nor cal.