Chance at two 74' Cudas...Help Needed!!

[RGAS88]

Hello Everyone,

I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people here that can help me out. My apologies, as I've already posted this in the General topics, but I figured I might be able to get more feedback in this discussion forum on ebodies. I know the 70-71 Cudas are the more desirable of the bunch, but what are your thoughts on the 74' Cudas? Do these have some rarity in itself? I have an opportunity to buy from a private seller a 74' Cuda 360 4 speed manual all numbers matching except for the engine (in running condition) and another 74' Cuda 318 automatic (not in running condition), which the owner would ideally like to sell together. Plan was to use one as a part doner. Both have been in storage for well over 15 plus years to my knowledge. I spoke with the owner over the phone and planning to meet with him in the coming weeks to discuss a price. What are your thoughts on these? Thanks in advance for your help!

[Rich G.]

I would definitely buy the complete car if he's not asking crazy money. It all comes down to condition and how much you're willing to spend.

[70 Challenger Lover]

Hard to say without seeing them and really knowing condition. The one with the 360 four speed is a cool car. But while that combo is very desirable for a 74, it still doesn't hold a candle to the 70-71 cars. Restored, the 74 is a 30k car. I'd be hesitant to pay more than 15k for the pair unless they are pretty nice. By pretty nice, I mean straight and rust free in complete condition.

[djw383]

I wouldn't restore them, I would make one of them a killer driver, like the roadkill vanishing paint challenger. Make performance upgrades and drive the heck out of them.....2 cents.

[rocksmopar]

An "L" Code with a 4 speed in KB5 will fetch a little extra..

Production numbers were low on 360 E-Bodies.

[cuda hunter]

Doesn't get much better than an L code 4 speed kb5 for 74.   Best car of the year from all manufacturers. 

Go get em !!

[RUNCHARGER]

Agreed: Those L-codes are rare especially with a 4 speed. That is as good as it got from 72-74 aside from an SD Trans Am.

[JS29]

Agreed: Those L-codes are rare especially with a 4 speed. That is as good as it got from 72-74 aside from an SD Trans Am.

That is exactly what I was when I read cuda hunter,s reply! 

[RGAS88]

I know that an L code is a 360 engine, but what exactly do you mean by KB5?

Excuse me for my ignorance, this is all new to me

Thanks

[6bblgt]

KB5 is the paint code for "Lucerne blue metallic" for 1974 (bright blue)

does the 'cuda have a fender tag - is it documentable as originally a 360 4-speed 'cuda (BS23L4B) or Barracuda (BH23L4B) ??

[6bblgt]

engine compartment appears to have been WHITE  (EW1 = "spinnaker white")  originally 
is there a "good" bulge hood included?

US spec.:
360 4-speed '74 Barracuda ~40
360 4-speed '74 'cuda ~398

is it a CANADA spec. car?

[RGAS88]

So there is no fender tags on either cuda, but the blue cuda dash vin checks out at BS23L4B352494.

Here are the othe vins I've located. All are matching numbers except for the engine.

Radiator vin
B4 352 494
Cowl vin
4B352494
Transmision vin 4B352494
Engine vin 6A138735 (any info would help?)

I should also mention interior is blue and white material and shifter is pistol grip.

The white engine department is just layers of dust lol.

Any other info would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help.

[6bblgt]

there were NO 2-tone interiors

since there is paint on the rubber - these may not be original but it's paint not dust 

the value due to its rarity to the "collector crowd" is greatly reduced w/o documentation - is there a broadcast sheet?

[RGAS88]

I don't know if there are any broadcast sheets!

Attached is a picture of the interior, I apologize if its not too clear.

I've also attached pictures of all the vin locations. If you look at the radiator support vin it seems like car at some point was orange. Or am I wrong?

Also the dash vin does not have original screws. What you think?

[anlauto]

So did you buy them ? Did the guy put an asking price on them ?