EARLY BUILT 1971 E-BODY CARS..

[71REDCUDA]

Im looking into both early built 70 & 71 E-body cars built in Hamtramck..


Does anyone know what option code this stripe has on top of the front fender? (See cars in the pictures)

I also know of a few very early 71 Cudas with option code (V26) on the option tag.. this option was later deleted.. I was thinking maby someone here could take a guess what kind of stripe code it is?  My guess is some kind of hood stripe.


I have also seen that atleast the 8 earliest built 71 Barracuda/Cudas were built for Canada spec.


Any input is appreciated.

[Cuda Cody]

Maybe @6bblgt  knows a bit more, but I can't seem to find any factory docs on it other then the engineering drawings that were already posted in our reference section.

[6bblgt]

the vinyl "twin side stripe" in black is V6X on "BH" Barracuda & "BP" Gran Coupe

V = vinyl tops/stripes/mouldings
6 = sport/performance (ALWAYS?) vinyl side stripes
X = black

"V26" is a curious code found on 2 PILOT '71 'cudas that I'm aware of: a hemi'cuda w/SHAKER & a 340 'cuda w/rallye hood & A/C

I think it's an early pre-production code for BILLBOARDS 

[71REDCUDA]

the vinyl "twin side stripe" in black is V6X on "BH" Barracuda & "BP" Gran Coupe

V = vinyl tops/stripes/mouldings
6 = sport/performance (ALWAYS?) vinyl side stripes
X = black

"V26" is a curious code found on 2 PILOT '71 'cudas that I'm aware of: a hemi'cuda w/SHAKER & a 340 'cuda w/rallye hood & A/C

I think it's an early pre-production code for BILLBOARDS 

Yes it could be, i also only know of these 2 cars with it.

I have 4 "CARXXXXXX" cars in my records. Last one being CAR000299.. But thats all info i have on it, dont know the model.

[6bblgt]

the low sequence number '71 HAMTRAMCK VINs are all CANADA spec "PROMO" cars (DEALER INTRODUCTORY SHOW UNITS)
CANADA
BH27L1B100001 to BH27L1B10000? (all blue/blue 383 2bbl 'verts)
BH23G1B100010 to BH23G1B100011 plus? (both purple/black 318 coupes)
BS23N1B100020 to BS23N1B100026 plus? (383 'cudas)

USA
around BH23G1B100079 (orange 318 hardtop w/black & orange interior)
BS23V1B100100 to BS23V1B100120 (all GY3/black 440+6)

& hundreds more

- the "PILOT" cars were assigned  "random?" unused VINs after the "PROMO" cars VIN assignments

known Plymouth e-body PILOT cars are BH23C1B100121 GW3, BS23H1B100126 GY3, BS23R1B100378 FJ6

[CudaMoparRay]

That stripe combined with the rear '70 Hockey stripe would make a great body line accent statement while not being over powering.
More than a thin pin stripe, less than a '72-'74 and way less than a '71 billboard.

[71REDCUDA]

the low sequence number '71 HAMTRAMCK VINs are all CANADA spec "PROMO" cars (DEALER INTRODUCTORY SHOW UNITS)
CANADA
BH27L1B100001 to BH27L1B100009 (all blue/blue 383 2bbl 'verts)
BH23G1B100010 to BH23G1B100011 plus? (both purple/black 318 coupes)
BS23N1B100020 to BS23N1B100026 plus? (383 'cudas)

USA
around BH23G1B100079 (orange 318 hardtop w/black & orange interior)
BS23V1B100100 to BS23V1B100120 (all GY3/black 440+6)

& hundreds more

- the "PILOT" cars were assigned  "random?" unused VINs after the "PROMO" cars VIN assignments

known Plymouth e-body PILOT cars are BH23C1B100121 GW3, BS23H1B100126 GY3, BS23R1B100378 FJ6

Ok thanks, didnt know that many were built for Canada in the begining. About the BH23C1B100121 in GW3..im guessing its your car.. with suspected CAR#000114.. Did you find any clues or evidence of this being 000114?

Any more of "CAR000299" ?

I know for sure BH23G1B100010 to BH23G1B100012 is purple/black 318 coupes).. may be more,dont know after that..

Also, do you know of any more Challenger pilot cars than: JS23R1B100243--EL5-AUTO.

I wonder where this fit in?

[cudaized]

Been trying to find any connection/info on V26 for about 10 years.

[6bblgt]

Ok thanks, didnt know that many were built for Canada in the begining.

my understanding: there will be a number of Plymouth e-bodies (all other car lines as well) most of them identically equipped to be used for dealer meetings (not open to the public) - to showcase to dealer principals and salesmen the cars about to show up at their lots.  Since a bunch of the low VIN convertibles are known - that means there are probably 7 of each (maybe an extra convertible?) were there 7 Zones or Regions for Chrysler Canada?:
speculation & WAG ..... (a total of 29 "PROMO" CANADA spec. Plymouth E-bodies were built)
Barracuda convertibles (1B100001-1B100008)
Barracuda coupes (1B100009-1B100015)
Gran Coupes (1B100016-1B100022)
'cudas (1B100023-1B00029)

can anyone add or poke holes in the above theory?
I have info of a couple 'cuda VINs ONLY - one fits the above 1B100026, one does NOT 1B100020 (maybe the last ZERO is a 6? & it's actually the same car??)

BH23N1B100030, BH23N1B100034 & BH27N1B100035 are EXPORT cars & on your side of the Atlantic - What info can you share and/or tell us about these Barracudas, any rumors about 031, 032, 033?

About the BH23C1B100121 in GW3..im guessing its your car.. with suspected CAR#000114.. Did you find any clues or evidence of this being 000114?

BH23C1B100121's core support & cowl are both stamped "B0 000114" 

Any more of "CAR000299" ?

I know nothing of "CAR000299", what do you know: body, "M" number, anything?

I know for sure BH23G1B100010 to BH23G1B100012 is purple/black 318 coupes).. may be more,dont know after that..

what info is known about 1B100012?

[cudaized]

1B100012

[Cuda Cody]

I do not think I've ever seen a pilot car or super early car that was documented like those ever come up for sale.  Do most of them trade hands privately before hitting the open market?  Would be super cool to get to take care of one of those cars.  Maybe someday I'll get the chance.  Until that day, thank you for helping keep track of them.

[cudaized]

I always thought that there were 7 initial convertibles.
BH27L1B100001-100007

BS27N1B100039
BS27N1B100053 FC7 H6X9 D22 I

[6bblgt]

the above covers the CANADA spec. "PROMO" Plymouth e-bodies

US spec. appears to have covered 21 Zones or Regions & the 'cuda "PROMO" was 440+6 powered, painted "curious yellow" and just about every OPTION available  - at least 7 of the estimated 21 cars still survive: VINs BS23V1B100100-BS23V1B100120

a non-stock 1B100110 had a little mishap on track at Norwalk Raceway Park in Ohio ~10 years ago

I do NOT know of any other 1971 PROMO Plymouth e-bodies  Barracuda, Gran Coupe, other

[71REDCUDA]

Ok thanks, didnt know that many were built for Canada in the begining.

my understanding: there will be a number of Plymouth e-bodies (all other car lines as well) most of them identically equipped to be used for dealer meetings (not open to the public) - to showcase to dealer principals and salesmen the cars about to show up at their lots.  Since a bunch of the low VIN convertibles are known - that means there are probably 7 of each (maybe an extra convertible?) were there 7 Zones or Regions for Chrysler Canada?:
speculation & WAG ..... (a total of 29 "PROMO" CANADA spec. Plymouth E-bodies were built)
Barracuda convertibles (1B100001-1B100008)
Barracuda coupes (1B100009-1B100015)
Gran Coupes (1B100016-1B100022)
'cudas (1B100023-1B00029)

can anyone add or poke holes in the above theory?
I have info of a couple 'cuda VINs ONLY - one fits the above 1B100026, one does NOT 1B100020 (maybe the last ZERO is a 6? & it's actually the same car??)

BH23N1B100030, BH23N1B100034 & BH27N1B100035 are EXPORT cars & on your side of the Atlantic - What info can you share and/or tell us about these Barracudas, any rumors about 031, 032, 033?

About the BH23C1B100121 in GW3..im guessing its your car.. with suspected CAR#000114.. Did you find any clues or evidence of this being 000114?

BH23C1B100121's core support & cowl are both stamped "B0 000114" 

Any more of "CAR000299" ?

I know nothing of "CAR000299", what do you know: body, "M" number, anything?

I know for sure BH23G1B100010 to BH23G1B100012 is purple/black 318 coupes).. may be more,dont know after that..

what info is known about 1B100012?

Very intresting, it must be possible to figure out home many "zones" in Canada there were..

Why do you think there is an "extra 8th" BH27L1B- car built... Do you know any info about:BH27L1B100009 ?

If your BH23C1B100121 is stamped like that i also think its CAR000114.. But these few "pilot" car VINs are all over the place.. Why not start the Pilot cars with 100001...

Sorry, i do not have any more info about 000299, i might got the info from Kori in Canada..not sure, i will check and get back..

About the BS23N1B100020 car.. I only have the VIN-nr.. (see pic) But it looks correct to me.. It was EL5 and a raced as a dirt track car.

I only know of 2 "PROMO" Cudas. The BS23N1B100020 & 100026.


I belive BH23N1B100030 // BH23N1B100034-FE5 // BH27N1B100035-GW3 is French cars.. I do not have any info on 100030.. And havnt heard of 100031 // 100032 // 100033 but they may be around here in Europe.

Thanks
Nicklas

[6bblgt]

here's the schedule for the 1972 Dodge "Announcement Meetings" & 21 "REGIONS"

FYI: 1972 production started 2 weeks earlier (mid-July) than what was normal in '70 & '71 (first week of August)