[Pics] About to buy this car. Could you guys give me some insight?

[casualcormorant]

I've always wanted a cuda, but never go to the point that I did a ton of research into them. I know very little about the nitty gritty of what the differences are between models/trims.

Photos of the car are at the bottom of this post

The car is listed as a "1970 barracuda" and the listing claims "has all original parts". Thats all. The person selling it inherited the car from his grandfather and doesnt know a ton about it. They want $15k. They havent gotten me the VIN or a photo of the VIN plate, but I asked for it. Just waiting.

From my 2 hours of googling, I think I'm looking at a 1970 AAR. It looks like the 340 just had a new filter and valve covers put on it. I've checked and found similar valve covers from Holley for the 340. The hood appears to have the same slots as the AAR hood, and it has "AAR" sprayed on the spoiler and fenders. I cant find any information on those markings or why they would be there. It has not started in over a year, but it did start last time there was an attempt.

Edit: A few people have told me the engine looks like either a 383 or some other big block. It has other AAR parts, though..

Is this what I think it is, or am I totally off base? Is $15k crazy?

 

[70chall440]

I dont think that this is an AAR, it does have some AAR stuff on it (like 60% of the Cuda's out there today). Those parts were and are readily available. If it is a true AAR the VIN should be BS23JOBXXXXX. It should also have a number of other items to include a 2nd fender tag that says "TRANS AM" which of course could be missing. If the VIN is anything different than what I just wrote it is not an AAR. Post the VIN or better yet the fender tag and members here will tell you exactly how that car left the plant when new.

All this said, $15K is not horrible for a 70 4spd Cuda, some might say it is really good, others may not especially without seeing the floors, trunk, under carriage, etc.

 

[casualcormorant]

I dont think that this is an AAR, it does have some AAR stuff on it (like 60% of the Cuda's out there today). Those parts were and are readily available. If it is a true AAR the VIN should be BS23JOBXXXXX. It should also have a number of other items to include a 2nd fender tag that says "TRANS AM" which of course could be missing. If the VIN is anything different than what I just wrote it is not an AAR. Post the VIN or better yet the fender tag and members here will tell you exactly how that car left the plant when new.

All this said, $15K is not horrible for a 70 4spd Cuda, some might say it is really good, others may not especially without seeing the floors, trunk, under carriage, etc.

I'm waiting on more details from the seller. There are a few oddities making me nervous about it. Colorado plates, persons account claims they live in Colorado, car is in Florida, doesnt know anything about it, needs it sold ASAP. Definitely not going to show up unless they can get me the VIN and proof of ownership.

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

It is NOT a 340, that is for sure. Looks very much like a 383 big block. No AAR's were built with 383's, all were 340's. Also, AAR's have TWO fender tags, this one only has one shown. My guess is its a AAR wannabe. You need to SEE that VIN and fender tag as well as personally inspect the car to have any real clue as to what you are buying. My guess is its a BH car, not a BS car.

 

[70chall440]

I have to say I completely missed that it was a BB... I must be getting old.

As to your worries, based on what you have said I don't know I would be all that nervous so long as they have a clear title. You have to remember that these are old cars, people buy and sell them all the time and many times do not transfer the title, in fact I have 3 cars right now that I have not transferred the titles on.

This car looks pretty typical of many of them, they were all rode hard and put up wet and over time they break and many times they don't get repaired and at some point become derelict at which point they sit (and deteriorate even more) and then eventually get sold off. Many times the buyer thinks it will be a simple task to get going again but then find out it is more involved and then sell it off; on and on it goes. Now days though, when an E body comes up for sale, especially a 70/71 4spd car people come swooping it.

I don't anything about you so take this for what it is worth, regardless of the price it is going to take some money to make it usable, how much depends on what's wrong with it and how nice you want it. Many people do no understand this aspect and think "oh $15K isn't too bad" but then find out its going to take another $20-50K to make it the car they see in their head. But wait, the cars on the auctions are selling for 6 figures, so its all good.... right.. NOT... the many cars you don't see sell for far less and the ones you do typically have provenance and have something special about them (rare color, options, etc.). I was at BJ last year and talked to a guy selling a plum crazy/white 70 Challenger RT/SE 440 AT AC PS, PB car that he had spent $100K restoring, it sold for $50K...

Not trying to be a dick or rain on your parade, just trying to offer some reality to the situation. All this said, if your dream car is a 70 Cuda with a 4 spd, then this seems to be a good candidate assuming the under pinning's (floor, frame, etc.) are ok.

 

[DetMatt1]

Exhaust through the rear valence would be another indication of it not being an AAR. Have them take a picture of that fender tag, I’d love to see it. In the picture of the engine you can see it mounted to the driver’s side inner fender. Oh and welcome to the site from the Motor City!

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

.....Exhaust through the rear valence would be another indication of it not being an AAR...... !

Jeezsh, since we are confessing to our oversights now, I have to also confess I totally missed the rear valence too. I'm just like 70chall440, getting old! (and don't want to admit it)

 

[Chryco Psycho]

If it is solid it is worth the 15k
They have added the hood & spoiler tho , for sure not an AAR , but likely a BS23 Cuda with the rear exhaust & Ralley dash

 

[EV2RTSE]

A true AAR would also have a rear-mounted antenna, I'm also thinking it's a BS23N, 383 4-speed 'Cuda. Still a very nice find and a fair price at 15k if it's as solid as it appears to be.

 

[57fury440]

The dash pad also appears to have been changed. The 1970 model should have the barracuda logo molded in not the insert like the newer models have. I think a lot of things have been changed on this car. It still sounds like a good price if it has decent floor panels and rails.

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Be careful with a changed out dash car. Make sure the vin tag match's and is present.

 

[fastmark]

Lots of questions on this one. It not an AAR unless he moved the antenna from the rear. It’s probably a BS Cuda by the plastic clips around the tail panel panel that are still visible. Not many would change that on a BS Barracuda and leave it off. With the dash changed, I’d sure look at the vin compared to body stampings and check for motor and trans numbers as well. The location and title would make me nervous. Where did you find this car and how did you get the pictures? I think this looks like some trouble. If the car is in Florida, it may be much worse than you see.

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Looks like it has only been in Florida for a few years. The mold under the body center line is only growing on part of the car so far. Colorado doesn't get much rust so you might be lucky with the rust issues.
MORE pictures please! Let's see some under carriage pictures and a fender tag pic!

 

[Edward Hackett]

I've always wanted a cuda, but never go to the point that I did a ton of research into them. I know very little about the nitty gritty of what the differences are between models/trims.

Photos of the car are at the bottom of this post

The car is listed as a "1970 barracuda" and the listing claims "has all original parts". Thats all. The person selling it inherited the car from his grandfather and doesnt know a ton about it. They want $15k. They havent gotten me the VIN or a photo of the VIN plate, but I asked for it. Just waiting.

From my 2 hours of googling, I think I'm looking at a 1970 AAR. It looks like the 340 just had a new filter and valve covers put on it. I've checked and found similar valve covers from Holley for the 340. The hood appears to have the same slots as the AAR hood, and it has "AAR" sprayed on the spoiler and fenders. I cant find any information on those markings or why they would be there. It has not started in over a year, but it did start last time there was an attempt.

Edit: A few people have told me the engine looks like either a 383 or some other big block. It has other AAR parts, though..

Is this what I think it is, or am I totally off base? Is $15k crazy?

I have a for-real AAR I bought in 1979.
The rear suspension should have a factory sway bar, the frame rails near the front spring perches should be boxed in, and on the steering box, the steering arm should be different than the standard 'Cuda. This steering arm gives the car a faster steering ratio. Check the VIN stanmped into the engine block, tans housing, and on the rear end. If these numbers match the VIN on the dash and fender tag, then this is a clumsy attempt at a "clone". Real AARs bring a premium compared to the 383 'Cuda.
The rear leaf springs on the AAR have an extra leaf and a different arch to give the AAR side-exit exhaust extra clearance.
I hope this helps. One other thing; the AAR radio antenae was mounted on the right rear quarter, not the front fender, so a true AAR would at least have a hole back there.

 

[Jim Moroz]

For your reference, 2.5 years ago I purchased a rust free 1973 Cuda, numbers matching car for $20K + $4K in new parts. Came from Sacramento, needed full restoration with no rust repair. I am now into the car for $60K (not including my time) and while it is a beautiful piece, I just want you to know what your getting into. Jim

 

[gs73rallye]

Just some insight, to what I see. Probably not original engine, cut lines and ballast resister on fender. Fender edge has been cut off ( you can see body nut, but, but no fender lip to bolt to). Hood pin holes drilled in to core support, instead of proper brackets. Dash has been hacked with may holes. Electrical problems, cut wires and fuses on floor. It is up to you, depending on if you want to restore, or just have a fun car, but just things I noticed, that you may not have.

 

[57fury440]

Did you try making an offer. The car does not run so it may need some serious engine work. Still, if it is a big block car and you can do a lot of the work it sounds like the price is not too bad. I would want to look at the fender tag before I paid any money so you know what you are buying.

 

[Crossram413]

It is probably not an original 4 spd judging by the console mounting brackets on the hump.

 

[Charlie71rt]

Was the standard instrument cluster included in the AAR package and Ralley cluster a option? Or was that the way the T/A came? I am probably way off base on this but I thought I read that AAR started life as a BH as opposed to the T/A which was JS

 

[57fury440]

I'm pretty sure the AARs came with the standard dash like other Barracudas and Cudas. If that is the original rug it looks like it could be a 4 -speed car that came with a console. Wouldn't an automatic have the holes for the shifter linkage in the floor?