I just bought a ’71 Barracuda, 383. The
previous owner said it was an ’Cuda; but
the VIN is BH23N1B. When I had the data
plate decoded, this is what I learned:
J45– Hood Pins
N41– Dual Exhausts
E63– 383 4BBl Hi-Perf
D32– 727 Auto Trans
So, my question is this. Does a Barracuda
“‘Cuda” have to be a “BS” code,
or can a “BH” be one as well? If this is not
a ‘Cuda, how rare is this “stealth” ‘Cuda
(since the only thing missing is the BS”
code, and what is one worth in #2 condition?
It’s not a ’Cuda, and can’t ever be. Period.
As far as it being a “stealth” ’Cuda, well,
maybe. Here’s why I have reservations:
you didn’t provide a complete list of
options, but bear in mind that the ’Cuda
model was much more than an engine
and graphics deal. Besides the obvious
totally different hood, there were numerous
suspension and brake differences.
To equal these on a base Barracuda, the
tag would have to show either H.D. drum
brakes (B11) or discs w/power (B41 and
B51.) Then, it would need to be coded for
H.D. suspension (S13), but since you car
has the 383-4, that’s included; it would
also need the S25 firm-ride shocks. It
would also have to show a tire code of
T86 or T87.
Rarity? Value? There were approx.
150 383-4 ’71 Barracuda hardtops built.
As to the price, of course condition is
everything. “#2 condition” isn’t much to
go on, and pix would have been nice, but
any unrusted (and un-Bondo’d) big-block
E-body has to be $20K plus.
