Looking for 1970 hemicuda - triple black

Hi All,

I'd like to find my Dad's triple black 1970 hemicuda. I have a partial VIN code, B_23R0_217789. I think I can fill in the blanks but I thought that I'd post this message to get the ball rolling.

History: Originally ordered by David Hart (my Dad) near Gallipolis, Ohio. It was a highly optioned 4 speed car that he ordered late in 1969. He took delivery in early 1970. That summer, he wrecked into a building (small grocery store) driving like a 22 year old. He sold the car and several parts to a man named Cliff. It is believed that Cliff went on to rebuild the car, possibly with the stock motor. It is also believed that cliff was the owner/operator of a scrap metal business in the southern ohio area years later.

Dad has an interesting car history that I'd like to fill out the blanks and write a story about.

Thanks for any help.

Dave Jr

Well the second digit is DEFINATELY an "S" as its a Cuda, not a Barracuda. I believe the 7th digit would be a "B" to designate the Hamtramck Michigan assembly plant (I THINK all hemi Cudas were built in Hamtramck, but Barry and others can confirm or refute this...)

Thank you.

BS23R0B217789

It's crazy what you can find when you look.

I just spoke with the car's second owner Carl Clifford Stapleton, goes by Clifford. Cifford did rebuild the car with a 426 Hemi from a 1969 roadrunner. Clifford sold the car to a teacher in Gallia County, Ohio named James (Jim) Bennet. The car was sold again, possible to a new owner in Texas.

BTW, Clifford bought the car for $350 and a running Hemi for $450, pretty good deal even back then.

I haven't been able to track down owner number 3. That is my only lead for now.

Sadly, these are the only pictures my Dad has of the hemicuda. Thank God no one was seriously hurt in the accident. I'll post the entire story sometime.

sad pics ,
but excellent reference for "no-size" POLYGLAS GTs on a mid-December '69 built hemi'cuda

summer of '70?

Amazing that you have those pictures AND the vin. If it is out there I'm sure you will find it. But one of the reasons they are worth so much now is that many never made it this far. Good luck. I hope you find it.

6bblgt, It was the summer of 1970. It took 6 months for delivery and showed up with low oil pressure and a messed up clutch. Dad always thought that some chrysler exec abused it for awhile or maybe the transporter beat on it during loading/unloading.

jeff968, Thanks for the well wishes. This car only kept it's original sheetmetal and motor for six weeks! You're right, low supply and high demand...

It was really saved after that wreck?

Why does the driver's mirror look like a 71?

Thanks for sharing this great story, Dave Jr., and all the best wishes to your research!!

Here it is today:

Awesome! I see it has picked up a few day-two changes but looks much better then it did in the summer of 1970.

Seriously Nicklas ... THAT's the same car??

Looks incredibly NICE!!

I don't recognize that license plate on the car ... where is that from??

WOW!!!! It's exciting to see this picture. Thank you 71redcuda! Sorry, I lost track of this thread for awhile.

Is it overseas? Too bad it would be so difficult to see in person. Dad will be happy to see his old friend survived, I can't wait to show him.