The classic cars, especially those from the muscle car era, unrestored survivors hold a special place. These vehicles, often family heirlooms, are rare and cherished for their authenticity. One such example is this stunning 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda. This particular Cuda has been in the same family since it was new, passed down from the original owner to his grandson.
A local mechanic, who has known the car since the 1970s, has been responsible for its routine maintenance. Now, as the grandson looks to put the car back on the road after years of storage, the mechanic has given it a thorough checkup.
Despite its age, the Cuda still wears its original Sassy Grass green paint, though closer inspection reveals a few minor blemishes. The interior is equally impressive, with its striking white and black color combination and well-preserved upholstery.
The dash and steering wheel show minimal wear, a testament to the car’s low mileage and garage storage. Under the hood lies a numbers-matching 340 cubic inch V8 engine paired with a three speed automatic transmission.
While the engine was refreshed sometime in the 2000s, it still retains its original HEMI orange paint. The AAR Cuda is a rare and desirable classic, introduced in 1970 to homologate the Barracuda for the SCCA Trans Am series.
Its distinctive features, such as the unique bodywork, larger brakes, and upgraded suspension, make it a sought-after collectible among muscle car enthusiasts. The iconic AAR uda, a muscle car that dominated the streets in the early 1970s, is known for its powerful engine and distinctive styling.
Under the hood, a six-barrel 340 engine roared to life, producing a staggering 290 horsepower. The exterior was equally impressive, featuring a bulging hood scoop, a lightweight fiberglass hood, side exiting exhaust pipes, and a unique stripe package.
The AAR Cuda was offered alongside its Dodge counterpart, the T/A, but both models were discontinued in 1970 due to intense competition from the Ford Mustang Boss 302 and Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the Trans-Am series.
Plymouth sold a limited number of AAR Cudas, with only 2,724 examples produced in 1970, representing just 5.6% of the total production. Of these, only 1,604 were equipped with an automatic transmission, and 150 were sold in Canada. To fully appreciate this automotive masterpiece, watch the video below, which features a comprehensive walkaround and a thrilling test drive.
