The third generation of the Plymouth Barracuda began in 1970, and while production lasted through 1974, the AAR model of the ‘Cuda was a one-year-only offering for ’70. The AAR, or All American Racer, was inspired by the Trans Am ‘Cudas raced by Dan Gurney and Swede Savage. The street versions featured a lightweight fiberglass hood, staggered front and rear tires, a special strobe stripe, side-exit exhaust, and a 340 cubic engine equipped with three 2-barrel carburetors- the “Six Pack”! Less than 3,000 AAR ‘Cudas were made, and if you’ve been looking for a rare E-Body that’s ready to go, this 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda just might be a good car for you. Located in Weymouth, Massachusetts, it can be seen here on eBay with the bidding up to $51,600 and the reserve not yet met.
The owner of this ‘Cuda has had the car since 2012, and since then has performed a rotisserie restoration. He does include a link with numerous restoration photos, and while the ‘Cuda was in need of refreshment, it had good bones to start with and still has its original doors, hood, fenders, trunk lid, and quarter panels, along with the original front and rear spoilers. The factory color was F4 Bright Green Metallic, but it is now wearing FJ5 Limelight paint. There are a few imperfections mentioned, such as some bubbles starting to form low on the quarters, and the rear stripe on the passenger side needs to be replaced. An authentic Mopar stripe kit does come with the car.
The original numbers-matching motor and 4-Speed were not with the car when the current owner acquired it, although it did have a TA engine and transmission. The rear end is original, with 3.91 gears. The 340 has been thoroughly gone through and bored 0.030 with Ross pistons, Eagle crankshaft, SCAT rods, plus some other goodies and is said to run perfectly. Both clutch and transmission are rebuilt with all original OEM parts. The seller says his ‘Cuda is driven frequently and has proven to be reliable.
Things are looking really good underneath as well, with a completely rebuilt suspension including new ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings. The torsion bars and leaf springs are original. The frame rails, floor pans, trunk pan, firewall, and fender aprons are said to be untouched, and the ‘Cuda has the correct coin on the K-frame. The intake manifolds are original, with an Accurate Reproduction exhaust.
The interior is original and said to be in excellent condition, although it has a tear in the driver’s seat and a crack in the dashboard pad. The standard dash was upgraded to a Rallye cluster, and all gauges are functioning normally. At the time of this writing, the auction still has more than a week remaining, and with the current bid less than $15k away from the car’s $65k reserve I’m guessing that number will be met or exceeded. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda?
What a Gorgeous car !!! To bad the original motor and
4-speed are gone.
I would love to drive this car. Wish it was in my garage.
I’m getting ready to sell mine and it is perfect.
Not a 6 pack. Plymouth called it a 6 barrel
Why did they put 340 six pack decals on the air cleaner and front fenders then on some of these and in their advertisements. They called them six packs.
Maybe the 440’s with the 3×2 intake were called 6 barrels. I’m only repeating what a mopar guy told me yrs ago. Not trying to be an ass
You are describing a Dodge Challenger. Dodge called the 3×2 barrels Six packs. Plymouth called them a 340 Six Barrel. If you see a six barrel decal on a Plymouth it’s been put there after market.
You are recalling a Dodge Challenger T/A. Plymouth never had six pack decals on them from the factory.
Dodge called 3 two barrels six pack. Plymouth always referred to them as six barrels.
all the +6 cars I’ve seen was six pack on dodge and six barrel on plymouth…if you look at the ebay add air cleaner says six barrel
I read the description on Ebay– it says the original motor was gone, but he got a 340 T/A engine, so if that is the case, then the motor came out of a Challenger. Either way, this is a beautiful car that must be a blast to drive!
It may not be a numbers matching example, but it sure looks like a good driver.
I am Limelight green with envy…
I’m surprised it hasn’t hit its reserve since it’s non original color and drive train. Also there’s no build sheet to verify if the fender tags are correct or not.
If you just had to have a performance engine in those days, the 340 wasn’t all that bad of a way to go. At least it handled a little better, and the LA engines were a bit more reliable. Too bad about the 3.91 rear end, made them a pain on the freeway. The standard 3.23 was the only way to go if you ask me. Made for a better all around car. That 3.91, 4.11, etc, was suited for a drag strip, not the real world, and a 340 was not that kind of engine. People bought big blocks for that.
FWIW 3.55 was standard gear for T/A & AAR. 3.91 was the only option.
Unlike the Challenger T/A, the AAR ‘cuda never had any external badges or markings indicating 6 barrels.
With regards to performance, the AAR was designed as a racing car versus a drag car. However the 340 engine was specially made for AARs and T/As. With 1350 cfm, it actually breathed better than a hemi up until 5000 rpm. If you’ve ever seen vintage drag racing films, the hemi doesn’t overtake the AAR until the last 100 yards or so.
There were two of these at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale. One was a nicely restored example. The other, well, some moron had butchered it into some kind of “Pro/Street/Touring” thing. Huge wing and scoop, tubbed rear end, etc. He had a sign board bragging about having done this to real AAR. Some people…
$54,100 now and reserve not met.
I think this car is supposed to have a 3 speed wiper motor…not the 2 speed shown.
“ Intake manifold is original “? Eldelbrock supplied these? Now curious.
All I can say is “Wow”! My dream car, for sure.
Probably too much to ask this crew to not nit pick it to death……
I get what you’re saying and I don’t nitpick anything featured here. Sure, I have my personal likes and dislikes but so does everyone else. I just enjoy reading about and looking at vehicles in general and I can always find something interesting in any of them.
Just curious. What does the “correct coin on the K member” mean? Educate me please.
A production ID# was stamped on a coin found on the K member. Check out the e-body forum for more detailed info.
Thank you for the information.
It looks like the unusual original tire size with the front at E60x15″ and rear at G60x15″ was changed to G60s all around. Not a big deal but for those who don’t know it, it does change the look and probably drives a little different. Easy to “fix” if anyone cares. Here’s a good AAR info site:
https://the70aarcuda.com/aar-%60cuda
My brother and I each had one at the same time (a white and a yellow, both with vinyl roofs). They were nice cars and probably still are…
Nicely done! Beautiful ‘Cuda! Who cares if it’s not numbers-matching? 340, 6-pack, 4-speed and a detailed restoration. It’s like a new car, what else could you ask for? A new truck or car can cost more than this. If you’re wanting to spend money on a toy, this would be it.
SOLD for $67,600.
This is in between Hagerty’s #3 and #4 condition for a numbers matching example. Top condition is valued at $130,000, so half price for a car that looks and drives the part sounds like a great deal.