Plymouth created the 1970 AAR ‘Cuda as a homologation special for the cut-throat Trans Am Series. These cars remain extremely desirable, with spotless examples commanding impressive prices. However, with a build total of 2,724 cars during the single production year, finding a tribute is an easier and more affordable option. That is the story of our feature car. It is based on a ‘Cuda 340 and carries some of the cosmetic enhancements of the genuine article. It has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Allen, Texas. Bidding has raced to $28,100, which is below the reserve.
Plymouth released the E-Body Barracuda range for the 1970 model year, and like its cousin the Dodge Challenger, these cars are among the most purposeful looking to roll off an American production line during that period. The first owner ordered this ‘Cuda 340 in Plum Crazy, one of the most desirable shades to grace these cars. Faulting its presentation initially seems impossible, but there is one very obvious imperfection that I am sure the new owner will address fairly quickly. A close-up of the driver’s side rear quarter panel reveals a fairly large scratch, and I’m surprised that nobody has done something about this. There may be a fear about achieving a satisfactory color match, although most reputable shops shouldn’t strike any problems on that front. Otherwise, the paint shines beautifully, the panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rust-free. The 15″ Rally wheels are spotless, with the same true of the glass and trim. Someone has transformed this car into an AAR tribute, adding a reproduction fiberglass hood, rear spoiler, and stripes. It isn’t a total transformation, because it lacks the distinctive front spoilers and side-exit exhaust. Those parts are readily available if someone wishes to complete the illusion, although reversing the change is another option.
A genuine AAR ‘Cuda should feature a 340ci V8 that inhales deeply through a “Six Barrel” induction system to generate 290hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. This car’s numbers-matching 340 utilizes an upgraded Holley carburetor, Edelbrock intake, and headers, meaning it probably produces more than the 275hp and 340 ft/lbs claimed by the factory. The three-speed TorqueFlite isn’t original, but the driver will undoubtedly welcome the power steering. Potential buyers should consider this ‘Cuda as a turnkey proposition. The seller states that it runs and drives well and that the engine has plenty of power. I have no difficulty believing that claim, considering in its standard form, this Plymouth could return a 15.4-second ¼-mile ET. The improved breathing should see that figure slashed to a very respectable number.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, this ‘Cuda features a console, a sports gauge cluster with a tachometer, and an aftermarket radio/cassette player. I typically prefer originality, but given the changes elsewhere, this is an acceptable upgrade. The presentation is exceptionally tidy, with no evidence of abuse, wear, or mistreatment. The faux woodgrain hasn’t developed the worn look that can come with age, and nothing has been impacted by UV exposure.
It doesn’t take much time or effort to confirm that this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 isn’t a genuine AAR. However, it has many positive points if considered purely as a high-end driver. Its solid nature and overall condition are impressive, and its turnkey nature means it is ready to provide a new owner with immediate motoring pleasure. Those factors and the desirable paint shade help to explain why it has already attracted thirty-seven bids. With healthy Watch List and view totals, it is fair to expect the price to rise considerably as the auction heads into the final days. How much would you be prepared to pay for this stunning ‘Cuda?
How many of us would’ve gotten one of the real AAR’s back then but could barely afford the rent on the studio we lived in at the time. Yeah, me too. Even though this isn’t the real McCoy it’s still more than a reasonable facsimile thereof, and many of us would drive it proudly despite the auto trans.
Nice job.
GLWTA!
A good looking fast car in a great color. They really hit the jackpot with these cars.
Not a fan of clones, it wouldn’t diminish the car one bit if they had left the AAR stripes off.
As for the price, it’s on the dealers website for $56,500, several of their cars have recently been featured on this site, they seem to set the reserve at the same price they have on their website. For that amount of money I’d rather have a real AAR or TA Challenger that’s rough around the edges.
Steve R
Agree……went to the eBay site….lot said – lot unsaid…..pictures tell the story.
A fake is a fake is a fake is a fake is a fake, and that’s what a tribute car is. This is a pretty decent piece of machinery for what it really is none the less, but would I give as much green as a lot of people would for it? Not nearly..
I looked at this online earlier in the week and agree I’d return it to a 340 ‘cuda look. However the dash VIN looks funky.
It has been riveted in place with generic round head rivets (not the rose headed OEM ones). As well it looks like it’s another dash.
Enough to turn me off, especially at the ask.
Why would someone make this into an AAR tribute and give it a ‘cuda 340 VIN? I suppose it makes sense when you consider that they only went half way in turning it into an AAR.
I can’t speculate as to why, but those are definitely not the Chrysler Corp. rivets this car left the factory with holding down it’s dash VIN tag.
I think a real, matching numbers, In Violet (Plum Crazy was the name when the color was applied to a Dodge) ‘cuda 340 would be worth more than a half-hearted imitation of a ‘cuda AAR.
This is a nice 340 car. It takes sooo much more to make a real AAR clone. So far the investment is only a fiberglas hood and strobe stripes. Peel the stripes and you have a nice car.
AAR Cudas had the side exit exhaust ahead of the real wheels, a chrome pipe at the end. There was the different carb setup and probably upgraded suspension and brake hardware as well. As a Cuda 340 this is fine, but not buying the AAR tribute. Side note, ran across one in the late 70’s in brown on a car lot. It was cheap, but I didn’t have the money and had to stick with my ’73 Satellite GBI detective car.
I love the color, like the hood ok, but would ditch the strobe and AAR emblem part of it and just put on a nice 340 hockey stick stripe.
To get the AAR vibe better it needs at least the SixPak and side exhaust. Baring that I would just make a really nice Cuda 340. Otherwise you will constantly have people telling you its not an AAR. Duh…
But I would really want to see the fender tag or build sheet to confirm the originality of the color and engine before I’d make an offer.
A friend of mine owned a Green one and I owned a ’69 B-5 Blue Super Bee. The arguments and the Drags were legendary!
It’s impossible to tell from the pictures, but it’s likely also missing the 15″ Rally Wheels that came with the AAR. The wheel centers aren’t original to this car (they’re from a ’71) so likely the wheels aren’t either.
I don’t understand why people get so worked up about clones ? You and 90% of others wouldn’t know the difference if they didn’t tell you!
The main reason I don’t like clones is that makes that don’t include some form of identification in the VIN eventually get passed if as real. The other thing about most clones is they are done half-a’sed, most cut corners somewhere, effectively recreating the look only. There is nothing wrong with adding whatever equipment or graphics such as stripes someone wants, just stop short of adding emblems and lettering identifying it as the real thing. I’ve had Chevelle’s and other cars where I’d use the performance models hood, rear spoiler and other items often associated, but would always de-emblem the car.
If I see a clone I’m not going to insult the car or criticize the owner, I don’t take offense to it either, I’ll just not interested in looking at it and keep walking.
Steve R
Huh I want my 2 duces
I think that you meant to hit the key just to the right of #2.
A 340 Cuda handled street duty far better that the much heavier big block cars. Regardless of the AAR parts it’s a nice 70 Cuda.
I almost bought a 70 340 cuda but it was an automatic, I went with the 71 Duster 340 4 speed. My pops had a 70 cuda automatic
I took my driver’s test in it that was Oct 1970, he bought his car dec 1969. I bought mine in Oct 1972 as a 71 left over dealer demo with 1,456 miles on it.
Ended at $46,300.
Reserve Not Met, of course.
This seller sure gets a lot of free advertising here on Barn Finds, but it is of no help selling their overpriced inventory.