Genuine AAR ‘Cudas don’t exactly grow on trees, so we tend to take note when one shows up for sale. Of course, these days, almost any muscle car of value gets restored no matter how bad it is, but this one seems like a genuinely good starting point. The seller even has the numbers matching engine and transmission to accompany the AAR, which is simply unheard of when it comes to project-grade muscle cars. Even better is that the original paint code is the desirable FJ5 “Sublime Green” paint, so this project roller really does check all of the boxes. Find it here on eBay where bidding is at $29,100 with the reserve unmet.
Despite being in Maine, the seller describes the Plymouth as not being a rot box, claiming the trunk floor is the only major area of concern along with a small hole in the driver’s side floor. The rest of the bodywork appears to be quite straight, but there’s no telling if there’s filler underneath. The paintwork leaves more than a few questions, as it appears the original color is still visible underneath the primer surfaces on the driver’s side door and fender – is that FJ5 green paint poking through? Seeing the original AAR decal on the rear quarter also inspires some confidence that this may be a better foundation for a project than it at first appears.
The interior is trashed, but amazingly, not rusty. It’s hard to tell exactly what happened here: did someone begin to part this car out when it wasn’t worth as much and then stop, or was a previous attempt made at restoration that never reached its intended completion? Whatever the case may be, it’s impressive that the floors don’t appear to be completely rotten, as any car of this vintage that stands outdoors is likely to need complete replacement of those sections by this point. Judging by the seat condition, it did spend some time outdoors, but perhaps it moved to Maine from a more hospitable climate. As far as included parts, the seller lists the following: original grill, spoiler, dash, front seats, door panels, sun visors, front lights, rear lights, air cleaner, bottom plate, side mirror, radiator, valances, bumpers, header panel, and more.
The fact that all of these original parts are included sends a strong signal to me that the ‘Cuda was never intended to be found like the carcass it currently is. Someone intended to put it back together, given they took the time to set aside all of the original parts and keep them with the car. The numbers matching engine and transmission will also come with the original intake and carburetors, another feature that is typically lost to the sands of time by now. The AAR ‘Cuda has been a genuine collector’s item for quite some time now, and with bids nearing $30,000, it’s pretty clear it’s just as hot as ever.
Lots of original parts, yes; but what about the original nuts/bolts/clips/fasteners/etc. that go with them? Best wishes to the one who tackles putting this very solid “jigsaw puzzle ” back together! It will be a beauty when completed! GLWTA!! :-)
6 pack??
You can just hear Mark Worman snickering and wagging his finger at that one.
Yes, all AAR ‘Cudas and T/A Challengers were.
There is a slug of pedigree mopars coming to the surface. Nice to see them all.
Only about 75 mi from my house….not to many unique cars around this neck of the woods…way more of a project than I’d consider, cool car to the right person…..besides my wife would flip out if I pulled into driveway with that on my trailer….already have a 66 impala conv half built taking up one side of the garage for the last 3 yrs.
Is that an automatic? I thought these club race AAR cars we’re only available 4spd..
No, Stan, they were available with either a four speed or automatic.
Thanks Phil
That was for the boss 302 by ford
The 67-69 Camaro Z/28’s were only available with a 4 speed as well.
Yes fox .. exactly. Thank you
Yes, all Cuda AARs and Challenger T/As were 340 Six Barrel/Six Packs.
30g seems like a lot here. That’s that’s Hyundai Veloster N, WRX, and GTI money. Similar purpose cars that’ll run rings around this, and fully restored out of the box But I reckon there’s the power of lost youth here. If you’ve got the money, you’ll pay a lot to get that back, even if it’s just for those moments you’re behind the wheel.. Something I reckon us non-Boomer folks have a hard time understanding. But it’s coming through in these prices.
Haha. Comparing any of those cars to an AAR Cuda. Classic. In 40 years nobody will know those cars existed.
It’s entertaining how often people say these cannot perform like a new car. Well, no kidding. This car is over half a century old. It’s an absurd comparison to even think about. That said, if you haven’t, you should ride on a track with one of these cars. For a nearly geriatric automobile built by boomers, it might shock the heck out of you.
The AAR is in a league all it’s own – the same level as a Hemi Cuda, IMO.
You can’t determine value based on a regular Cuda. 30K for a matching numbers AAR is certainly worth it to a certain group of collectors / restorers.
It’s just like how most folks don’t “get” the value of an old rusty 911 or E-Type. Those with the skills and pockets realize the potential, and the enjoyment of ownership.
Yep Bick your right about this old car – and just think in a few more years you can run rings around my grave.
Why are you even here?
Over 35k now. Make that Golf R money. The nostalgia is strong with this one.
Dodge called it a 6 pack. Plymouth called it a 6 barrel. Comment on the auto vs manual also. The 67-69 Z/28’s were manual trans only. No auto Z’s till 70.
To get this car into any reasonable condition you’re looking at at least 500 man hours of labor. At $130 an hour that’s at least $65,000 in labor alone. Then add at least another $40,000 in parts. Then add the year+ it’s going to take if you can even find a shop with availability. You’re talking about close to $150,000 just to get this car back to reasonable condition. The math just doesn’t work here.
Math not making sense or not, this car deserves to live and there are more than a few people that will take this on.
WCG, you assume the buyer has to contract the help of others to build a car. Many if not most car guys are very capable of handling most if not all the work themselves. There’s car guys and then there’s professional check writers, either way it will live again.
Hopefully. Graveyard Carz says it would cost “as low as” $70,000 to restore an old Mopar. And that’s a car that’s in pretty good shape. A basket case like this will probably cost at least double that.
What WCG said. Still many parts missing. He is selling due to the headache this heap would be. At recent Mecum auction a MCACN gold AAR sold for $97;000. Not this one.
You really can’t compare AAR Cudas to any of the equivalent Trans Am homologation cars of the era. They were a one year only model with less than 3k built just over half automatics. Ford built twice as many Boss 302s in ’70 and Chevy built 10s of thousands of Z/28s in ’69 and ’70. That alone should indicate the long term value of an original numbers matching car. Their place in Mopar history makes them more comparable to a Roadrunner Superbird or Daytona Charger than even a Hemi car.
Anyone who buys this one won’t be restoring it to make a profit, at least not short term. They will be doing it to preserve an important piece of automotive and racing history.
P.S. Even with solid axle and tortion bar suspensions and the engines and transmissions of the day, these cars are still surprisingly fast and nimble. There is a group of owner/drivers that tour and run exhibition road races at courses all over the country. They look like a real handful to drive, but damn if they are not still fast.
Located in:
North Berwick, Maine
The owner says he’ll swap for an A12 project. I wouldn’t, unless it was just to get the other pedal.
Ebay shill bidder “1***0 Feedback Score (0)” has successfully bid this car up from the start to a current bid of $36302.00. This is not the “free market’, this is plain and simple dishonest cheating! Just my opinion.
Ended:
Feb 03, 2022
Winning bid:
US $38,600.00
[ 50 bids ]