It is common for manufacturers to produce limited edition models rapidly, and the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda AAR is a perfect example of that practice. Between 11th March and 20th April 1970, 2,724 of these classics rolled off the line, destined for new homes. This is one of those cars, and it presents beautifully following an older restoration. It has no apparent needs beyond a new owner. The seller listed it here on eBay in Epping, New Hampshire. Bidding has raced to $71,100, although that figure is short of the reserve.
It might be a personal opinion, but I’ve always believed that the E-Body platform from this era almost defines what a muscle car should look like. Its swollen flanks and low roofline make cars like the ‘Cuda look aggressive and purposeful, and the AAR is no exception. If you want a classic to stand out in snow-covered surroundings, few colors are better than Lime Light to achieve that feat. The seller indicates it underwent an older restoration, including replacing the trunk pan and rear quarter panels. It continues to present beautifully, with no significant issues or problems. It retains features like the distinctive stripes, side-exit exhaust, and rear spoiler. Interestingly, it doesn’t wear the Dive Plain or Chin Whisker front spoilers, but this isn’t a deal-breaker. The company didn’t fit these on the line, despatching them in the trunk as a dealer fitment. Some buyers chose to leave them off, which could be the case with this car’s original owner. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues, and none are visible in the supplied photos. The stripes look crisp, the trim and wheels are spotless, and there are no signs of glass problems.
This ‘Cuda’s interior is as impressive as its exterior, with only one visible potential flaw. There are odd marks on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, but it is unclear whether they represent wear or some type of dirt. The remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent, with no physical damage or signs of abuse. The dash and pad are spotless, as are the console and carpet. The faux woodgrain has avoided the typical fading or lifting issues, and there are no aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered the car with a rim-blow wheel, a factory tach, and an AM radio, and these items remain intact.
Lifting the hood reveals what separates the AAR from mere mortals. The 340ci V8 wasn’t the biggest in the company’s armory, but the Six-Pack induction system allowed it to churn out 290hp. The original owner backed the 340 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and brakes to ensure an effortless driving experience. It might be easy to steer, but this is no pushover when pointed at a ¼-mile. The journey should take 14.9 seconds, with the V8 running out of breath at 127mph. The seller indicates this numbers-matching ‘Cuda runs and drives well, making it a road-ready classic for its new owner. They supply this YouTube video, and although we don’t see the car on the move, its engine sounds sweet and crisp, with a hint of genuine purpose.
Of the 2,724 ‘Cuda AARs produced, it is believed that around 1,700 still exist. For a classic of this type from this era, that is an impressive survival rate. Values have climbed steadily in recent years, and I would expect the bidding on this one to top $80,000 before threatening the reserve. That’s a significant slice of cash in anyone’s book, but it is a reality with classics like the AAR. The spirited bidding suggests it will get there, and I won’t be surprised if it goes higher. That makes me wonder whether any readers have ever owned or driven one of these beasts. If you have, what was it like?
Absolutely love it, wish it had 3 pedals but can’t afford it anyway. Still good to see though. Besides, we all know the 290hp is a lie.
And I doubt it would run out of air at 127 MPH. Those 6500 RPM motors were a little faster. My 68 dodge GTS with a 340 would go past that 127 pretty easy.
I was in a ’72 Monaco that hit 135, innocent 4 door family car.
Arr, matey, this price seems high, says I,,in an ironic twist, I feel the automatic will actually be a deterrent here. Why? Because every freakin’ specialty Mopar that comes down the pike, HAS to have the pistol grip 4 speed. Quite frankly, I can’t recall seeing one without it. If you simply must, the 340 was a much better choice, and I agree, these EASILY put out over 300+hp, and didn’t take much to get into the 13s, something not many small blocks could do. It’s no wonder Chrysler, or whatever it’s called today, chose to replicate a car like this for today. Probably the coolest car Chrysler ever made, then and now.
I own one of these that I have painstakinglyrestored. This one has a number of things that are incorrect. The condition of the car before restoration is likely indicated by the trim tag pic. The trunk floor is a replacement or skim coated over because none of the spot welds are present. So I would want to see under “chassis” photos.
Some may think I’m picky, but bidding is closing in on $100K now. For that price, things should be correct. And by the way, best examples with build sheets, even automatics, routinely go for $120K and more now. Do a search and see how many are for sale these days.
My son is currently finishing up what may be the most well known AAR around in the last few years. He dragged it out of the original owners yard a few years ago and began the most comprehensive restoration that any car could possibly undergo. If not an AAR Cuda, it should not have been saved. He was featured in Mopar Connection 6 months ago and they are doing a follow up in a few months after completion as well as being contacted by Hemmings who have just heard about him through the grapevine. The people who have helped him through it are all known Mopar aficionados and the car is extremely correct. It should be completed for Spring after a very long road. Its beautiful.
The 340 is ideal w the 4sp stik, but ive seen some 3.91 geared autoloader torqueflites sizzle down the 1/4
Automatics were quicker. But 4 speeds with the 3.91 gears were much more fun! Astonishing price.
I asked an AAR owner if the rally dash was standard equipment and he said most AAR’s dont have the extra cost dash because dealers were pressured into ordering the cars to make them legal for Trans Am so they didn’t check many option boxes
Personally I find the Cuda/Barracuda to be the better execution of the E-bodies.
The Challanger looks like it was stretched out and tge lines are just not as aggressive looking
This one is a prime example
Thank you for posting
The Challenger is actually stretched out comparatively speaking to a Cuda. The floor pan is about a foot longer.
Drivers door glass tinted but not the rest of the glass . Would want to check this one in person before shelling out 100k
Had a yellow one in the early 80s…paid a whopping $2400 for it and drove it home. 4 speed, manual steering/manual brakes…the thing was an absolute beast. I didn’t know anything about how to adjust the 6-pak set up, so if I was just cruising along and hit the go-pedal there would be this momentary lapse before it took off like a rocket. It was rough (dings/dents/rusted out trunk), and the previous owner had chained the engine down on both sides because he’d broke so many motor mounts. Such a fun car! Had to sell it a few years later, got $5G out of it, thought I really got a good price for it. Sigh………..
I was 8 years old when this was built….at 18 I don’t remember being that interested in them, and for sure there were not many examples around, I worked at a Nationwide auto then, and I remember the mgr was big into Chrysler, and one of my co-workers was a little older, he had an earlier GTX 440 and was in process of getting it fixed/painted, but by then my heart had been stolen by small manual trans imports……..my first “new” car was a 1980 Fiat X1/9