1970 Plymouth 'Cuda AAR

Description

Whenever Chrysler decides to assemble a purpose-built performer whose main mission is to kick asphalt and take names, the results are usually spectacular. And there's just something about rowdy, SCCA-inspired pony cars that makes them universally appealing and highly collectable. Of course, we ALL know big block MoPars have been fetching big money prices for years. But what most collectors fail to realize is that equally exclusive small block cars, like this Rallye Red AAR 'Cuda, are just as hot and sometimes a better investment. Want some truly exclusive muscle that's a fully documented, factory-correct gem? Check out this awesome Plymouth!

ROWDY RALLYE RED

This spectacular pentastar rolls much nicer than when it left Chrysler's Hamtramck assembly plant thanks to a detailed nut-and bolt rotisserie restoration. During that thorough rebuild, the car's tight body was stripped bare, massaged to form and carefully sanded into virtually flawless surfaces. And once those surfaces were completely clean and fully prepped, correct Rallye Red 2-stage was accented with correct strobe stripes and dressed in correct war paint.

Not surprisingly, this AAR's track-bred appearance is backed by a long list of correct details. At the front of its glowing profile, a familiar, stainless-trimmed grille hangs a small “PLYMOUTH” script between clear head lamps, flush-fit parking lights, an elastomeric bumper and requisite road lamps. Behind that grille, a lightweight, AAR-exclusive hood, which is secured by fresh stainless lanyards, rolls a correct suede topcoat toward new glass that's framed in straight stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, bright door handles and painted racing mirrors combine with spotless exhaust tips to provide an authentic, factory-fresh appearance. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence hangs fresh taillights and a small “'cuda” script between a chrome bumper and a familiar ducktail spoiler.

340 > 302

Pull the pins on this coupe's matte-finished hood and you'll find an original, 340 cubic inch LA V8 that's authenticated by a familiar 3577130TA casting number, a November (11) 24th (24), 1969 (69) casting date and a matching 291086 partial VIN. Although SCCA Trans Am racecars were limited to 302 cubic inches, Plymouth stuck to the tried and true “no replacement for displacement” rule for street applications. That means this car received a powerplant that was specifically designed for high performance turnpike warriors. And, thanks to Holley tri-power carburetion, a hot Edelbrock intake, a high performance points distributor, high-flow cylinder heads and unique internals, it turned hefty 10.5 to 1 compression into 315 fire-breathing horses. That said; SCCA regulations and increasing insurance costs forced Chrysler to actually underrate the mill's output to just 290. But, in reality, the car easily disposed of most 'equally powered' stoplight challengers. Whatever the number, this engine's spotless bay is in brilliant, show-ready condition, displaying immaculate detailing and exact finishes throughout. Vivid Rallye Red fenders provide excellent contrast to a glossy layer of Hemi Orange skin. A bright air cleaner looks great peeking through the aforementioned hood. And, as with most of today's investment grade MoPars, every detail on this SIX BARREL beast has been returned to a convincing level of factory authenticity.

SCCA PEDIGREE

Park this impressive 'Cuda on a lift and you'll find primer gray floors that feature a correct pattern of overspray. The high-winding small block churns power through an original A833 4-speed, which is authenticated by a March 18th, 1970 build stamp and matching 291086 partial VIN. That transmission spins a correct 8.75-inch axle. The car's suspension has been fully rebuilt to include factory power steering and correct power front disc and rear drum brakes. As expected, those 11-inch, AAR-exclusive drums are accompanied by specially tuned shocks and re-cambered springs that tilt the car to accommodate its unique exhaust pipes. Speaking of that exhaust, the usual 'muffler shop special' look has been exchanged for a clean, OEM-style appearance. And hooking all that mechanical prowess to the pavement is freshly restored Rallye wheels which spin E60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs in front of G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs to employ one of the first applications of staggered tire sizing.

KEEP IT BASIC

Swivel the car's solid-closing doors and you'll find a correct interior that's functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are wrapped in standard vinyl covers that display hardly any signs of wear. In front of those seats, a clean, wood-trimmed dash frames correct Rallye gauges above a correct Chrysler Solid State radio. And the driver navigates the course through a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a beefy Hurst Pistol Grip shifter.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

In addition to an original Broadcast Sheet, this Plymouth's substantial documentation includes a Galen Govier inspection and Fender Tag decode. Here's a detailed look at how the car left Chrysler's Hamtramck assembly plant.

FIRST TAG:

• E55: 340 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to produce 275 horsepower
• D21: A833 heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission that's complete with a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter
• BS: Plymouth 'Cuda
• 23: 2-door hardtop
• J: 340 SIX BARREL V8 that utilizes three 2-barrel carburetors to create 290 horsepower
• 0: 1970 model year
• B: Assembled in Hamtramck, Michigan
• 291086: Production Sequence Number
• FE5: Rallye Red paint
• H: High Trim Grade interior
• 6: Vinyl bucket seats
• X9: Black interior
• 000: Full door panels
• 401: Assembled on Wednesday, April 1st, 1970
• 005442: Vehicle Order Number
• FE5: Rallye Red roof paint
• A21: Elastomeric Front Bumper Group
• A53: Trans Am Package
• A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster
• B51: Power brakes
• C16: Woodgrain console
• C55: Bucket seats
• G36: Painted remote driver's mirror/ Painted manual passenger's mirror
• J45: Hood pins
• J82: Aerodynamic rear spoiler
• M21: Drip rail moldings
• M88: Rear deck molding treatment
• N44: Side-exit exhaust
• N85: Tachometer
• N94: Fiberglass 'Fresh Air' hood
• R11: Music Master AM radio
• V6H: Black, longitudinal Trans Am stripes
• Y05: Built to United States specifications
• 26: 26-inch radiator
• EN1: End of codes, assembly line one

SECOND TAG:

* TRANS AM: Designated Trans Am Program car

All American Racers 'Cudas are a cool experiment from a time when automakers were willing to try anything to improve their performance credentials. When that purpose-built personality is combined with this coupe's original drivetrain and triple-digit exclusivity, it creates the perfect recipe for an unbeatable collector's piece. Call, click or visit www.RKMotors.com for more information!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• The beneficiary of a nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration
• Original 340 cubic inch LA V8 / Correct SIX BARREL carburetion
• Original A833 4-speed manual transmission
• Correct 8.75-inch rear axle
• Correct power steering
• Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
• Correct AAR suspension
• Correct staggered Rallye wheels
• Correct Rallye Red paint / Correct AAR aesthetics
• Correct Black interior
• Original Broadcast Sheet
• Galen Govier documentation
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world