The Hidden Gem: Rare 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda Stuns Car Enthusiasts

The Hidden Gem: A Rare 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda with a Unique Twist

The golden era of muscle cars produced a plethora of exceptional vehicles, and one that often flies under the radar is the 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda. This Trans-Am homologation special was designed to compete with the iconic Chevy Camaro Z/28 and Ford Mustang Boss 302, and while it may not have achieved the same level of success on the track, it still holds a special place in automotive history.

A Tale of Two Chargers

Chrysler, the parent company of Dodge and Plymouth, saw the Trans-Am series as an opportunity to challenge the dominance of Chevrolet and Ford. They decided to equip their E-body platforms with special homologation-spec packages, leading to the creation of the Dodge Challenger T/A and Plymouth AAR Cuda.

Both cars sported bold stripe patterns, oversized hood scoops, eye-catching matte-black fiberglass hoods, and side-exiting exhaust pipes. Under the hood, they shared a unique version of Chrysler’s 340-cubic-inch V8 engine, but with a trio of two-barrel carburetors, this small-block powerhouse delivered an impressive 290 horsepower.

The Rarity of the AAR Cuda

While the Challenger T/A and AAR Cuda were both relatively rare, with production numbers of 2,399 and 2,724 respectively, the Canadian-spec AAR Cuda holds a special place of distinction. Out of the total production, only 138 examples were built for export north of the border, making it a highly sought-after collectible.

The Lemon Twist-colored AAR Cuda featured in this article is one of those 138 Canadian-spec gems. It has been meticulously restored to its former glory, with flawless paint, factory-correct decals, and a pristine interior complete with a center console and pistol grip shifter.

A Secret Under the Hood

This AAR Cuda boasts an original four-speed manual transmission, but the 340 V8 engine is a replacement block. However, it is a warranty replacement block, which is a close second to being numbers-matching. Additionally, the rear end has been upgraded to a 3:55 ratio, but the original 3:91 unit is included with the car.

A Piece of Automotive History

This rare and highly original 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda has been meticulously cared for and documented by Mopar expert Galen V. Govier. It has recently been featured on the popular television show Pawn Stars Do America Detroit and is now available for purchase.

If you are a serious car enthusiast looking for a unique and valuable piece of automotive history, this AAR Cuda is an exceptional opportunity. With its striking appearance, impressive performance, and undeniable rarity, it is a true gem that will turn heads wherever it goes.