1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Fast Transit reappears, heads to public sale
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An idea automobile from the peak of the muscle automobile period has reappeared after a long time in hiding, and it is headed to public sale.
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Fast Transit is considered one of 4 present vehicles constructed for the Fast Transit System Caravan, which toured auto reveals and automobile dealerships in 1970 and 1971 selling Plymouth’s muscle cars. Saved for over 50 years, it is scheduled to be auctioned off by Mecum in Indianapolis in Might.
Launched as a part of Plymouth’s interval Fast Transit System advert marketing campaign, the Fast Transit System Caravan included a Duster, Highway Runner, drag-racing star Don Prudhomme’s Plymouth humorous automobile, and this Barracuda, which was custom-made for the tour.
A paint scheme designed by Sizzling Wheels artist Harry Bradley is laid over bodywork modified by Chuck Miller, a Detroit-based customized automobile builder who gained the distinguished Rider Award in 1968, and had constructed a life-size model of the then-famous Purple Baron sizzling rod mannequin package earlier than being introduced in to customise the Plymouth.
Working in metal, Miller made a brand new nostril from 4 similar angled items welded right into a single insert, per the public sale itemizing, in addition to a rolled entrance pan with break up spoilers and low-mounted driving lights. Aspect pipes, metal mud flaps, a pretend parachute, customized taillights, and wheelie bars had been additionally added, together with wider tires and Cragar wheels.
An early-build instance, the Barracuda has a 440-cubic inch V-8 believed to be the engine it left the manufacturing facility with. This extra highly effective engine, which inhales by means of a Shaker hood scoop, would have rated ‘Cuda nomenclature again within the day. Plymouth started utilizing the ‘Cuda title to indicate efficiency variations of the Barracuda when this era was launched in 1969.
Following the conclusion of its promotional duties, the custom-made ‘Cuda fell off the radar. In accordance with YouTube channel Auto Archaeology, the automobile went into storage in 1976, and remained hidden till earlier this 12 months. It is in good situation for such a relic, displaying simply 967 miles on the odometer and nonetheless sporting its authentic paint, based on the public sale itemizing.
Barracudas are a number of the most fascinating muscle vehicles at the moment. One other 1970 instance claimed to be the primary Hemi Barracuda was supplied on the market earlier this 12 months with a $2.2 million asking value. So this well-known one-off might convey critical cash when it crosses the public sale block.
