1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 Rapid Transit sold for $2.2 million at auction

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Upon its rediscovery after decades of storage, the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 Rapid Transit concept sold for $2.2 million at Mecum’s 2023 Indianapolis auction.

The custom ‘Cuda is one of four show cars built for the Rapid Transit System Caravan, an extension of a ad campaign of the same name who toured car shows and car dealerships in 1970 and 1971 promoting Plymouth muscle cars. Along with the ‘Cuda, the Caravan included custom versions of the Plymouth Duster and Road Runner, plus racing star Don Prudhomme’s fun Plymouth car.

1970 Plymouth Barracuda Rapid Transit (photo via Mecum Auctions)

Based on the Second generation Plymouth Barracuda Debuting for the 1970 model year (performance models had the name shortened to ‘Cuda), the Rapid Transit Caravan show car got a paint scheme by Hot Wheels artist Harry Bradley, with custom bodywork by Chuck Miller, a builder Detroit-based automobile manufacturer that had previously won the prestigious Ridler Award in 1968 and built a life-size version of the then-famous Red Baron hot rod model kit.

For the Plymouth, Miller added fenders and created a new nose and a new front panel with split spoilers, all made of steel. Other modifications included low-mounted driving lights, custom taillights, side tubes, a fake parachute, roll bars, and Cragar wheels with wider tires at the rear.

1970 Plymouth Barracuda Rapid Transit (photo via Mecum Auctions)

An example of early construction, the ‘Cuda Rapid Transit is powered by a 440-cubic-inch V-8, believed to be the factory engine, and inhales through a Shaker air intake.

Following the conclusion of its promotional duties, the show car disappeared from the radar. It is believed to have been stored in 1976 and did not turn up until earlier this year. The auction listing said it was in mostly original condition with 976 miles on the odometer and original paint. That explains the $2.2 million asking price, which is a lot even for a ‘Cuda. On the other hand, it is part of the history of Mopar.