The golden age of muscle automobiles was chock filled with homologation specials designed to makes automobiles eligible for various types or racing. A type of automobiles was the 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda. A restored instance of this uncommon muscle automotive is heading to the Mecum Auctions Tulsa, Oklahoma, sale, scheduled for June 11-12.

“AAR” stands for “All American Racers,” the Dan Gurney-led race workforce that, amongst different racing exploits, campaigned ‘Cudas within the SCCA Trans Am collection. Within the late Sixties and early ’70s, Trans Am was on the peak of its reputation, with factory-backed Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and even AMC Javelins competing within the collection alongside the Plymouth.

Whereas Trans Am automobiles have been closely modified, they nonetheless principally retained their inventory look, including to the collection’ attraction. The SCCA additionally required producers to promote comparable highway automobiles, which is how we obtained the unique Ford Mustang Boss 302, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, and Dodge Challenger T/A. The ‘Cuda AAR was Plymouth’s reply to these automobiles.

Certainly one of a number of efficiency variations of the Plymouth Barracuda (all of which obtained the shortened ‘Cuda identify starting in 1970), the AAR was powered by 340-cubic-inch V-8 that made 290 hp. That was a fairly small engine by interval muscle-car requirements, however was required for SCCA homologation. Energy was despatched to the rear wheels by means of a 4-speed guide transmission.

Whereas the ‘Cuda shared a platform with the Dodge Challenger, the 2 Chrysler manufacturers have been nonetheless Trans Am rivals. Neither scored a producer’s championship, although, and each withdrew after the 1970 season. The Barracuda/’Cuda was discontinued after the 1974 mannequin 12 months. Rumors of a Barracuda comeback often flow into, however, with the Plymouth model now lifeless as effectively, that appears unlikely.

This AAR ‘Cuda was handled to a rotisserie restoration, and has accompanying documentation, in keeping with the itemizing. It will not be the one ‘Cuda crossing the block at Mecum’s Tulsa public sale, as a 1970 440-6 model can even be up for grabs. Mecum would not present pre-auction estimates, however given recent ‘Cuda sales, do not be shocked if each automobiles fetch huge cash.