Vehicle Description
In a hobby that's chock full of numbers-matching time capsules and
show-stopping customs, it's always nice to see a tasteful classic
that's built around performance. And it takes some serious skill to
pull off a build that feels TRULY athletic without being too
cantankerous to honor the car's original attributes. A fully sorted
head turner, this awesome 'Cuda has been completely restored,
fitted with 408 cubic inches of stroked LA V8 and decked in tough
All American Racers war paint. But here's the best part: it isn't
just another rare show piece that's a practice in moribund
competition and garage queen gimmicks. This coupe is a fully
sorted, SCCA-inspired rocket that's ready to put the "AAR" back in
"Barracuda". If you're searching for some old school MoPar muscle
that wraps killer performance in outstanding good looks, check out
this exceptional E-Body!
APPEARANCE
During a detailed rotisserie restoration that was conducted by Race
Ready Technologies of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and sorted by
FantomWorks of Norfolk, Virginia, this solid coupe was fully
stripped and professionally dipped. Once that cleaning was
complete, an impressively straight fuselage was augmented with new
quarters and a fresh trunk pan. As that massaged profile featured
better-than-factory alignment, a glossy coat of Black Velvet
2-stage was buffed to a spectacular shine. With that paint slicked,
monochromatic Strobe Stripes highlighted vibrant "AAR CUDA"
callouts. And today, one close look at our high-resolution photos
reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the coolest
Plymouth muscle cars on the planet!
Not surprisingly, this AAR's track-bred appearance is backed by a
long list of accurate details. At the front of its solemn profile,
a familiar, stainless-trimmed grille hangs a small "PLYMOUTH"
script between clear head lamps, flush parking lights, a mirrored
bumper and requisite road lamps. Behind that grille, a lightweight
hood, secured by stainless lanyards, floats a muted topcoat between
fender-mount turn indicators and fresh glass that's seated in
straight stainless frames. At the sides of that hood, bright door
handles complement spotless exhaust tips while sculpted chin
spoilers join painted racing mirrors to provide an authentic,
Trans-Am-ready appearance. And at the back of the car, a Satin
Black valence hangs fresh taillights and a small "'Cuda" script
between a second chrome bumper and a familiar ducktail spoiler.
POWER
Toss the hood and you'll find a spry LA V8 that, thanks to an
upsized, 4-inch stroke, displaces a hearty 408 cubic inches. That
big mill, professionally rebuilt by the pros at Fruitland, Idaho's
Speed-O-Motive, reportedly turns stout 9.9 to 1 compression into a
solid 415 horsepower and 445 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the
machined, clearanced and balanced motor, a painted air cleaner
floats breeze in to familiar 6 BBL carburetion. Those Holleys feed
a lightweight Edelbrock intake, which charges proven Edelbrock
heads that are finished with 2.02-inch intake valves and 1.60-inch
exhaust valves. Beneath those heads, a nodular crank spins forged
5140 I-beams, which are finished with quality ARP Wave-Loc bolts.
Above those rods, a Comp hydraulic cam splits hypereutectic Keith
Black pistons, which are finished with moly rings. At the back of
that cam, an MSD Pro-Billet distributor sparks MSD Super Conductor
plug wires. Those wires snake around coated long-tube headers. At
the front of those tubes, Cloyes double-roller timing components
back a heavy-duty Chrysler radiator that's sandwiched between dual
SPAL puller fans and a front-mount oil cooler. And the Hemi Orange
powerplant is dotted with high quality details like Fel-Pro
gaskets, Clevite bearings and a deep-sump Milodon oil pan.
DRIVABILITY
Bottom-side, solid floors, replaced during the car's detailed
restoration, frame a tough Tremec TKO500 5-speed that was sourced
directly from Keisler Engineering. That gearbox, capped with a
steel scattershield, utilizes a smooth hydraulic clutch to spin a
familiar 8.75-inch axle. That drivetrain rides a requisite torsion
bar and leaf spring suspension that's been augmented with beefy
sway bars. Factory power steering keeps sweeps controlled and
turn-in easy. Power-assisted calipers cinch vented rotors to manage
speed at all four corners of the car. There's a pair of welded
subframe connectors that ensure the 408 isn't at odds with the
car's menacing body. A thrill-inducing soundtrack fills AAR-style
side-exit pipes. At the corners of the chassis, staggered Rallye
Wheels spin 225/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 235/60R15
BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And overall, this 'Cuda's fully restored
chassis appears completely sorted and ready to hit the road.
COMFORT
Open this E-Body's solid doors and you'll find an attractive black
interior that was installed during the car's extensive rebirth. A
familiar combination of bench and bucket seats stretch a tight
combination of vinyl and leather surfaces beneath modern, 3-point
harnesses. In front of those thrones, a simple dash hangs premium
Rallye telemetry above Classic Auto Air conditioning and a vintage
Chrysler radio that's been retrofitted with FM and MP3
capabilities. Below that dash, fade-free carpet floats 'Cuda-themed
floor mats around a wood-trimmed console, which hides a small fire
extinguisher behind a TKO Pistol Grip Shifter. At the sides of that
carpet, sculpted door panels are decorated with clean stainless and
correct "'Cuda" emblems. The driver carves the road through a
familiar Tuff Wheel. And behind the passengers, big Jensen deck
speakers cap a fully restored, correctly equipped trunk.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND
ACCESSORIES
A vintage Operator's Manual
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts
Service records
Two sets of keys
Very few enthusiasts are lucky enough to own an authentic AAR
'Cuda, and, as always, good fortune often creates added
responsibility. Keep it in a padded garage... Track down
increasingly hard to find parts.... Don't drive it too much....
Check the forecast every two hours... You get the picture. This
Plymouth provides one lucky enthusiast the opportunity to buy some
spirited, SCCA-inspired muscle that can be driven and paraded
without worry. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and buy a
classic you can actually enjoy!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional rotisserie restoration
Professionally built 360 cubic inch LA V8 / Stroked to 408 cubic
inches / 6 BBL induction
Keisler-sourced Tremec TKO500 5-speed manual transmission /
Hydraulic clutch
Modern air conditioning
Black leather and vinyl interior / Upgraded audio
Power steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
8.75-inch rear axle
Upgraded suspension / 15-inch Rallye Wheels
Side-exit exhaust
Sale includes restoration photos, restoration receipts and service
records
