To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$60,000 - $70,000
- Lemon Twist Yellow over black vinyl; signed by AAR originator
Dan Gurney
- 340 cu. in. 'Six Pack' V-8 engine
- Three-speed 'TorqueFlite' automatic transmission
- Featured on cover of August 2007 issue of Hemmings Muscle
Machines
The Barracuda was all-new for 1970, sharing its basic E-body with
the equally new Dodge Challenger. Like its competitors at GM, Ford,
and AMC, Chrysler wanted to be a part of the then-popular Trans Am
series. It contracted with Dan Gurney's All-American Racers to
build and campaign the cars that were driven by both Gurney and
Swede Savage. The SCCA, governing body of the Trans Am series,
required that manufacturers homologate production cars in order to
compete. The street version was to be equipped with a specially
tuned 340 cubic-inch V-8 engine conservatively rated at 290
horsepower. Upgraded shocks, a 3.55 Sure-Grip rear axle, special
front and rear suspension, and rear deck spoiler were included.
Painted in an arresting Lemon Twist Yellow, this AAR 'Cuda offered
here was completed at Plymouth's famed Hamtramck assembly plant on
6 April 1970 and delivered new to State Chrysler Plymouth of
Springfield, Massachusetts. The factory options listed on the
accompanying copy of its original window sticker include fast-ratio
power steering, a "TorqueFlite" automatic transmission, and 3.91
Sure Grip rear axle. Just 2,724 AAR 'Cuda chassis were produced
during a frantic six-week homologation assembly window to meet the
requirements of that season's Trans Am Series.
This particular example has benefitted from a rotisserie
restoration conducted circa 2003 which included the sourcing of a
bevy of correct and "new-old stock" parts, most notably a set of
the distinctive AAR flat-black exhaust mufflers with side-exit
tips. The exterior finish is adorned with all the proper AAR livery
and accessories; the distinctive side stripes, black grille, rear
spoiler, and fiberglass NACA-duct hood are all presented in the
correct black matte coloration. In fact, the restoration was so
well executed that Hemmings Motor News profiled this 'Cuda as the
cover story of its August 2007 Muscle Machines publication.
Further, this nicely restored 'Cuda is made all the more notable
via the blessing of AAR originator Dan Gurney; his personal
signature prominently adorns the interior of the glove box door.
Acquired by the consignor in 2012, this attractive and rarified
MOPAR homologation special is now offered for sale accompanied by
its broadcast sheets, a reprinted window sticker, maintenance
invoices, literature, manuals, and restoration invoices and
photographs.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.
