Meet the Plymouth Cuda 440 Rapid Transit show car, a hidden gem that has been tucked away for over 50 years, making it a rare sight even for seasoned classic car enthusiasts. This unique ride was part of the Plymouth Rapid Transit System Caravan, a traveling showcase of custom Plymouth cars that toured the U.S. in the early 1970s, making stops at key auto shows and Plymouth dealerships.
Fast Facts – The Plymouth Cuda 440 Rapid Transit Show Car
This 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 is no ordinary classic. It was kept away from the public eye for over five decades, creating an air of mystery around it. Despite attempts by those in the know to buy it, the car remained hidden until now.
The Plymouth Rapid Transit System Caravan was a brilliant promotional move, featuring four customized Plymouth muscle cars that toured the U.S. in the early ’70s. The success of this promotion is still remembered today, over 50 years later.
There were four primary cars in the Plymouth Rapid Transit System: a 1970 Plymouth Duster, a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, a 1970 Plymouth Cuda, and a 1971 Plymouth Cuda. Collector Steven Juliano managed to track down and purchase three of these cars but was unable to acquire the 1970 Plymouth Cuda. Now, this elusive fourth car is coming up for public sale with Mecum.
The Plymouth Rapid Transit System
In response to Ford’s Total Performance and Dodge’s Scat Pack, the Plymouth Rapid Transit System was born in the late 1960s. It featured four custom Plymouth muscle cars that traveled coast-to-coast, generating buzz and boosting sales.
The original Plymouth dealer promotional film for the 1970 Rapid Transit System provides detailed specifications of each car, targeting knowledgeable enthusiasts.
While these cars are now highly collectible in muscle car circles, in the 1970s, after the promotional tour ended, they were somewhat overlooked by collectors.
All four cars in the Plymouth Rapid Transit System were designed by Harry Bradley, a Hot Wheels designer who had also worked at General Motors. The cars, including the 1970 Plymouth Cuda, were significantly restyled, retaining a familiar look but cranked up to 11 in terms of styling.
The Hunt for the Plymouth Cuda 440 Rapid Transit Show Car
Steven Juliano, a dedicated collector, managed to acquire and restore three of the original Plymouth Rapid Transit System cars. However, the 1970 Plymouth Cuda remained elusive. Even though he discovered its location under the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Juliano was unable to purchase it before his passing in 2019.
His efforts ensured the preservation of the three cars he owned. Now, the 1970 Plymouth Cuda is up for auction in its original unrestored condition, providing a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
The 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Rapid Transit Show Car
This 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 is not your average classic car; it’s one of the four original Rapid Transit show cars from the early 1970s. Shown nationwide during the tour, it remained hidden for 50 years, untouched and unseen by most.
Designed by Hot Wheels designer Harry Bradley and brought to life by customizer Chuck Miller, this Cuda features custom bodywork crafted by hand in steel. The original paintwork, applied in Bradley’s style, remains intact, showcasing the car’s untouched condition from the 1970s.
Under the hood lies the original 440 six-barrel V8, paired with a Torqueflite automatic transmission. The car boasts a shaker hood, chrome caster-style wheelie bars, a faux parachute, and a side exhaust.
With its unique bodywork and Bradley-designed paint scheme, this Cuda stands out. The interior, mostly stock, features two black vinyl bucket seats up front and additional seating in the rear.
This one-off vehicle, displaying some patina and surface rust from its decades-long slumber, is set to cross the auction block with Mecum in mid-May. While there’s no price guide, similar Rapid Transit show cars sold for low-to-mid six-figure sums back in 2019. If you’re intrigued and want to learn more or even bid, check out the listing [here](insert link to the listing).
