After its rediscovery after decades in storage, the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 Rapid Transit concept sold for $2.2 million at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction in 2023.
The custom ‘Cuda is one of four show cars built for the Rapid Transit System Caravan, an extension of an advertising campaign of the same name that toured car shows and car dealerships in 1970 and 1971 to promote Plymouth muscle cars. Along with the ‘Cuda, the trailer included custom versions of the Plymouth Duster and Road Runner, as well as drag racing star Don Prudhomme’s funny Plymouth car.
1970 Plymouth Barracuda Rapid Transit (photo via Mecum Auctions)
Based on the second-generation Plymouth Barracuda that debuted for the 1970 model year (performance models had the name shortened to ‘Cuda), the Rapid Transit Caravan show car received a paint scheme from the Hot Wheels artist Harry Bradley, with custom bodywork by Chuck Miller, a Detroit-based automaker who had already won the prestigious Ridler Award in 1968 and built a full-size version of the then-famous Red Baron hot rod model kit.
For the Plymouth, Miller added mud flaps and created a new nose and front end with split spoilers, all made of steel. Other modifications included low running lights, custom taillights, side pipes, false parachute, wheel bars and Cragar wheels with wider rear tires.
1970 Plymouth Barracuda Rapid Transit (photo via Mecum Auctions)
An early-built example, the ‘Cuda Rapid Transit is powered by a 440-cubic-inch V-8, which would be the factory engine, and it inhales through a Shaker hood scoop.
After the conclusion of its promotional duties, the show car fell off the radar. It is believed to have been in storage in 1976 and did not appear until the beginning of that year. The auction listing said it was largely in original condition, with 976 miles on the odometer and original paint. That explains the hammer price of $2.2 million, which is a lot even for a ‘Cuda. Again, this is part of the Mopar story.
