Mopar Nationals Senior First Place AAR Cuda 340+6

Whenever Chrysler decides to assemble a purpose-built performer whose mission is to kick asphalt and take names, the results are usually spectacular. And there's just something about documented, SCCA-inspired pony cars that makes them universally appealing and highly collectable. We ALL know big block Mopars have been fetching big money prices for years now. But what most collectors fail to realize is that equally exclusive small block cars, like this Mopar National Senior winning AAR 'Cuda, are just as hot and sometimes a better investment. With their excellent combination of power and handling, broad aftermarket support system and increasingly rare status, these cars enjoy one of the fastest sell-through rates of anything in our showroom. And this fully documented coupe, a correct piece that's 1 of only 42 Sassy Grass AARs produced, will likely follow the quick-sale path of its striped and piped siblings. If you want a truly exclusive classic that does more than blister a straight line and under steer through corners, you'd better hurry up and clear some garage space!

The sale of this investment grade Mopar includes an official Galen Govier inspection that decodes the car's fender tags as follows:

FIRST TAG:

* E55: 340 cubic inch V8 that's equipped with three 2-barrel carburetors
* D32: A727 Torqueflite automatic transmission
* BS: Plymouth 'Cuda
* 23: 2-door hardtop
* J: 340 SIX BARREL V8 that utilizes three 2-barrel carburetors to create 290 horsepower
* 0: 1970 model year
* B: Assembled at Chrysler's Dodge Main plant in Hamtramck, Michigan
* 289457: Production Sequence Number
* FJ6: Hi-Impact Sassy Grass Green body paint
* H: High Trim Grade interior
* 6: Vinyl bucket seats
* X9: Black interior
* 000: Full door panels
* 331: Assembled on March 31st, 1970
* M02995: Order number
* FJ6: Hi-Impact Sassy Grass Green roof paint
* A01: Light Package
* A53: Trans Am Package
* A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster
* B51: Power-assisted brakes
* C55: Bucket seats
* G36: Painted mirrors (Left-hand remote/ Right-hand manual)
* J45: Hood pins
* J82: Duck tail decklid spoiler
* M21: Drip rail moldings
* M88: Quarter panel tape treatment
* N44: AAR TA standard-exit exhaust
* N85: Tachometer
* N94: Fiberglass 'Fresh Air' hood
* R11: Music Master AM radio
* V6H: Black, longitudinal Trans Am stripes
* Y05: Built to U.S. specifications
* 26: 26-inch radiator
* EN1: End of codes, assembly line one

SECOND TAG:

* TRANS AM

We're not real sure where this vivid 'Cuda headed after it rolled out of Cifaldi Motors' Cumberland, Wisconsin showroom. But we do know the car benefitted from a world class, frame-off reboot that was executed by the skilled professionals at Magnum Auto Restoration in LaSalle, Illinois. In case you haven't heard, Magnum Auto Restoration is quickly becoming the go-to resource for the hobby's very best Mopar projects. And over the past seven years, they've assembled three show cars for Chryslers at Carlisle and taken home nine major awards from the storied Mopar Nationals. As you can tell from the pictures on "Magnum's website":http://www.magnumautoresto.com/70green-aar.html this Plymouth was a solid piece that needed only one NOS quarter to be ready for paint. And today, that correct High Impact Pigment combines with professional panel fitment, matte horizontals and bright strobe stripes to create iconic muscle car looks!

Not surprisingly, this AAR's track-bred appearance is backed by a long list of correct details. At the front of its glowing profile, a familiar, stainless-trimmed grille hangs a small “PLYMOUTH” script between clear headlights, flush-fit parking lamps, a broad bumper and correct GE driving lights. Behind that grille, a lightweight, AAR-exclusive hood, which is secured by fresh stainless lanyards, rolls a correct suede topcoat toward new glass that's framed in straight stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, bright door handles and correct racing mirrors combine with spotless exhaust tips and correct turn signal tabs to provide an authentic, restoration-fresh appearance. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence hangs fresh tail lights and a small “'cuda” script between a second chrome bumper and correct 'duck tail' spoiler.

Pull the pins on this coupe's matte-finished hood and you'll find a correct, 340 cubic inch LA V8 that's authenticated by a 3577130TA casting number and November (11) 24th (24) of 1969 (9) casting date. Although SCCA Trans Am race cars were limited to 302 cubic inches, Plymouth stuck to the tried and true “no replacement for displacement” rule for street applications. That means this car received a powerplant that was specifically designed for high performance turnpike warriors. And, thanks to its 2-barrel Holley carburetors, correct Edelbrock intake, high performance points distributor, high-flow cylinder heads and unique internals, it turns hefty 10.5 to 1 compression into 315 fire-breathing horses. That said; SCCA regulations and increasing insurance costs forced Chrysler to actually underrate the mill's output to just 290. But, in reality, the car easily disposes of most 'equally powered' stoplight challengers. Whatever the number, this engine's spotless bay is in brilliant, show-ready condition, displaying immaculate detailing and exact finishes throughout. Awesome Sassy Grass fenders provide excellent contrast to its glossy layer of Hemi Orange skin. A bright air cleaner looks great peeking through the aforementioned hood. And, as with most of today's award winning Mopars, every detail of this balanced and blueprinted beast is restored to a convincing level of factory authenticity.

Park this rave-inducing 'Cuda on a lift and you'll find exceptionally clean floors that have been over-restored to a pristine, mirror-worthy state. The high-winding small block churns power through a correct A727 Torqueflite, a correct 8.75-inch Sure Grip and steep 3.91 gears. The car's suspension has been fully rebuilt to include correct manual steering, Cosmoline-replicating torsion bars and fresh power front disc and rear drum brakes. As expected, those 11-inch, AAR-exclusive drums are accompanied by specially tuned shocks and re-cambered springs that tilt the car to accommodate its unique exhaust pipes. Speaking of that exhaust, the usual 'muffler shop special' look has been exchanged for a clean, OEM-style appearance. And hooking all that mechanical prowess to the pavement is freshly restored Rallye wheels which spin E60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs in front of G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs to employ one of the first applications of staggered tire sizing. In looking at this pristine AAR's super clean undercarriage you realize this is a car that sees minimal road time. And judging by the sheen on its weather-free stainless, I'm willing to bet it's suffered hardly any exposure to the elements since its 2007 renovation.

Swivel this Plymouth's solid-closing doors and you'll find a correct black interior that's functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are wrapped in standard vinyl covers that display virtually no signs of wear. Below those seats, stain-free carpet anchors color-keyed and “'Cuda” branded floor mats next to a sculpted, wood-trimmed console. At the sides of that carpet, weather-free door panels proudly hang the Cuda name above traditional cranks, integrated handles and small chrome locks. In front of those panels, a clean, wood-trimmed dash frames new Rallye gauges above a correct Chrysler Solid State radio. In front of the driver, an attractive Rim Blow steering wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a nicely finished trunk centers a correct jack and new space saver spare between a correct mat and new decklid decal.

When this super cool coupe makes its way to a show, it's almost guaranteed to win awards. The car's most recent accolades include:

* First Place in the TA/AAR Original class at the 2007 Mopar Nationals
* First Place in the Senior Division at the 2008 Mopar Nationals

Given this Plymouth's storied pedigree, its new owner is set to receive a large stack of paperwork and accessories. Here's a list of everything our sale includes:

* An original VIN tag
* An original fender tag
* An original window sticker
* An original warranty card
* An original owner's manual
* Factory marketing materials
* A vintage service manual
* Restoration photos
* Restoration receipts
* The aforementioned Galen Govier report
* Information on the Hamtramck Registry
* The car's Mopar Nationals judging sheets
* A reproduction window sticker
* A large display board
* A novelty parking sign
* A vintage Plymouth promo jacket
* An AAR 'Cuda hat
* A 1:18th die-cast replica

All American Racers 'Cudas are a cool experiment from a time when automakers were willing to try anything to improve their performance credentials. When that purpose-built personality is combined with this coupe's correct drivetrain, award-winning restoration and double-digit exclusivity, it creates the perfect recipe for an unbeatable collector's piece. In today's shaky economic climate, investing in something that makes you smile isn't a bad idea. But remember: nothing with AAR stripes sticks around our showroom for very long!