Built by Chuck Miller in 1970, the 1971 Plymouth Cuda RTS is one of four show cars that comprised the Rapid Transit System Caravan.
This car traveled between dealerships and auto shows to promote Plymouth’s muscle car line-up. The other three cars were a 1970 Plymouth Duster, a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, and a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner. All cars have been restored and sold by collector Steven Juliano. The 1971 Cuda is the only one that remained out of sight until now, and it is in survivor condition with its original custom bodywork and paint.
The current owner bought this car back in 1976 and kept it in a barn since then. It has only 967 miles on the odometer and still has all its original parts and body panels on it.
The car is a stunning example of early 1970s custom car culture, with its exaggerated features and eye-catching colors. The metal nose-cone insert gives the car a sleek and aggressive look, while the twin chin spoilers add to its aerodynamic appeal.
The side exhaust pipes are functional and loud, and the faux parachute is a playful touch that hints at the car’s speed potential. The orange-and-white paint scheme is vibrant and cheerful, contrasting with the black vinyl interior and chrome accents. The car has a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, Cragar SS wheels wrapped with Goodyear drag radials, bucket seats, and an AM radio.
Under the Shaker hood, this 1971 Plymouth Cuda RTS car is powered by a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine with a Six Barrel intake, which delivers 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The engine is an early production model with a matching-numbers block and heads.
The car has a dual exhaust system with chrome tips and a heavy-duty suspension with front torsion bars and rear leaf springs. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, and reach a top speed of over 140 mph.
This 1971 Plymouth Cuda RTS is a rare and valuable piece of automotive history that represents Plymouth’s marketing genius and performance prowess in the early 1970s. It is one of the most iconic custom show cars ever built, and it has been preserved in its original condition for over 50 years. It is a must-have for any serious muscle car collector or enthusiast who appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship of custom car builders.
Check the complete story in the video below, provided by Auto Archaeology
