Being offered publicly for the very first time since the early 1970s, this special 1970 ’Cuda — built for Plymouth by legendary customizer Chuck Miller — is a mechanical jewel of many facets.
Its history within the Rapid Transit System Caravan, the touring factory group of custom cars that were displayed at major auto shows and car dealerships in 1970 and 1971, is also very important. Operated for Plymouth by ISCA Promoter Bob Larivee, the Rapid Transit System Caravan featured four Plymouth cars including this ’Cuda. Its restyling and paint scheme were designed by pioneer Hot Wheels artist Harry Bradley. Between 1970 and 1971, this car went back to Miller for new paint and a refitting of the taillamp panel, as per Bradley’s latest refinements. That original lacquer paint is still on it, as are Miller’s other changes.
As an early production car, this 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda wears serial number 100005. It’s believed its 440-ci 6-barrel driveline has been intact since new, and there are fewer than 1,000 miles showing on the odometer after all these years. Every change seen formed onto this body was completed in steel. The nose was constructed from four identical angles welded into a single insert, completed with custom-made corners and a mesh grille, with Cibié headlamps mounted behind. The rolled front pan features a split-spoiler layout with integrated lower lens housings. Sidepipes, wide tires on Cragar wheels and 1/8-inch-steel dirt flaps are on each side. Miller added custom taillamps, a faux parachute, metal changes and chrome caster-style show wheelie bars to the rear. When this ’Cuda was found, those wheelie bars were still in the trunk, along with the original Rapid Transit System Caravan show sign.
Furthering its desirability among Mopar collectors is its impressive aspect of preservation. The paint Miller sprayed on it in late 1970 is still remarkably intact, showing some aging though still bright and giving its near-strobic effect. The mint interior appears almost untouched, and the engine bay, sprayed black by Miller in 1969, shows many signs of originality. A special apparatus that allowed the shaker scoop to “shake” without needing to start up the car is still on the unrestored car as well.
The custom-car world was never the same after Chuck Miller arrived, and the Rapid Transit System Caravan tour is still unequaled. Add in the fact that Hot Wheels’ Harry Bradley designed this car, and it’s easy to see this 440-powered 1970 ’Cuda’s historical significance and why it is certain to become a treasured part of a new collection.
