Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack
The Plymouth AAR 'Cuda was created for the 1970 model year as Plymouth's homologation special for the Sports Car Club of America's Trans-American Sedan Championship. Named for Dan Gurney's All American Racers team, which campaigned Plymouth 'Cudas in the Trans-Am series, the AAR featured extensive performance modifications and distinctive graphics that made it one of the most visually striking muscle cars of the era.
The heart of the AAR was the 340 cubic inch Six Pack V8, featuring three Holley two-barrel carburetors on an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. While the factory rating was 290 horsepower, this was widely considered to be significantly underrated, with actual output believed to be closer to 340 horsepower. The progressive carburetor setup meant the center carburetor handled normal driving, with the two outboard units opening under heavy throttle to provide a massive surge of additional power.
The AAR's most distinctive visual feature was its side-exiting exhaust system, identical to the system used on the Dodge Challenger T/A. Large-diameter pipes ran from the engine along the rocker panels to exit just ahead of the rear wheels, producing a thunderous exhaust note that was impossible to ignore. A fiberglass hood with a massive, functional scoop directed cold air to the engine, while front and rear spoilers improved high-speed stability.
The AAR rode on Goodyear Polyglas raised-white-letter tires in staggered sizes: E60-15 on the front and G60-15 on the wider rear wheels, just like the Challenger T/A. This staggered fitment improved both traction and turn-in response. The suspension was specifically tuned for the AAR application with stiffer springs, heavy-duty shocks, and larger anti-roll bars, while the rear springs featured an asymmetric rake with the car sitting slightly higher on the passenger side to reduce body roll in left-hand turns.
The AAR's graphics were bold and unmistakable. Large 'AAR 'CUDA' lettering ran along the side of the car, with distinctive strobe stripes on the hood and decklid. The car was available in a range of high-impact colors including Lemon Twist, Lime Light, Vitamin C Orange, and Plum Crazy, ensuring maximum visibility on the street or track.
Only 2,724 AAR 'Cudas were produced, all during the 1970 model year. This single-year production run, combined with the car's racing provenance and distinctive appearance, has made the AAR one of the most collectible E-body Mopars. While not as expensive as Hemi 'Cudas, AAR models command strong prices in the collector market.
On the track, Plymouth 'Cudas showed competitive speed in Trans-Am competition, though they faced stiff competition from the dominant Ford Boss 302 Mustangs and Chevrolet Z/28 Camaros. Despite limited racing success, the street-legal AAR became a genuine icon, representing Plymouth's commitment to competition and performance during the golden age of American muscle cars.
Single-year production and high values mean authentication is critical. Verify through fender tag decode and broadcast sheet. AAR-specific parts (side exhaust, hood, spoilers, graphics) are extremely expensive to replace. The 340 Six Pack engine should have correct Holley carburetor numbers and Edelbrock intake. Verify the asymmetric rear spring setup. Check fiberglass hood for stress cracks. Four-speed cars are rarer and more valuable. Complete documentation essential.
Total production: 2,724 units, all 1970 models. All AAR 'Cudas received the 340 Six Pack engine. Approximately 1,604 were equipped with automatic transmissions and 1,120 with four-speed manuals. Built to satisfy SCCA Trans-Am homologation requirements. Dan Gurney's All American Racers team campaigned 'Cudas in Trans-Am.