Homologation vehicles are nothing new as manufacturers seek what is often termed “the unfair advantage” in motorsport. They are less common today but were popular in the late 1960s and 1970s as companies sought a competitive edge in the cut-and-thrust of NASCAR or the Trans Am series. Plymouth joined the party with the AAR ‘Cuda, and our feature car is one of those vehicles. It recently emerged from long-term storage, with the seller upgrading the engine to unleash a major power increase. The ‘Cuda is listed here on eBay in Westminster, Massachusetts. Fifteen bids have pushed the price to $41,100, which is below the reserve.

The seller confirms that this ‘Cuda hails from Texas, and before its recent revival, it had been off the road since 1974. This isn’t a pristine classic, requiring a cosmetic restoration to return to that state. The Ivy Green Metallic paint is tired and faded, while the Black on the hood is no better. The seller confirms that it received a hit on the driver’s side quarter panel, and the one on the passenger side requires replacement. There is typical rust developing around the back window which might prompt perfectionists to install a new roof skin. I spotted what appears to be a small repair in one rocker, but the seller doesn’t mention any hidden rust problems. The car retains most of its AAR features, including the rear spoiler, stripes, and side-exit exhaust.

Most cars that were homologated for the under 5.0-liter category in the competitive Trans Am series featured a 302ci V8, but Plymouth’s road-going ‘Cuda variant scored a 340 with a Six-Pack induction system. It produced 290hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque, and when teamed with the four-speed manual transmission found in this car, delivered a 14.8-second ¼-mile ET. This Plymouth’s engine bay looks pretty standard at first glance, but a check of the listing proves that it is anything but ordinary. The original motor made way for a 408ci Stroker that will undoubtedly produce significantly more power and torque. The seller also replaced the clutch, flywheel, and a list of brake and suspension components. The ‘Cuda is a turnkey proposition, but there is one further factor that might attract potential buyers. The listing is slightly vague, but it appears that the original 340 may be included in the deal. It requires a rebuild, but if it is the numbers-matching engine, it could maximize the long-term investment potential of this classic.

One area of this ‘Cuda needing nothing is its interior. It appears to have recently received a retrim, with the upholstered surfaces and carpet in as-new condition. The console and faux woodgrain are in good order, and there is a range of additional switches on the dash that have no stated purpose. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but the buyer receives a console, Rally gauges with a factory tachometer and an AM radio.

Plymouth sold 48,867 Barracudas across all models in 1970, but only 2,724 buyers were lucky enough to drive away in an AAR ‘Cuda. This one shows plenty of promise after years in storage, with potential buyers facing a few choices. Performing a cosmetic restoration while leaving its drivetrain untouched would be the easiest, and the car would be unquestionably fun to drive. However, rebuilding and reinstating its original V8 would maximize its long-term investment potential. Alternatively, the buyer could rebuild the 340, squirreling it away in the corner until they decided to part with the ‘Cuda. They could then drop it in when (or if) they decided to sell, sending a numbers-matching classic to a new home. Which path would you choose?