A Hidden Hoard of Mopar Legends Unearthed in a Missouri Barn! Imagine stumbling upon a treasure trove of automotive history, tucked away and forgotten. That's precisely what happened when Ryan Brutt from "Auto Archaeology" on YouTube explored a second barn belonging to the owner of a previously discovered collection of rare 1970 Plymouth Cudas and a 1971 Dodge Challenger. This latest discovery is equally astonishing, revealing even more sought-after Mopar muscle cars from what many consider the golden era of automotive design.
While these automotive gems are currently in less-than-perfect condition, having been rescued from junkyards, their true value lies in their rare and desirable features. The video tour kicks off with a 1970 Plymouth Cuda convertible, a sight that immediately grabs attention. Even though it's not one of the ultra-rare Hemi models, the fact that it's a convertible makes it an exceptionally uncommon find. To put it in perspective, Plymouth produced nearly 49,000 Barracudas in 1970, but a mere 2,501 were optioned as convertibles. This particular Mopar is a high-performance Cuda, meaning it's one of only 548 such units ever built. Adding to its rarity, it was equipped with the robust 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big-block V8, a combination found in only 209 vehicles. But here's where it gets truly special: it also features a four-speed manual transmission, a configuration that only 68 cars were built with.
Sadly, this particular Cuda is in a dire state. The owner shared that it was involved in an accident and parked way back in 1978, narrowly escaping the crusher. After nearly 50 years off the road, a full restoration might seem daunting, but its extreme rarity makes it too precious to let fade away in a barn.
Next up is a second Cuda, which, while not quite as rare as the convertible, is highly desirable due to its AAR specifications. The AAR Cuda was a special breed, developed specifically to meet homologation requirements for the SCCA Trans-Am racing series. It boasted a distinctive exterior and a unique six-barrel version of the 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) small-block V8 engine. Plymouth only offered 2,724 of these AAR Cudas for the 1970 model year before discontinuing the nameplate. This particular AAR Cuda is one of 1,604 automatic transmission models and sports the eye-catching Sassy Grass green color, a true high-impact hue. Unfortunately, this Mopar is incomplete and in rough condition.
The third Cuda discovered within the barn is even more coveted, featuring the potent 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel V8. This powerhouse, rated at 390 horsepower, is a rare beast indeed. Plymouth sold 1,784 examples of this engine configuration, and this Cuda is one of 919 cars that came equipped with the sought-after four-speed manual gearbox. Originally painted in DY3 Yellow Gold, the owner notes that it's a relatively straightforward car, aside from the iconic Shaker hood. Its condition, much like the others, is incomplete and weathered.
And this is the part most people miss... The fourth vehicle is a 1970 Dodge Challenger, also born with the formidable six-barrel 440-cubic-inch V8. Dodge referred to these as Six-Packs, and they sold 2,035 units. Of these, 1,640 were two-door hardtops, with only 99 being convertibles and 296 being the more luxurious SE models. The owner hasn't specified the transmission details, leaving us to wonder if it's one of the 793 automatic cars or one of the 847 four-speed manual models. This Challenger boasts a highly desirable color combination: a Plum Crazy exterior complemented by a white vinyl top and interior. The presenter mentioned that this car was sold shortly after his visit, and the hope is that it's heading towards a much-needed, proper restoration.
What do you think about these barn finds? Are these cars too far gone to restore, or is their rarity enough to justify the effort? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
