The American muscle car era of the 1970s was a time when car manufacturers went all out to produce high-performance vehicles that would appeal to young buyers. Custom cars were also used as a marketing tool to showcase the capabilities of carmakers. One such initiative was Plymouth’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) tour, which consisted of four highly customized cars, including the 1970 Plymouth Cuda. Commissioned by Chrysler, the RTS was designed to lure young buyers and sell cars. The Cuda was recently found after being lost for 50 years and is being offered at the Mecum Auctions Indy event. This article provides details about the Rapid Transit System cars, the customized Cuda, its connection to Steven Juliano, Chuck Miller, and its current condition. The four cars in the RTS team were the Duster, Challenger, Cuda, and Road Runner. The RTS program was designed by Plymouth’s Vice President of Design, Tom Gale, and the designer was Harry Bradley. The cars were designed to be attention-grabbing, with vibrant colors, graphics, and logos. The RTS cars had unique features such as rear spoilers, hood scoops, and side stripes. The goal was to create excitement and generate interest in Plymouth cars.
The Rapid Transit System Cars
The designs were brought to life by notable custom-car builders such as Dean Jeffries, George Barris, and Chuck Miller. Each of the four RTS cars had its own unique design and theme, but they were all eye-catching and stylish. The cars’ journey was also an interesting part of the RTS program. The cars were transported in a yellow tractor-trailer that served as a mobile showroom. The RTS tour visited auto shows, drag races, and shopping malls across the United States. The Rapid Transit System cars were part of a marketing campaign by Plymouth to attract young buyers in the early 1970s. The RTS team consisted of four cars – a Barracuda, Road Runner, Duster, and a Challenger – each designed to showcase a specific personality type. The Barracuda, dubbed the ‘Urban Outlaw’, was meant to represent the rebellious spirit of the youth culture. The RTS cars were designed by Harry Bradley, a well-known automotive designer, and brought to life by custom-car builders like George Barris, Richard Zocchi, and Chuck Miller. The four cars were transported in a yellow tractor-trailer and toured the country to auto shows and dealerships. The RTS campaign was a success, generating buzz and interest among young buyers, and the cars became highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Steven Juliano’s Quest
Steven Juliano was a businessman and car enthusiast who fell in love with the RTS cars. He had a particular interest in the Cuda, which he believed was the most attractive car of the group. Juliano purchased three of the four RTS cars in the late 1990s and began restoring them. He had a passion for vintage cars and was known to have one of the most extensive collections of Mopar cars in the world. Unfortunately, Steven Juliano passed away in 2018, and his cars and memorabilia were sold at an auction in 2019. The sale of Juliano’s cars and memorabilia was a significant event in the car-collecting world. Steven Juliano was a passionate car enthusiast and collector, particularly of rare and unique vehicles. He became obsessed with the Rapid Transit System cars and set out on a mission to acquire them. Juliano eventually managed to purchase three of the four cars – the Challenger, Duster, and Road Runner – but the Barracuda eluded him for years. Sadly, Juliano passed away in 2018, and his cars and memorabilia were sold off in a series of auctions. The sale of the RTS cars was one of the highlights of the auction, with each car fetching a high price.
The Chuck Miller Connection
Chuck Miller was the fourth member of the RTS quartet and the builder of the Cuda. Miller was a prominent custom-car builder from Detroit and was known for his innovative designs. The Cuda was his creation and was one of his most significant works. The car’s disappearance from 1971-1990s was a mystery that intrigued many car enthusiasts. The Cuda was rediscovered in 1998 and underwent restoration. During the restoration process, Chuck Miller was contacted and was able to provide valuable information about the car’s history. The Cuda’s connection to Miller was also revealed during this time. Miller had built a Red Baron model kit in 1969, and the Cuda’s graphics were inspired by the model kit’s design. Chuck Miller was the fourth member of the Rapid Transit System quartet, and he was responsible for customizing the Barracuda. Miller was a well-known car builder in Detroit, with a reputation for creating high-quality, unique designs. He was chosen by Plymouth to customize the Barracuda, and his work on the car was highly praised. However, after the RTS campaign was over, the Barracuda disappeared and was believed to be lost forever. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the car was rediscovered, sitting in a garage in Pennsylvania. The car was in poor condition and had been stripped of its custom features, but it was still recognizable as the Barracuda from the RTS campaign. The car’s rediscovery led to a renewed interest in the Barracuda and its history. It was later revealed that Chuck Miller had taken the car from the RTS campaign and used it as a daily driver for several years before selling it to a friend. The car changed hands several times before ending up in the garage in Pennsylvania
The 1970 Plymouth Cuda Rapid Transit System
The Cuda is one of the rarest and most highly customized cars in the world. The car’s current condition is impressive, with a low mileage of 81,000 and an all-original interior. The Cuda’s custom metalwork and lacquer paint are still intact, making it a unique piece of automotive history. The car’s serial number, BS23ROB, confirms The 1970 Plymouth Cuda Rapid Transit System is the Barracuda that was customized by Chuck Miller. The car has been fully restored to its original specifications, including the custom metalwork and lacquer paint. The car has only 8,500 miles on the odometer, and its serial number confirms that it is indeed the Barracuda from the RTS campaign.
The 1970 Plymouth Cuda Rapid Transit System: A Rare and Highly Customized Car
The 1970 Plymouth Cuda Rapid Transit System (RTS) is a legendary car that remains popular among car enthusiasts to this day. This unique car boasts impressive features that set it apart from its contemporaries, such as its custom metalwork and lacquer paint, low mileage, and serial number. Despite its fame, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the Cuda’s past, which only adds to its allure. In May 2021, the Cuda made an appearance at the Mecum Auctions Indy event, where it garnered significant attention from bidders and car enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Cuda and explore its unique features, history, and significance.
The Car’s Current Condition
Despite being over 50 years old, the Cuda is still in excellent condition. The car has been expertly maintained over the years and has undergone several upgrades to ensure that it remains roadworthy. Its custom metalwork and lacquer paint are still as eye-catching as ever and remain in pristine condition.
The Custom Metalwork and Lacquer Paint
One of the most notable features of the Cuda is its custom metalwork and lacquer paint. The car’s body has been expertly crafted and features unique design elements that are not found on any other car. The paint job is equally impressive, featuring a deep, glossy finish that highlights the car’s design and gives it a sleek, modern look. Another feature that sets the Cuda apart from other cars is its low mileage and serial number. The car has only been driven a few thousand miles since it was first manufactured, which is impressive considering its age. Its low mileage, coupled with its unique serial number, makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Mystery about the Car’s Past
Despite its fame, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the Cuda’s past. Many people speculate about its origins and history, and some even believe that it may have been used for illegal activities in the past. While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, the mystery surrounding the car only adds to its allure and makes it even more desirable to collectors. In May 2021, the Cuda made an appearance at the Mecum Auctions Indy event, where it generated significant buzz among bidders and car enthusiasts. While it did not sell at the event, the car’s presence alone was enough to generate a lot of interest and speculation about its value.