Ryan Brutt, via his YouTube channel Auto Archeology, uses persistence and sharp detective skills to track down an elusive Hemi-powered 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda. It’s a vehicle that will leave viewers excited and saddened, as finding such a classic car is a treat for enthusiasts. But the Plymouth’s under-the-tarp status with no definitive plans for getting back on the road is a cause for despair.
A Mystery To Drool For
Brutt keeps quiet about the car’s location (it’s somewhere “out west”) and the owner’s identification (he appears off-camera), but that doesn’t prevent viewers from checking out a Plymouth ‘Cuda oozing with restoration potential.
There’s no word about how long the car has been sitting under the cover, but the owner has had his Plymouth since 1975. At some point, he raced the car under the Goofy Grape moniker, a tribute to the original In-Violet color (Plymouth’s name for the Plum Crazy Purple tag used by Dodge) that’s barely visible under yards of surface rust.
A Super Sleuth For A Super Classic
Half the battle for a barn find YouTuber, like Brutt, is locating interesting subjects for the next video. Part of this presentation involves the tale of what he underwent to discover this elusive ‘Cuda. Brutt recounts that he became aware of the car years ago but was unaware of its precise location.
Thanks to a trail of clues that began with Google Earth and Google Maps Street View, he zeroes in the target. A careful look at stadium lights in the background and roof colors and shapes finally reveals the resting spot for this neglected ‘Cuda. His sleuthing skills also highlight the dangers of posting identifiable images online.
About The 1970 Plymouth Hemicuda
Few vehicles get Mopar lovers as excited as a 1970 ‘Cuda. It’s not quite a unicorn, but with only 666 built, it’s a rare classic that gets attention. While the 1970 ‘Cuda had several V8 options, sitting on the throne was the 426-cubic-inch Hemi, which cranked out 425 horsepower from the factory. Buyers could choose from a three-speed automatic or a four-speed stick (like the example in the video).
1970 has additional significance in Plymouth lore; it marks the first model year for the all-new Barracuda design (it previously shared elements with the economy-focused Valiant). The new E-Body also served as the basis for the 1970 Dodge Challenger
