A rare 1970 Plymouth Cuda parked for 51 years in Chicago has resurfaced, offering hope for restoration or hot rod transformation.
A 1970 Plymouth Cuda muscle car that was parked when its owner got married has resurfaced after spending more than half a century in hiding. The car, tucked away in a Chicago garage for decades, was recently showcased by Ryan Brutt of the Auto Archaeology YouTube channel, who specializes in uncovering long-lost classic cars.
The Cuda had not been driven in 20 years and was buried under layers of dust when Brutt discovered it. Despite its dormant state, the car remains an extraordinary find thanks to its rarity and originality. Out of nearly 49,000 Plymouth Cudas produced in 1970, just 1,788 were built with this particular combination: a 340-cubic-inch small-block V8 paired with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The Mopar V8 originally produced 275 horsepower, sending power to the rear wheels.
What makes the car especially striking is its In-Violet Purple paint, a factory color that has become one of the most recognizable hues in Plymouth’s muscle car palette. The Cuda also sports a white vinyl roof and matching white interior, giving it even more period-correct flair.
According to Brutt, the car’s original owner parked it in 1975 with plans to turn it into a hot rod, potentially swapping in a larger V8 engine. But after marriage and other life priorities took over, the project stalled. Over the years, some parts were collected—including Shaker hoods and a refinished fuel tank—but the work was never completed.
Now, more than five decades later, the car’s future looks more promising. Brutt notes that the owner still hopes to see the Cuda transformed into the performance machine he once envisioned. Whether restored to its original specifications or modified into the hot rod it was meant to be, the rediscovered muscle car is set to enjoy a new lease on life.