Step back in time to the 1970s, where the American muscle car era reigned supreme. One of the highlights of that era was the "Rapid Transit System" (RTS), a brilliant marketing strategy by automobile manufacturers to attract young buyers by showcasing wildly customized cars.
Chrysler, in particular, commissioned four Mopars, including the iconic '70 Cuda, to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and promote their stock factory offerings.
The RTS team, led by designer Harry Bradley, envisioned the four cars, each representing a unique vision of automotive artistry. Custom builders like Byron Grenfell and Roman's Chariot Shop brought Bradley's designs to life, creating astonishing customizations for the '70 Cuda and other Mopars.
These magnificent cars embarked on a nationwide tour in a striking yellow tractor-trailer, displaying the magic of their bespoke designs and captivating enthusiasts everywhere.
Years later, the RTS cars seemed to have disappeared until an avid car collector, Steven Juliano, took on a mission to acquire all four of them. He successfully purchased three and located the fourth, but sadly passed away in 2018.
His collection, including the three RTS cars, was sold at Mecum's Indy event in 2019.
The fourth and final member of the RTS quartet is the 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda, meticulously crafted by Chuck Miller. The 'Cuda, still in its original unrestored condition, showcases the exceptional metalwork and groovy lacquer paint, a testament to Miller's artistry.
With just 967 miles on the odometer, this early production model of the 'Cuda served as a subject for Plymouth's styling studies and photography to exhibit the new 'Cuda E-body look.
Powered by the original 440 six-barrel V8 engine and a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the RTS 'Cuda remains an impressive piece of automotive history.
It boasts unique features like a Shaker Scoop that can be shaken without starting the car, and eye-catching retro-inspired wheelie bars.
The unveiling of the RTS 'Cuda at the 2023 Mecum event in Houston sparked excitement and interest among car enthusiasts worldwide. It is hoped that the owners will gather the four RTS cars for a historic display, reuniting these legendary custom masterpieces from the early '70s.
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