RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years! (Sold for $2,000,000)

That's right, sitting in a garage in suburban Detroit since 1976, the Rapid Transit System 'Cuda has finally come back into the light!
/ theautoarchaeologist
/ autoarchaeology
/ autoarchaeology
/ theautoarchaeologist
/ theautoarchaeologist
www.barnfinds.org
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[@jamessellers6276]

Cat prints and poop is small potatoes because the cat probably kept mice and rats from doing real damage.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yup, cats do good work.

[@Hot80s]

Excellent point mice know their meat when felines don’t retreat

[@None_yabusiness69420]

Couldn’t have said it better myself

[@cabbagehead8082]

I have an 85 gt stang that one winter rats ate my seats and wiring harness. Cost me 2k to fix it. That cat saved that car

[@bigelk0]

I concur…..

[@Tr1pMind]

It belongs in a museum

[@bitslammer]

I'm not a car guy at all but DAMN that paint job is killer.

[@bradschroeder809]

Pretty historic find. I hope whoever buys it displays it at some major shows like MCACN, Carlisle and Moparty instead of just hiding it away in their private stash!

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Too many cool cars wasting away in "collections". Drive the damn thing! Maybe not in rush hour traffic but take it to the country and drive it.

[@daniellebcooper7160]

WOW!!...you cant any more 70's than this. A genuine time capsule.

[@mauibuilder1239]

I love stories like this....the colors on this car are so cool. I was 6 years old when this car was built. My dad had a Cutlass convertible we used to go to the beach in.

[@MoparMatter]

Ryan - this is huge! Historically significant Mopar!

[@_thunderbunny]

This is an amazing find and so historically significant to the history of Mopar. I hope they can get the other RTS cars together for a photoshoot with this one, reunite all of them.

[@AutoArchaeology]

That would be nice.

[@funken079]

Great to hear the story from those who built the car. Great story.

[@MayheM_72]

At first, I thought the stripes were sun faded on the roof. Then I realized it was supposed to be that way. UNDER 1,000 MILES! WoW, what a BEAUTY!

[@AutoArchaeology]

Right?!

[@serget2168]

Man what a car and just imagine living in those amazing years of cars each automobile manufacturers have there own special rides

[@lancelotlink3907]

I bought a used 340 Cuda in 1977 for $2200 and a guy with a purple 426 'Cuda tried to sell me his for $6000 which was way more than I could afford in my teens. Probably for the best as i drove way to fast back then.

[@jeffreybrianring6392]

The RTS duster is at the brothers car collection in Salem Oregon.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yes it is

[@nicksgarage2]

It's really too bad that my friend Steven was never able to get the 'Cuda to complete the set before he passed away. I know it was one of his greatest goals for his collection but he never wanted to talk about it. He knew who owned it for many years. Now his collection is split up and who knows if the RTS cars will be all together again.

[@_thunderbunny]

That's so sad 😢 Maybe they can atleast get them all back together for a photo shoot.

[@thomasbenvie5708]

I am also sad Steve never got to add this car to his collection. He did know exactly where it was and tried a few times to buy it so it was not really "lost". Steve not only had the ultimate Mopar collection of cars but also memorabilia. So sad the collection was broken up when he passed.

[@MrsZuzanaN]

For all of you who are wondering. This was my father’s car, it sat in his garage and was sold last month. New owners are having it auctioned off at the Mecum Auction in Indy next month.

[@MrBIG-nq9yl]

Awesome.. are u in indy

[@nukedukem1]

Nobody was wondering

[@MrBIG-nq9yl]

@@nukedukem1 you just sound like one of those miserable people who is missing the chat rooms from 30 years ago

[@Rid_Of_Thee]

Shame you had to sell it

[@taylorebenguard6998]

proof?

[@ninjasupreme5966]

That’s one of the coolest cars I’ve seen.

[@Roosters_Restos]

I saw that car in a magazine when I was a kid. I can't believe it still exists. It would fetch over a million on auction today. Notice how the grille looks so much like the challengers and the banshee today. Hmmmm

[@patrickr2686]

It's a car flippers dream car

[@HoosierHacker]

I love it. What a time piece and a great story. The paint job is so cool.

[@That_Dude420]

CAR JUST BROUGHT 2MILLION DOLLARS AT MECUM CAR AUCTIONS IN INDIANA THIS WEEKEND 💯✌ THATS RIGHT 2 MILL 💪💪💪EPIC

[@ThomasRonnberg]

nice

[@djpsychoc2012]

That was mental watching that bid war, even i was getting excited lol i didn't think it would fetch that much, i was totally wrong lol

[@treecutter116]

Yea seen it to never thought it would reach a million damn but 2 wish I had an investment like that probably on had 50 thousand to build in the 70 if that somebody’s a lucky man now

[@lauranowak3632]

Absolutely stunning! I remember the wonderful days of 1976!! Sad to have some slight damage from animals, but that happens. Sweet paint job 👍

[@Cstoreri]

It’s in good shape for the shape it’s in, cool!

[@waynewells915]

Great video! I remember thinking that was one of the coolest cars I’d seen back in the early 70’s. AWSOME era of custom cars!!!

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Me too.

[@CRUSH71]

What a find! Absolutely awesome!

[@fpblkjay5868]

Algorithm is crazy seen this car sell for 2million last night

[@blacksheeple2187]

It’s a full size matchbox car! 😎👍🏼🇺🇸🍺

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-1983]

Glad it was you that got to do this. This scenario fits you like a glove. That is an awesome car. I'm not sure but the addition across the grill but it is how it was created. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing your 71.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you, I'm glad the timing worked out that I could be a part of this.

[@jessicagreene1773]

Outstanding! It would be awesome to see all the cars reunited for a photo shoot. I had no idea the same gentleman was involved with the Rambler Scrambler and Hurst Olds. He needs to write a book!

[@AutoArchaeology]

I agree on all points.

[@allannielsen8696]

so glad this isnt graveyard cars.

[@albertchavez5866]

Why?? I don't understand sir

[@edwardcox2840]

I understand that show sucks the guy has knowledge but no personally 🤔

[@albertchavez5866]

@@edwardcox2840 oh ur saying how he's corny

[@ramimariewilson4672]

Graveyard Fraudz butchered my '70 Charger R/T SE:(

[@allannielsen8696]

@@albertchavez5866 the owner shouldn't be seen or heard...subscribed for car content ... unsubscribed because I couldn't stand watching that man.

[@hemitodd]

Hell yeah, I've been waiting since I was a kid to see this car again!

[@jlr1569]

@auto archeology ...back when 'custom cars' + 'hot rods' were much more truly modified. nice to see it. hope it gets preserved. whether or not everyone likes it, it is so important to keep for custom car history. BTW - Harry Bradley is a Detroit car designer + also built customs / hot rods for himself -- he was later famous for designing the Original 16 Mattel Hot Wheels, hired for his Hot Rod and car designer experience for GM I think. thanks for sharing this video!

[@supersonicnomad8437]

W0W! I'm blown away! Truly an amazing piece of Mopar history! Thank you for all your time, work and effort for this incredible video!!!

[@jimschneider9559]

I showed the auction to my automotive students today in class. I was talking it up for the last few weeks. They got to see the Black Ghost sell just after the last bell rang! Gregory Qualls is in one of my classes and was keeping us informed on what was happening at the auction via text and facetime. The kids were going crazy when they saw him in the car heading to the staging lanes. Most of the class stuck around to see the final bid. That was pretty awesome! I listened to the cuda auction in the car on my way home. I was very impressed with what Chuck Miller had to say about Anthony Fridecky! . I really wish he could have been there to see it! I hope the new owners get a chance to meet him. It is amazing that he was able to keep this car out of sight all that time! I was at his house many times and he never mentioned it! The story is so cool!

[@AutoArchaeology]

Indeed!

[@plymouthdie-castreplicas]

The best car marketing idea of all time! Only Plymouth could make it. Stunning piece and video!

[@daltonhanleyjr4142]

There was a guy that lived near my old neighborhood named Steven Juliano, who had been looking for this car for years. He ended up acquiring most of the RTS cars. I'm surprised he never found this, being that it was close to where the RTS Duster was found. I'm happy that the car was saved and preserved .Sadly, Steven passed away a few years ago. This video would have made his day.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yup, unfortunately. Steve was a friend and at least he had the three.

[@drippinglass]

I’m surprised as well. I remember seeing Steven’s collection. He had the road runner as well if I remember correctly. 😀

[@MrsZuzanaN]

He found it but my father Tony wouldn’t sell it. I still have letters from Steven inquiring about purchasing it.

[@fredfungalspore]

Nice story...

[@captainbuttnuggets4786]

What a time capsule I would love to see all those cars back on the road!

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

Nice 440 6 pac Cuda its still looks outa this word love the retro mods and design on this car

[@rolexmd69]

This car is awesome!

[@csj9619]

Wow! What an awesome time capsule.

[@stevenphillips3466]

I get angry anymore , people find these cars , these monsters of teh muscle car era . then they restore them and park them in a building . some guys have 20 Cudas and B body Chryslers like Road runners and GTX . Joe six pak just wants one to drive but they are all being bought up and are way priced out of a regular guys budget

[@DoyleShadduck]

Get a real job and don’t be a regular guy.

[@curtisboswell2619]

@@DoyleShadduck These cars came out, when "regular guys" were all able to afford them. Those regular guys all worked regular "real" jobs.... Blue collar men, working blue collar jobs. When a "regular" classic Mopar's value is well in excess of six figures? Your argument just plain sucks ass. It's about the most snidely snarky elitist dipshit comment I've seen made, with regards to a KZbin video. Guy is expressing his frustration with Yupwardly mobile douchebags, who purchase these vehicles as "investment potential", who will never drive them, love them, or appreciate or maintain them. I think he has a valid gripe. Fact that you don't see it, leaves me scratching my head a bit. Not everybody gets to be a Doctor, Lawyer, or the President of his local Chase-Manhattan branch, or a hedge-fund manager. If those are YOUR only ideas for what constitutes a "real" job? You, and people who think like you do, are a huge part of what is wrong with America today.

[@craigm2484]

That stripe in the window woulda been Awesome . This man had the skills !

[@davidkohler7454]

I loved those days looking at the hotrod magazines and seeing these phycodelic paint jobs and crazy scoops and spoilers. I collected a lot of them as Hot wheels cars. Man I miss the 70,s.

[@nachtjager77]

I remember when Steven Juliano called me back around 2005/2006 when the guy wouldn't sell. He went there with $225K in cash, which at that time would've made it the most expensive E-body sale, and the guy refused to sell. Crying shame Steven had all the others and this one remained locked away. Hopefully it can be reunited with the other RTS cars. (Randy with MCG btw). Great video.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Hey Randy!

[@vincentenk4449]

It's a crying shame that collection got broken up instead of in a museum.

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Numerous E body Hemi cars sold before then for much more than $225k. I hauled one for a guy in 1999 from Dallas to LA area.

[@valricogarcia]

So great to be able to hear from the man that actually built it , among other significant specialty cars. He's living automotive history. Thanks for posting.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Absolutely!

[@MsTugg]

this is a million dollar car

[@MrBlaze256]

Nah

[@jusbrowsin3456]

Sold for 2

[@jaygoodwin316]

It's to bad Steve Juliano wasn't still alive to see this. It would of completed the RTS collection. I know he spent alot of time trying to locate that car.

[@esperformance2308]

Not a single boat comment… first thing that came to my mind was damn, badass boat👌

[@DjPolo1897]

So this guy purchased it, put it away but could not be bothered to cover it so as a consequence it got scratch up by cats and the paint faded, talk about stupid.

[@rosslefave5877]

But did the car cry like you when the cat scratched it.

[@DjPolo1897]

@@rosslefave5877 Talk about a pathetic comment. The guy is clearly an idiot for not covering the car up, plain and simple. If your tiny brain cannot get that then I feel sorry for you.

[@DaBoogie049]

I've seen this car before as an artwork, i didn't know it was real!

[@ercost60]

WANT! So cool, such a 70's paint job. I worked at Mattel in Hot Wheels with Larry Wood for 30 years. Harry Bradley did all the original Hot Wheels designs circa 1967, then left and Larry took over as lead designer until he just recently retired at 80! I met Harry twice, such a cool fellow. Chuck is also an amazing car guy. Love his old stories about the car.

[@AutoArchaeology]

That's awesome! Yes he did ineed.

[@ThatCarGuy1983]

What an absolute beauty! ❤

[@hugh-iu7vo]

This is one cool car

[@johnelliott7375]

For the age that I have to say that's not what you are going to expect, but I am not surprised if it did and was stored correctly,

[@MrJermishere]

Chucks workmanship and creativeness is phenomenal! His creations were ahead of their time and a time treasure for sure! Thanks for shooting this

[@AutoArchaeology]

Absolutely

[@bubbakushingtonIII]

They sure were. You see those clear tail lights they put on these? I thought that came out in the 2000s nope.

[@richardchristianson2823]

I remember saving a picture of the sonic cuda, out of a magazine, back in the early seventies.

[@descartes451]

Such a great design. Love the paint (both versions) the nose, the taillights. The creativity in the 60"s and early 70's was amazing.

[@jefforeee]

It's automotive history. It's a ONE of ONE car. It could have never resurfaced, for many reasons. Idiots hating on it are super ignorant and oblivious to history. Besides the fact they hate on all things they don't understand...smh

[@c3dk]

Super cool car !!

[@mattskustomkreations]

Thanks for sharing this factory-backed street freak. I like the ‘70 green version better.

[@paulfulton5078]

This is a historic car. It can't be touched...no repaints/modifications/updates...blah blah blah. It is one of ONE! It's great that its still in one piece, and not scrapped, like alot of these show cars were back then. My dad worked at Chrysler during this time period, at Highland Park...I was only 6 or 7 but I think I remember seeing this car ( in it's current paint scheme) around late '71? BTW... that mall in the video...we went there quite a bit back then...my mom loved going to Hudson's to shop. I liked getting a hot pretzel 🥨 and an orange Julius inside the mall..yum!

[@joetuktyyuktuk8635]

One of the cars I regret selling was a 1970 'Cuda 340 six pack...sold it cheap too 😭

[@speeddaddy9209]

I was raised in Detroit. I saw these cars in the late seventies on both sides of town. The ‘Cuda was spotted one winter at Northland Shopping Mall. The Duster & ‘Cuda were spotted at an east side police precincts parking lot numerous times. The drool factor was & still is high.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Really, these exact cars?

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Always loved the front grille.

[@bodacious2276]

That's the most 70"s thing I've seen in a while.

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

You found it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brother went to see the Rapid Transit display at the NYC Auto Show in 1970. !!!!!!!!!

[@AutoArchaeology]

That's cool, any pics?!

[@valricogarcia]

wow. I just saw this car sell for 2 million dollars at the mecum auction. They said the owner was 90- years old and in a nursing home. I love my cars but I can't help but think about how much better the last years of the owners life might have been if he sold it a few years sooner. It takes all kinds I guess....

[@gfgranja]

Sometimes money can’t buy health. My grandmother had a good financial condition, but she had Alzheimer… no treatment, she died five years ago.

[@jeffthisted]

Duuuuuuuuuuude - that's sooooooooooo coooooooooool!!!

[@jimschneider9559]

Take a moment to meet Anthony. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fquoZnaZebmta7s He owned and preserved the car all those years. He never intended on selling the car. He always wanted to donate it to an automotive museum. He was forced to sell his home and liquidate all his assets. Knowing this he had a neighbor contact Chuck Miller to store the car and keep it safe. What bothers me about the whole thing is all those people were salivating over Anthony’s car while he was having medical issues. He is doing better now and getting his strength back now all of the things he worked so hard for are sold off and no longer his. It’s so sad! I have known Anthony for over 20 years and he is the most interesting person I have ever met. He is the real deal and his love for cars goes deep! He is a very generous person and loved to give back to young people that were interested in cars. Over the years he has donated many cars and his time to high school automotive programs in Macomb county and the Detroit area. Keep a look out for more of his interesting stories and rare cars he had over the years.

[@74360CUDA]

I was sure that car was long gone but here it is!!

[@AutoArchaeology]

A lot of people thought the same.

[@ThereMayBeLions]

That is a beautiful livery, can't wait to use this in a game like Forza or Gran Turismo

[@RaiderX948]

Hopefully it stays just how it is, Americana.

[@MoparArtbyautomolove]

The holy grail has been found!

[@TheDartCave]

Right !

[@815rolsumthn]

This car just sold at Mecum for 2M😲😲

[@Troy440Dodge]

At a minimum, this is a car that will bring a million. Likely more. Good to see it's still around.

[@nukarr]

Factory show car - so that means the mods are all legit - it's gonna sell for big BIG $$$ at Auction to a collector

[@nickelliott1174]

900 miles the hard way, A quarter mile at a time. Glad it survived in such great shape.

[@ISOTROPOSPHERE]

That nose is unmistakable, I instantly clicked on this video after infatuating over this car as a kid and seeing the thumbnail. I think I had a RTS promo postcard.

[@nferraro222]

Same here. I saw a pic, in a book, in 1986 when I was 12 and I instantly recognized it.

[@curtisboswell2619]

Me too. It's like recognizing a picture of the head cheerleader from your High School days, and your heart just kind of jumps in your chest. LOL Kind of like Pavlov's dog syndrome! That's one beautiful Cuda! To know that it's the only one of it's kind, just adds to the allure and the mystique.

[@cartoonfoxxx]

I just saw was sold for $2.1 m dollars at mecum ❤

[@That_Dude420]

Was watching live couldn't believe my eyes and ears it was awesome 💯✌💪💪

[@speeddaddy9209]

Whoa wait, I see the photo is of the ‘Cuda at Eastland Shopping Mall.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yup!

[@musclecarczarig4003]

Holy crap, it really does still exist!! I sure wish Steven Juliano was able to put that into his RTS collection before he passed. Thanks for the great video!

[@AK_Grizz]

Awesome video and interview!

[@pennywise8182]

I respected Steve Juliano and his collection...And it was cool to see his cars in different magazines all through the years.....But I am glad he didn't aquire this Cuda....Just because you have money doesn't mean you get everything you want in life.....Plus,after Steve died they sold all of his cars anyway.......This Cuda would've been sold too....All for the mighty dollar.....Thankfully Tony bought it in "76 and kept it all these years.......Steve Juliano has come and gone and Tony still kept this Cuda up until now.👍👍👍

[@bobsilver3983]

I can dig it!

[@henryknox4511]

It doesn't get any groovier than that.

[@snake_eyes_garage]

Great interview and stories... But man, so many comments here about how it looks or what someone would do to it... that's not the point at all so who cares. This is all about the historical record of the time. Granted, I would wash it, clean the interior, vacuum the carpet, etc. but it is perfect representation of the early 70s. Thanks for posting.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It has been cleaned since the video, I just wanted it 'as is'.

[@commandercuda]

I've never seen a vintage car so beautiful it made me cry, this car changed that

[@cougariog8817]

This was a superb video!!! Amazing story. Looking forward to the green challenger videos!

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you! Once the weather gets nice I can knock that one out.

[@CorgiConnect]

You know the 1:18 scale die cast industry is missing something not reproducing each one of these RTS cars for collectors.

[@AutoArchaeology]

I agree, I would buy them in a heartbeat!

[@bradschroeder809]

Me too!

[@TeamGambleBMX]

What an awesome survivor story! Thankyou for documenting it. I would just clean the car, feed the leather and do fluids and tyres.

[@barrybates433]

Insane, my favorite Cuda! Always thought this was the same as sonic cuda as well. Do you know what happened to that one? How’d you get notified of this one coming out of hiding?

[@AutoArchaeology]

I have not been able to find any solid evidence about the Sonic. Just rumors.

[@briantomcollins]

I feel like i had a model kitof this car. Could be wrong, but the scallops, and faded yellow/red paint looks damn familiar. Don't remember that nose scoop tho. Amazing piece of history.

[@mattskustomkreations]

At the very least the wheelie bars should go back on it.

[@AutoArchaeology]

They are on there now.

[@15kilkenny]

All the negative comments by people with no appreciation of American culture and history. This is truly amazing. Im from the uk and old fords are resurfacing especially RS cosworths and are selling for eye watering money. If i was rich i would pay 2 million for this

[@jeffrobodine1850]

Who gives a damn about the cat paw prints 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂😂🤣

[@jimenz6548]

Those cat tracks look like Racoon tracks to me....And if it smells musty then it does not smell like a new car....

[@AutoArchaeology]

Definitely had that new car smell

[@paulheart5178]

I think it's pretty cool looking.

[@nathanielwaters6730]

Wow, the Guy that had the other RTS cars had passed away, he woulda been proud to see this 'Cuda, that's right, his name was Steve Juliano!!! Great find, please restore it as a RTS circuit car!!! Mopar Nate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[@andya857]

Chrysler must have spent a fortune for these awesome cars. Chuck is a Master builder..Kudos..🔧

[@rockeroller]

A low mileage,period correct show car, made from a desirable muscle car, in near mint condition? Sounds like mega bucks.

[@M4DesignUSA]

Cragar SS... Best Rims EVER! ;-)

[@freeradical6390]

What a great piece of history. She needs to be put into a museum.

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

Day 2 correct chrome mud flaps too!! I had those on my 1971 Mustang

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yup, they were on during the tour.