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Discussion Boards => Car Guys Discussion => Topic started by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 14, 2023, 10:44:51 AM

Title: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 14, 2023, 10:44:51 AM
Well it's finally public, the RTS 'Cuda has been uncovered!

Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Alaskan_TA on April 14, 2023, 12:36:53 PM
I asked about the body numbers on Moparts, I'll ask here too.

Do the body numbers show E9 ? If so, the build was started during the 1969 model year.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 14, 2023, 01:54:55 PM
 nother awesome video Ryan , thanks for sharing  :cheers:  :2thumbs:

love watching / reading / listening to these type of interviews with owners / guys who worked / raced these cars way back when .
 could watch this kind of stuff  all day  :yesnod:

 :cheers: 

 strange deal with the  69 vin tag  :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 14, 2023, 02:22:59 PM
Quote from: Alaskan_TA on April 14, 2023, 12:36:53 PMI asked about the body numbers on Moparts, I'll ask here too.

Do the body numbers show E9 ? If so, the build was started during the 1969 model year.

It does indeed.  That's why the fender tag is BS23V9E10005 and the VIN tag is BS23V0E10005
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Alaskan_TA on April 14, 2023, 02:45:18 PM
In the video, it says nobody knows why.....  :shruggy:

Call me a 'nobody' I guess.......
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 14, 2023, 05:08:38 PM
Well I mean nobody from the factory or the company told me why.  Yes I can speculate being such an early build date.  But I usually get in trouble for speculating.  So I'll leave it for someone else.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: A383Wing on April 14, 2023, 08:49:29 PM
I thought the 802 was for August 2nd, 1969 build date?

Bryan
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Alaskan_TA on April 15, 2023, 11:39:18 AM
The date on fender tags is the SPD - Scheduled Production Date. Actual build dates can very by weeks at times.

1970 model year cars had the final month month & completion on the Mylar door stickers, they were installed at the end of the line right before the cars left the plant.

There are hundreds of examples where the SPD and Mylar show different months.

In this cars case, this car would have been finished during the 1969 model year since the body numbers start E9.

The car would have been finished on the line then sent out for modification after the factory build was done.

A similar example is the Yellow Jacket / Diamante show car. It left the line as a black 1970 Challenger R/T convertible.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on April 15, 2023, 07:16:21 PM
Very Interesting, Does anybody know what the PRX means on tag? with such a low vin gotta be a pre production pilot car probably made in July. just my opinion :shruggy:  LEON.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: A383Wing on April 15, 2023, 08:32:40 PM
Quote from: hemi-hampton on April 15, 2023, 07:16:21 PMVery Interesting, Does anybody know what the PRX means on tag? with such a low vin gotta be a pre production pilot car probably made in July. just my opinion :shruggy:  LEON.

my book says "trim code", but I cannot find those numbers listed
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 01:46:10 AM
928DE25E-F9D2-487E-A207-414B48164AD0.jpeg91415DD3-F8BA-43BB-BC04-723D41981EAD.jpeg577C9AEB-BC35-4305-9088-7BC0DEFDA514.jpeg   
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Wingnut426 on April 16, 2023, 07:49:18 AM
P=premium, R=leather, X=black on the interior code? Just a wild guess. WINGNUT
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Alaskan_TA on April 16, 2023, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: hemi-hampton on April 15, 2023, 07:16:21 PMVery Interesting, Does anybody know what the PRX means on tag?

1969 model year LA tags used 2 digit paint codes & 3 digit interior codes.

That changed for the 1970 model year. So PRX in this case is the same as PRX9 in any 1970 Barracuda model. In hardtops it included the overhead consolette.

See PRX9 at https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/colorAndTrim/1970/70_Barracuda0005.jpg & https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/colorAndTrim/1970/70_Barracuda0006.jpg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: odcics2 on April 16, 2023, 08:44:39 AM
See it at Mecum next month.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: 70 sublime on April 16, 2023, 11:25:07 AM
PRX  Press Release car ??
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on April 16, 2023, 03:23:22 PM
Quote from: 70 sublime on April 16, 2023, 11:25:07 AMPRX  Press Release car ??

Public Relations Experimental :scratchchin:  :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:00:49 PM
Quote from: odcics2 on April 16, 2023, 08:44:39 AMSee it at Mecum next month.

 :2thumbs:  :yesnod:  :popcrn:


https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0523-562278/1970-plymouth-cuda-440-rapid-transit-show-car/
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:02:12 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:03:24 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:04:24 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:06:21 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:07:37 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:08:42 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: tan top on April 16, 2023, 07:10:01 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: b5blue on April 16, 2023, 07:16:38 PM
So the jambs are tan?  :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PM
Anybody know who this guy is?

 49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
I know, the video wouldn't play for me.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 02:14:48 AM
50E710AD-3966-4629-8864-D6CE2486A9AB.jpeg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 17, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
I know, the video wouldn't play for me.

You were right, I forgot to put his name in my post.  I edited it and put him in. 
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: odcics2 on April 17, 2023, 11:14:18 AM
Styline Customs was in River Rouge, a suburb south of Detroit.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TONY on April 17, 2023, 02:36:32 PM
Quote from: Alaskan_TA on April 15, 2023, 11:39:18 AMThe date on fender tags is the SPD - Scheduled Production Date. Actual build dates can very by weeks at times.

1970 model year cars had the final month month & completion on the Mylar door stickers, they were installed at the end of the line right before the cars left the plant.

There are hundreds of examples where the SPD and Mylar show different months.

In this cars case, this car would have been finished during the 1969 model year since the body numbers start E9.

The car would have been finished on the line then sent out for modification after the factory build was done.

A similar example is the Yellow Jacket / Diamante show car. It left the line as a black 1970 Challenger R/T convertible. 

the wiper motor on this car is dated june 16th 1969.

The Diamonte while an early vin, had parts on it dated into october 1969,
there was a theory that waiting on the shaker hood for the car delayed its completion
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Alaskan_TA on April 17, 2023, 03:04:36 PM
Quote from: TONY on April 17, 2023, 02:36:32 PM
Quote from: Alaskan_TA on April 15, 2023, 11:39:18 AMThe date on fender tags is the SPD - Scheduled Production Date. Actual build dates can very by weeks at times.

1970 model year cars had the final month month & completion on the Mylar door stickers, they were installed at the end of the line right before the cars left the plant.

There are hundreds of examples where the SPD and Mylar show different months.

In this cars case, this car would have been finished during the 1969 model year since the body numbers start E9.

The car would have been finished on the line then sent out for modification after the factory build was done.

A similar example is the Yellow Jacket / Diamante show car. It left the line as a black 1970 Challenger R/T convertible. 

the wiper motor on this car is dated june 16th 1969.

The Diamonte while an early vin, had parts on it dated into october 1969,
there was a theory that waiting on the shaker hood for the car delayed its completion

The factory invoice for the car that became the Yellow Jacket is dated Oct. 29, 1969. NO shaker hood on the invoice.  :Twocents:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 18, 2023, 02:35:51 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 17, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 [url="http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=521654;type=preview;file"]49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg[/url]

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
I know, the video wouldn't play for me.

You were right, I forgot to put his name in my post.  I edited it and put him in. 
Have you seen this one?
6807883E-E34E-4F11-AE10-57213CA2E708.jpeg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 18, 2023, 03:02:10 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 18, 2023, 02:35:51 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 17, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 [url="http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=521654;type=preview;file"]49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg[/url]

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
I know, the video wouldn't play for me.

You were right, I forgot to put his name in my post.  I edited it and put him in. 
Have you seen this one?
6807883E-E34E-4F11-AE10-57213CA2E708.jpeg

I have not seen it in person, but Chuck had the original concept artwork for the Sonic 'Cuda on his wall.  It's in the video.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: RallyeMike on April 18, 2023, 05:49:23 PM
Cool. Thanks, Ryan!
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on April 18, 2023, 08:13:39 PM
:scratchchin:  :popcrn: ChuckMillerSonicCuda.JPG
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on April 18, 2023, 08:15:11 PM
:scratchchin:  :popcrn: P1020198.JPG
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on April 18, 2023, 08:48:49 PM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 18, 2023, 03:02:10 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 18, 2023, 02:35:51 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 17, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 17, 2023, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: TheAutoArchaeologist on April 16, 2023, 11:45:47 PM
Quote from: Mopar Nut on April 16, 2023, 09:38:53 PMAnybody know who this guy is?

 [url="http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=521654;type=preview;file"]49E7F4AE-5001-45C4-8D48-24BFAED66481.jpeg[/url]

Sorry, I added his name like 2 minutes later.  If you watch the video as well... That's Chuck Miller, he was the main guy that built the RTS 'Cuda at his shop, Styline Customs in Detroit.
I know, the video wouldn't play for me.

You were right, I forgot to put his name in my post.  I edited it and put him in. 
Have you seen this one?
6807883E-E34E-4F11-AE10-57213CA2E708.jpeg

I have not seen it in person, but Chuck had the original concept artwork for the Sonic 'Cuda on his wall.  It's in the video.
Very cool, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on May 18, 2023, 09:37:38 PM
The RTS 'Cuda and Black Ghost Challenger are both going through Mecum tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 18, 2023, 11:16:31 PM
Curious what high bid will be on both cars? LEON.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Pinballjim on May 19, 2023, 05:42:28 PM
The RTS Cuda brought 2M.  With fees, that's 2.2M.   That's a LOT of cake.  I didn't see the Black Ghost.   
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on May 19, 2023, 10:27:22 PM
IMG_4605.jpeg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 19, 2023, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: Pinballjim on May 19, 2023, 05:42:28 PMThe RTS Cuda brought 2M.  With fees, that's 2.2M.   That's a LOT of cake.  I didn't see the Black Ghost.   


Lots of cake? I think you mean lots of CASH.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 19, 2023, 11:26:50 PM
It got much more then I thought it would. I don't think Julien paid much for his RTS Cars & I think they sold for only a small fraction of what this one got :scratchchin:  :shruggy:  LEON

P.S. What thje Black Ghost get :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Mopar Nut on May 19, 2023, 11:27:30 PM
Quote from: Pinballjim on May 19, 2023, 05:42:28 PMThe RTS Cuda brought 2M.  With fees, that's 2.2M.  That's a LOT of cake.  I didn't see the Black Ghost.   
IMG_4606.jpeg
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: Pinballjim on May 20, 2023, 04:44:03 AM
Quote from: hemi-hampton on May 19, 2023, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: Pinballjim on May 19, 2023, 05:42:28 PMThe RTS Cuda brought 2M.  With fees, that's 2.2M.   That's a LOT of cake.  I didn't see the Black Ghost.   


Lots of cake? I think you mean lots of CASH.

No, I meant CAKE.  Maybe that's an old school saying or maybe its a regional thing, but around here, if something is expensive, we say "Wow, that's a lot of cake.".     
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 20, 2023, 10:52:48 AM
must be a regional thing :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on May 22, 2023, 12:51:58 PM
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!

The new owner of the RTS 'Cuda, Evan Metropoulos of the Only Original Once car collection, is going to be showing the car at MCACN 2023, November 18th and 19th.  Come check it out and say hi.  You know where I will be.

www.mcacn.com

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52911264520_bec53e6b47_b.jpg)
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: birdsandbees on May 22, 2023, 06:03:15 PM
Any truth Ryan, from a woman claiming to be a Daughter, that the car was removed from the owners property without the permission of his Estate?
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on May 22, 2023, 07:20:14 PM
Quote from: birdsandbees on May 22, 2023, 06:03:15 PMAny truth Ryan, from a woman claiming to be a Daughter, that the car was removed from the owners property without the permission of his Estate?

There is an estranged daughter who is making wild accusations.  But everything was done on the up and up, had to because the owner became a ward of the state. 
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 22, 2023, 07:25:21 PM
as soon as big money is involved, these type of stories pop up :scratchchin:  :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: moparstuart on May 23, 2023, 10:58:41 AM
He's my long lost uncle  I want my share   :smilielol:  :smilielol:  :smilielol:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: JB400 on May 23, 2023, 08:29:01 PM
Any idea if he owns any of the other RTS cars? Be cool if all of them were brought back together.
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: hemi-hampton on May 23, 2023, 09:01:23 PM
didn't julien have them all but this one? :scratchchin:  :shruggy:
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: TheAutoArchaeologist on May 23, 2023, 11:34:30 PM
He does not own any of the other cars.

Steve Juliano passed away in 2018, he did get the other three cars.

The two Road Runners are with a collector in New Jersey, and the Duster is in the Brother's Collection in Oregon.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4892/45965276441_43a0fc9f6d_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4909/44148891130_a71a9b271d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: 70 sublime on May 24, 2023, 06:22:06 AM
Why were these cars built in the first place ?
Was it the parent company saying go for it and build us something or just someone that thought it was a good idea to customize a new model into something ?
Title: Re: RTS 'Cuda Uncovered after 40 years!
Post by: moparstuart on May 24, 2023, 01:12:24 PM
Promotional show cars