If you’d like to know what a project car looks like, take a look at this one. Note the 2×4 that’s used to keep the fenders from collapsing inward. I knew I was in trouble when I found it, I but bought it anyway. This helped complete the collection when it came to big block A-body cars.
In 1969, Mopar offered their M-Code cars. These were special engines put into the cars which were signified by the letter “M” in the 5th position of the VIN. In the case of the compact A-Body cars (Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda), that meant 440 motors in the Dodge Dart hardtop and the Plymouth Barracuda fastback and notchback. As a side-note, the biggest motor in the Dart and Barracuda convertibles was the 383 cubic inch motor.
I already had the other M-Code cars along with the 383 convertibles. This car was going to give me the biggest motors available in 1969 in all 5 categories. The thing that sealed the deal was the fact that my other 4 cars were all B-5 blue, just as this one is. I don’t think anybody had ever put together all 5 big block A-bodies, let alone in the same color. It’s probably a testament to the fact that I like mini-collections within my larger one.
Hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars later, the body was restored and the car painted. Believe it or not, the motor was the original numbers matching motor for the car. It’s been rebuilt and is ready to be put back in the car. Restoring a car like this is definitely a labor of love!!!
