1969 Plymouth M Code 'cuda 440 Super-performance Package on 2040-cars

•440-Cubic-Inch V-8 with 4 barrel Carburetor making 375hp and 480lb/ft of torque

•Console and bucket seats

•3.55 Sure Grip rear axle

•Heavy-Duty Suspension (HD Torsion Bars, HD Leaf Springs, Front Anti-Sway Bar)

•Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers, 1" Diameter, Front and Rear

•14" x 5 1/2" Heavy Duty Steel Wheels

•E70 x 14" Wide Boot Red Streak tires

•Dual Hood Scoops and Tape Stripes-Black

•Lower Body Stripes - Black

•Black Grille

•'Cuda 440 callouts

The 1969 Plymouth Performance Packages brochure notes: Air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, disc brakes were not available with the 'Cuda 440 Special.  360 Plymouth 'Cuda 440 Special's were built for the U.S. and Canadian markets.  All of them were 727 Automatics, perfect for launching the light "A" body down the 1/4 mile in winning fashion.  They were not, however, considered a 'regular' production vehicle.  Similar to the GM COPO program, you had to know how to work the system to get your hands on one of these beasts.  They were NOT covered by the normal full factory factory warranty.  Truly, this was a 'use at your own risk' vehicle.  

 
This is #08 in VIN sequence of the approximately 67 'Cuda's 440 fastbacks left known to exist.  As Mopar folks well know, vehicles weren't build in strict VIN sequence.  The  "Special Car Order" document found under the carpet is dated 1/9/69 at the top, the plant approval signature at the bottom dated 1/16.  This 'Cuda is listed as "Order no. 1", selling to Johnson Chrysler/Plymouth of New Bern, NC.  In the strictest sense, this is the first 440 Plymouth 'Cuda ever ordered.

The car before you is the best documented and perhaps finest example of the breed. A documented 5-owner, 29,195 mile car that still has her numbers matching drive-train. All body VIN stamps are also present and accounted for.  The ownership chain is as follows:

 -First owner: Daniel W. Richards, a USMC Officer who purchased the car on February 19th, 1969, from Johnson Chrysler Plymouth in New Bern, North Carolina

-Second owner: Richards traded the car to Padgett Motors in N.C. in February of 1971. Troy Padgett purchased the car for himself from his dealership, making the paperwork out to his wife Christine Padgett, on February 16th, 1971. Just three days short of the 3rd anniversary of the car's initial retail sale, oddly enough!

-Third owner: Edwin Patterson of Broadway, North Carolina, purchased the car from Troy Padgett on February 22nd, 1990. Notice the date and that this is exactly 3 days AFTER the car's 21st birthday! Apparently, the third week of Febuary is when 'Cuda 440 cars get sold in North Carolina?

-Fourth owner: Tom Wenstadt purchased the car from Patterson in 1994. Tom is the founder of the 'Cuda 440 Registry and a well respected authority on 'Cuda 440 cars.

 -Fifth owner:  Bill Sefton purchased the car in 2005 as a must have part of the most comprehensive collection of A-body muscle cars ever assembled.


Tom Wenstadt proceeded to a full concours level rotisserie restoration in 1999. Stripped to bare metal, the body of the car was found to be 100% rust and accident free, a testament to the care it had received through the years. Every component was restored, rebuilt, and detailed to look and function as new. Tom succeeded , as the car stands as an incredible example of an ultra rare muscle car.  Bill Sefton continued the care taking process, refreshing the restoration earlier this year.

The "M-Code" Plymouth 'Cuda 440 Special is truly a weapon, nothing will shove you in the seat like a 375 HP, 480 Ft.Lbs of torque big block in a little A Body car!  Call 847-838-3749 or Email pat@showyourauto.com for more information!

Patrick Krook, Owner, Show Your Auto LLC Phone: (847) 838-3749 Email Me: pat@showyourauto.com

Get ALL the information on the cars before you bid: Access to Inspection Reports which includes: Vehicle Information Report, Mechanical Inspection, and Paint Inspection Report. Access to a Private Photo Gallery of the car, Undercarriage Photos, VIN/Casting Stamps Detail Photos, etc. Additional documentation on the car, Build Sheets, Judging Sheets, Original Window Stickers, Etc. Ask us about transport, overseas customs and shipping, and pre purchase inspection services.