There are many reasons why this car caught my attention. The 69 models are a favorite, real 442 with great documentation, recently restored car from Mississippi and very well cared for since. But my attention was fixated due to the color scheme of Crimson Red and Parchment. I find it classy, sophisticated, sporty and stunning all at the same time.
This car was sold new in Mississippi and lived there until 2013. All documentation is with the car and includes Manufacturers Statement of Origin, original Purchase Contract, Protect-o-Plate, manuals and maintenance history. There is a thick envelope full of receipts that tell the story of the 2007 restoration. There is a CD with photos detailing the restoration.
The restoration was completed in 2007 and the car was enjoyed and shown there for 5 years. In 2012 it was consigned to a renowned dealer of collectible cars and in 2013 it was purchased by a retired couple from the Western suburbs of Chicago. They provide the car great care, kept their receipts, drove it sparingly and enjoyed gathering prizes at local shows. They had quite a display in their garage of the winnings earned by this car. I purchased the car from them, as they decided to purchase a newer car.
The odometer reads just over 40,000 miles. But we know it has rolled around once. The original 400 Rocket V8 was rebuilt during the restoration and runs and looks like new. The original Turbo 400 automatic transmission was also rebuilt. The differential is open and contains 3.23 gearing. A great cruising car that will get up and go, while easily cruising on the freeway.
The paint code is DASH E. E is for parchment vinyl top. The DASH means the car was painted a special color. I have been told that the code 52 Crimson was the original color, but I am not comfortable that Crimson would have been a special color, as it was available in 1969. Discovery of the build sheet might explain the DASH. The sales documents don’t indicate the original color.
This 442 is nicely equipped with power steering and brakes. The front brakes have been converted to disc. The steering wheeling is a three spoke and tilts. The glass is Soft-Ray tinted, which is part of the air conditioning package. The A/C has been converted to 134a and blows cold. This car came with a power trunk release, but the vacuum actuator is not present. The antenna is power. There is a rear defogger. The AM/FM radio is accompanied by an Eight Track tape player that still works fine.
The code 937 Parchment interior was restored and looks wonderful. The white headliner looks beautiful. There are buckets seats and a sport console that contains the shifter. New rubber floor mats are covering the new black carpet. The Deluxe seat belt option includes shoulder belts. The dash looks great and included the Tic-Toc-Tach. The door panels are excellent.
There are dual outside rear view mirrors and the driver’s side is remotely controlled. The vinyl top was replaced in 2007 and looks perfect. The paint is about as perfect as could be and displays as new. The GT Rally stripes are white. There are bright outside moldings and trim, as well as door edge guards. The Super Stock I wheels were recently purchased new and are 15 inch. They are wrapped with brand new BFG Radial TA’s that were installed two months ago. They are 225/70/15’s. There is a matching spare, as well as complete jack assembly, wrench and a tub of documentation in the trunk.
During the restoration, the radiator was recored, the suspension was rebuilt and all new belts, hoses and wires were installed. You will see lots or receipts that detail the extent of the restoration. Due to the great attention to detail, all lights and features work properly with exception of the power antenna. There is a good antenna motor in the trunk. A new welded dual exhaust system was just installed and it contains Flowmaster 40 mufflers. The tone is perfect.
Not often do I discover a car that is a capable driver, that has been driven and enjoyed and yet is still show worthy. This car is one of those. Your inspection will tell you the same. The trophies and plaques on display in the garage confirm this claim.
Not only is this car spectacular on display, but it is super clean underneath. While the restoration was NOT frame-off, you would think it was. The undercarriage has never been rusty. It was properly refinished in satin black and looks awesome. In fact, the entire car has never been rusty. I believe all body panels to be original to the car. The bottom of the doors look brand new.
The color combination sealed the deal for me. But the documentation helped me make the investment. The couple that owned the car offered it great care and were obviously passionate about it. I love the look of the 1969 442 and find this car to be very appealing. It will impress you when you learn about it and see it for yourself. Your inspection is always welcome.
