Maybe the saddest M-Code Cuda you will ever come across

JAG_mopar said
It was a several years ago that I last had seen it, I think it was the fastback Barracuda. All I request is a guesstimate. I do not have access to my books for production numbers. Also would you know besides the M in the VIN, is there any identifiable features I can use to confirm it is a M code from the parts?

is there any other way but the VIN to identify a m-code cuda or dart? i don't think so, however, i am open to the thoughts of others. in mid-production 1969, Plymouth and Dodge offered some "factory race cars" to the public in the form of the A12 Road Runner and 440 six-pack Super Bee. these two cars have the "M" in their VIN numbers on the dash plate. the M-Code 69 Plymouth Cudas and Dodge Darts that had the 440 also had the "M" in their VIN number dash plates. the numbers on the radiator support and under the rear trunk rubber gasket on the M-Code Barracuda just match the six number sequence in the dash VIN plate. both the M Plymouth Cuda and Dodge Dart started life as 383 automatic cars and then had the 383 switched for the 440. these cars used the same torqueflite trans as other mopars and the rear diff was the 8 3/4 dana - also used in the Formula S and "Cuda" model Barracudas in 1969 and the 340 "Swinger" Darts. you could not get power steering on ANY of the "M" cars from Chrysler nor could you get air conditioning - or a bunch of other "fancy" options. so there is no way to identify a M code Cuda or Dart by what options they "don't" have. as to frame structure, i believe ( i could be wrong here) but Plymouth and Dodge did not "bulk up" the unibody frame structure on their "race cars" until the 1970 model year (the 69 1/2 A12 Road Runner and Six Pack Super Bee might have this change also). for example, if you ordered a, E body 1970 Cuda with the Hemi, you got extra heavy-duty torque boxes on the front of the rear springs attachment points. i believe the B body Road Runners, GTX, Super Bee and RT with the Hemi also got these bigger torque boxes. but as to the 69 M Cudas and Darts, if you turned one of them over and looked at the chassis, it would not have looked any different than any other such car off the assembly line.

this is the ONLY way to identify a REAL 1969 M-Code Cuda or Dart that i know of: the dash VIN plate has to have a "M" in it and then the 6 serial number sequence that is also on the dash VIN plate MUST be stamped on the upper radiator support and on the rear trunk lid lip under the weather stripping. i believe the Darts also have their serial numbers on the radiator support and rear trunk opening also - but i would ask a "Dart guy" to confirm this. now, as everyone knows, you can EASILY remove the entire dash including the VIN dash plate on a 69 Cuda/Dart and put it in any similar car. AND you could cut the serial number off the radiator support and trunk area and weld those pieces onto another car. you CANNOT tell if a dash assembly has been switched on these 69 A-body cars. however, you could carefully examine the radiator support and trunk opening area with a bright light and a mirror to see if you can find any welding or cut marks where the serial number sequence is found. if you see such indications - DO NOT buy the car!! it is an illegal vehicle and ripe for a lawsuit and/or criminal prosecution for VIN tampering.