The '60s were dominated by a military buildup to support operations in Southeast Asia, sending volunteer servicemen and draftees all over the world. To support our boys, Chrysler Corporation offered a special service to those serving their country, known as the Chrysler Military Sales Corporation. The authorized distributor for the U.S. Armed Forces was based in Brooklyn, New York, with the International Information Headquarters being located in Frankfurt, West Germany.
On November 6, 1968, a young 1st lieutenant of the 9th infantry based at Randolph AFB in West Germany placed the order for this '69 Plymouth GTX. The options list for the model had grown longer compared to '68 models, and this customer took advantage of it. The export car's drivetrain was optioned out with the 425hp 426 Hemi and four-speed manual transmission, 1 of only 99 GTX hardtops with this combination.
Putting the power to the tires was the High Performance Axle Package consisting of a Dana rearend housing filled with 3.90 gears and a Sure Grip. Power brakes with front discs were a prudent addition to bring the car down from the high speeds of which it was capable--and no doubt achieved on a regular basis--as was the GTX-standard heavy duty suspension. And while the red line F70xl5 tires don't lend an air of performance to the vehicle by today's standards, they represented cutting edge tire technology 30 years ago. Factory-applied undercoating did its job, as the underside of the car has remained in excellent shape through the years.
Interior appointments consist of an AM/FM stereo, console, light package, wood grain steering wheel, seat belts, and black upholstery on the bucket seats. The glass was given its share of attention on the option list as well, with a rear window defogger and tinted glass being selected. Three-speed windshield wipers were standard.
Blue Fire Metallic paint was no doubt a pleasant departure from the Olive Drab paint the lieutenant was surrounded by on a daily basis, and the GTX-mandated blacked-out hood treatment and bright exhaust tips really set it off. The total cost, with options, distribution/delivery charges, and prep amounted to $4,403. What a bargain! Delivery and payment in full took place December 12, 1968, at Jack Rieger Chrysler/Plymouth in the lieutenant's hometown of San Antonio, Texas, and the car was then shipped to West Germany.
After who knows how many incredible races with Porches, Mercedes, and other prey along the Autobahn, the soldier's tour overseas ended, and the car was sent back to the United States, ending its days of crushing European egos. Eventually, the world traveling GTX found its way into the hands of the late Ron Slobe, a collector with a penchant for all things Mopar. After Mr. Slobe's death, the car was sent to a private Mopar collection in Texas, where it has resided since. For traversing more actual miles than most Mopars (making the trip over The Pond and back), the car remained in remarkably good shape, only logging about 63,400 miles under its own power. As a result, the car needed only a repaint and a little detailing to appear exactly as it shipped out.