Not every car earns a nickname like “the first 10-second factory car.” But then again, not every car is the 1965 Plymouth A990. Designed to dominate the drag strip, the A990 wasn’t built for comfort. It was built for glory. Lightweight, loud and lightning fast. Today, this HEMI-powered legend lives on in collector circles as one of the most prized muscle machines of the era. Built to Burn Rubber, Preserved with Precision: The Plymouth A990’s Legacy and the Art of Keeping Classics Clean.
But beneath that thunderous legacy is a quieter story. One of rare builds, unique colorways and the art of keeping history alive.
Born to Race, Not to Rest
Chrysler developed the A990 as a limited-run, race-ready Super Stock machine. With only 101 units produced, it came stripped to the bones for one reason: speed. Aluminum body panels, lightweight seats and the now-iconic 426 Race HEMI under the hood made the A990 a serious contender on the drag strip right out of the box. Its dual 1,000+ CFM carburetors and 12.5:1 compression ratio weren’t for the faint of heart. This wasn’t a weekend cruiser. It was a factory-built rocket.
These cars weren’t offered at dealerships with flashy brochures or shiny showroom floors. They went straight to serious racers. People who didn’t care about air conditioning or radios. Most were painted in basic colors like white or silver to reduce weight and cost.
The Mysterious Tan A990: A Collector’s Rarity
But among the plain paint jobs, one A990 stood out. A light tan-colored build, one of only three produced in this rare shade. This wasn’t a repaint. It was factory-applied, and records indicate it was special-ordered for testing and tuning at the Chelsea Proving Grounds.
This tan A990 became a legend in collector communities. Its rare color made it one of the most desirable A990s ever produced. While most of these cars were battered by burnout boxes and track launches, the tan car became a unicorn. At least one of them surviving decades of racing history with its original paint made it not only rare but also irreplaceable.
And that is where the challenge begins.
When Every Shade Matters, So Does the Match
For collectors, every inch of a classic matters, especially the paint. A rare color like factory tan on a Plymouth A990 is not just hard to find. It is nearly impossible to match without the right tools. That is why Colors On Parade uses SmartMatch Technology.
Our system scans and matches your car’s exact shade, even for limited runs or custom colors long out of production. Whether it is a vintage tan HEMI warrior or a rare muscle car hue, we deliver precise color repair without guesswork.
No mismatched panels. No patchy resprays. Just seamless results that preserve your car’s legacy.
Mobile Repairs That Respect the Ride
We also understand you don’t want to leave your rare car sitting in a crowded body shop. That is why our SMART repair service comes to you. Whether it is a scratch, dent or scuff, we fix only the damaged area. No full-panel repaints or days of downtime. Our technicians are trained to deliver surgical-level precision with minimal disruption to your schedule or your car’s originality.
Honoring the Legacy, One Panel at a Time
Like the tan Plymouth A990, your classic car is more than just metal and paint. It is history on wheels. It tells a story, from track records to restoration weekends in the garage. At Colors On Parade, we treat each repair as a chapter in that story. One that deserves to be handled with care, skill and accuracy.
Whether you own a piece of drag racing history or simply love your classic like family, we are here to help you keep it looking its best for the road or the showroom.
Ready to protect your ride’s legacy? Contact Colors On Parade today to schedule your mobile repair. Let us bring the right color, skill and care to your classic.
FAQs
1. Can paintless dent repair (PDR) be used on classic cars without damaging the original paint?
Yes, paintless dent repair (PDR) can often be used on classic cars, provided the original paint is in good condition. PDR is a technique that removes minor dents without affecting the existing paintwork, making it ideal for preserving the authenticity of vintage vehicles. However, the success of PDR depends on factors like the dent’s location, depth and the flexibility of the paint. It’s essential to consult with a technician experienced in classic car restoration to assess whether PDR is suitable for your specific vehicle.
2. Is it better to repaint or restore the original paint on a vintage car?
Restoring the original paint is generally preferred for maintaining a classic car’s value and authenticity. The original paint reflects the vehicle’s history and can be a significant factor for collectors. Restoration involves careful cleaning, polishing and touch-ups to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. Repainting should be considered only when the original paint is beyond repair, and even then, it’s crucial to match the original color and finish closely to retain the car’s historical integrity.
3. How can I ensure a perfect color match when repairing scratches on a classic car?
Achieving a perfect color match on a classic car requires precise color-matching technology and expertise. Over time, paint can fade or change due to environmental factors, making it challenging to match. Professionals use advanced tools to analyze the existing paint and create a custom blend that matches the original color, taking into account any aging or fading. This meticulous approach ensures that repairs blend seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle, preserving its classic appearance.