[Woodz428]

The Talledega came with a couple of engine options other than the 428CJ. The 390GT was available in early '69 on most of the Mid size and smaller cars but was eliminated by mid year. The '69 version although called a GT engine was far less than the earlier versions as they were then focused on the 428. The '69 engine 390 has an Autolite carb instead of a Holley, a milder cam and a low rise intake. I had one in an early '69 Mach I. They are a pretty rare beast considering the low production and the demand for the CJ. I will have to look at some of the old T data to see if a 390 was available, but it wouldn't surprise me if the production was started in late '68. If the production date of the car is in 1969, I doubt it's original. The brochure from the factory list the 428 as standard, but I know that I saw 2 back in 1969 that had 351W from the factory.I believe that was the base engine contrary to the brochure specs.