Maytag made a lot of "oddball" models for different markets. This one doesn't surprise me with the dark tub and no chrome details. The trim level step-down may have been offered as a promotional special for a short time as well - "Hurry in now for special values on top-rated washers during Maytag Month." I saw lots of these Plain Jane panels over the years, my aunt in Kansas City had an A606 but with a white tub and same panel.
Even into the 90's, Maytag made similar but slightly different feature-sets for retailers. Our Nebraska Furniture Mart sold one model exactly like the Circuit City model across the street, the only difference being the soak cycle placed in a different position on the timer, one with soak & hold and one with a drain/spin after the soak.
(*Some features and specifications subject to change without notice.)
Even into the 90's, Maytag made similar but slightly different feature-sets for retailers. Our Nebraska Furniture Mart sold one model exactly like the Circuit City model across the street, the only difference being the soak cycle placed in a different position on the timer, one with soak & hold and one with a drain/spin after the soak.
(*Some features and specifications subject to change without notice.)
