6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

[Mark E.]

Here's an interesting Hemming's blog post about the once popular mod of customizing mid-years with six taillights. It mentions that "Some Chevrolet dealers even offered the third pair of lamps as a pre-delivery upsell." I've also seen 61-62 cars and C3s with six taillights.

If one of these cars were judged and had documentation showing it was delivered by the dealer with six taillights, would there be a deduction? I'm assuming there would be because even factory accessories like a luggage rack or RH mirror earns a deduction.

Since the intention of NCRS is to judge against how the car was delivered new by the dealer, it seems like the deduction for documented, new dealer mods should be minimal or zero. Or at least less than a mod made after delivery.

Is this the case?

[Joe L.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

Here's an interesting Hemming's blog post about the once popular mod of customizing mid-years with six taillights. It mentions that "Some Chevrolet dealers even offered the third pair of lamps as a pre-delivery upsell." I've also seen 61-62 cars and C3s with six taillights.

If one of these cars were judged and had documentation showing it was delivered by the dealer with six taillights, would there be a deduction? I'm assuming there would be because even factory accessories like a luggage rack or RH mirror earns a deduction.

Since the intention of NCRS is to judge against how the car was delivered new by the dealer, it seems like the deduction for documented, new dealer mods should be minimal or zero. Or at least less than a mod made after delivery.

Is this the case?

Mark-------


It's based on how they left the FACTORY, not the dealer. All sorts of things could have happened before they left the dealer. Things like custom wheels, stripes, or whatever.

[Stewart L.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

The car in the Hemmings photo appears to be the Bob Wingate Corvette, which supposedly was built like that at St Louis. I guess more information would be needed to determine if it actually left the factory like that or where the mods were actually made.
When I bought my 65 FI coupe in 1988, it had 6 tail lamps and no emblems. I did a title search and tracked down the original owner who actually lived fairly close to me. He told me he ordered a new Corvette every other year and had traded in a 63 FI coupe on the 65. He stated that he had specifically ordered it with 6 tail lamps and no emblems (plus every option you could get but the big tank because his kids rode in the back)and that is how it was delivered. He said the modifications were made at the dealership before he picked it up. I changed it back to stock but I do like the 6 tail lamp look.
Stewart

[Michael W.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

Since the intention of NCRS is to judge against how the car was delivered new by the dealer, it seems like the deduction for documented, new dealer mods should be minimal or zero. Or at least less than a mod made after delivery.

Is this the case?

Here's the wording:

“Cars are to be judged to the standard of vehicle appearance, and as equipped at the time and point of final
assembly by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation. Presentation for judging is to be in the
condition normally associated with that of a Corvette which has undergone the then-current standard Chevrolet
Dealer New Car Preparation for delivery to a purchaser, exclusive of any dealer or purchaser inspired additions,
deletions or changes.”

That's why there's a deduction.

[Jack M.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

It appears GM did consider/experiment with various taillight options:

[Bill L.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

I am sure you have all seen this photo --- it sums up the six tail light situation ---

Much like the post from Stewart ---- I recently ran across a yellow 67 coupe with six tail lights --- still in the possession of the original owner --- he told me he ordered the car from a dealership in Pennsylvania and requested that the taillights be added to the car --- (I could not talk him into parting with it though!!!) See the Wingate photo and text below ---

Regards
Bill

Bob W..jpg

[John H.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

Stewart - you aren't old enough to have a membership number that low... Talked with a guy in Gig Harbor last week that has a 6 tail light split window. Original owner claimed it was dealer installed as well.

Thanks for your help last week on the shielding. Car is back home and I am chipping away at it. The pilot bearing was a bugger to get out and back in... Anyway if you find yourself in the area let me know. John

[Ara G.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

exclusive of any dealer or purchaser inspired additions,
deletions or changes

Mike's exactly correct. This applies to luggage racks, dealer emblem/plaques, stripes, side pipes, engine mods, pin striping, etc. ARA

[Bill M.]

Re: 6 Taillight Stingrays and Pre-Delivery Modifications

Wow look at the camber on Bobs wheels