"Special/Prime" Paint

[Loren L.]

Looking through a Chevrolet publication labeled "Production Trends" (I think) revealed some interesting figures for "Special/Prime" paint production - for Corvettes in 1957, 3 were shown; for 1958, it was 4; for 1959, 5; for 1960, an explosion to 15 (Shriners, perhaps?); and in 1961, 17 (again Shriners?).
I would speculate that 1 of the 3 1957s would be Betty Skelton's car. Other possibilities?

[Gary C.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Mr. Lundberg,

The 3 1957 Corvette color is listed as Special on the 1957 Confidential Production by Exterior Color and Trim report, which is included in the back of the 1956-7 TMIJ.

Gary
....

[Loren L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Okay, so what colors are they? Who has the cars?

[Gary C.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Mr. Lundberg,

BTW, good find on the "Production Trends" report.

Million dollar question you're asking about ownership and colors.

The 1957 Confidential Production by Exterior Color and Trim report just provides the colors and quantities for the 1957 Corvette year model.

Gary
....

[Loren L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Well, it does a little more than that - with it in hand, when a guy shows up in his '57 that is silver with ivory coves and a beige interior, you can let him know that St Louis never built his car. If the car is white with silver coves and a beige interior, it's 1 of 1; black with silver coves and a beige interior, it's 1 of 2; red with beige coves and a beige interior, it's 1 of 3.......

[David B.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Love your question Loren, the pages referred to by Gary (Confidential Production color #s 1956 1/2 page 225 & 1957 page 226) I supplied to John Amgwert back in the 1980's. They are from the same production records I used in writing an article for "THE RESTORER" several years ago. As you might be aware, the article was blocked from publication. Have further information but hesitate to utilize for obvious reasons.

[Robert L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Boy, do I want to follow this thread now.

[Mike M.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

I too wanna follow this thread. mike

[Robert L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Come on guys, don't leave us hanging like this. What is the rest of the story?

[Loren L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Bob, just as David so gently reminded us, the material was labeled "Confidential" when published and obviously did not go out to everybody.... and its Sunday, so its a little tough to seek clearance.... and from whom? No details like VINs accompany the data....would you settle for a listing of color combos where less than 100 were built? What do you think, Dave?

[Patrick B.]

[Loren L.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Nothing like that second cup of "leaded" coffee to clear some of the bats and hobgoblins out of the memory passages.... IIRC it was NOT GM that opposed the publication but parties within NCRS.......David, comment?.......

[Mike M.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

agree with loren. it wasn't GM that opposed the publication. mike mccagh

[Roy S.]

[David B.]

Re: "Special/Prime" Paint

Article written was nothing unusual. Using confidential GM data obtained years ago it was an attempt to correct some 56-57 production quantity #s published in the BB and NCRS Spec Guide. I was surprised it had to be approved by a panel of "experts" who ultimately requested it not be printed. Just to clarify, Vinnie has offered to print with a little up dating. From a personal standpoint, I still believe NCRS is "SUPER SLOW" in updating all the classes.