Dealer Code Data

[Reba W.]

Re: Dealer Coda Data

North Carolina was one of the last states that shared past ownership information. I applied for that and received names and addresses of several owners in Virginia, North and South Carolina, but had no idea where the car had originated. The Shipping Data report told me that. However, it was a dead end as the dealership is no longer there. I still lack information on the first year of the car's life, but I consider it money well spent.

[Bill M.]

Re: Dealer Coda Data

In 1978 my first corvette a 65 coupe got a set of snow tires to get me through a New York winter. No problem no way I could afford a second car. I have the shipping report for my 65 tank car. Turns out the original dealer is only 150 miles from me. Pats Chevrolet.

[Thomas B.]

Re: Dealer Coda Data

I bought the SDR for my car shortly after purchasing my 63 and joining NCRS a couple of years ago. Confirmation of the production date and a good starting point for pursuing ownership history of your C2. Didn’t pan out for me but very well could have.

In my case I was able to locate the son of the dealership owner who was in his 70s and a salesman in his 80s still living in the small town where the dealer was located. The trail basically ends there as they did not remember my corvette but did remember selling a 65 big block and who they sold it to. Critical people are still out there to possibly help in the search. I still consider the SDR to be an important part of the history of my car as I believe it indicates at least the original geographical area where it was initially shipped to based upon later ownership history I have.

[Brian M.]

Re: Dealer Coda Data

I had been able to secure copies of the titles for the 13 previous owners of my 65, but the first title did not have the dealer information. The Shipping Data Report told me it was Hall Chevrolet in Sophia, West Virginia, population 1,301 in the 2000 census. Hard to believe there was a Chevrolet dealership in a town that small, but those were different times. After several searches for Hall Chevrolet, I ended up calling the only nonchain auto parts store in town and asked to speak with the longest-term employee. He remembered Hall Chevrolet as well as the first two owners. He had a few stories. As Sophia is just off I-77, I dropped in on my way to Pittsburgh PA for Christmas a few years back. The dealership building has been razed and replaced by a county office building. Without the Shipping Data Report, this last piece of the puzzle would never have been found.
A well spent $50 for me.

[Mark L.]

Re: Dealer Coda Data

It warms my heart to read these member's experiences. When we started the program with GM help and approval we had no idea how it would evolve but it could not have turned out better. Joe Scafidi's search probably wins the most significant prize but many members gained knowledge of the early history of their cars. Brian found the missing link as did many others. In some cases data was not available which led to disappointment but you can see many members gained knowledge. In addition we were able to include some years for the Chevrolet muscle cars which gave those folks a new avenue to investigate. Thanks to all who participate.