57 VIN question

[Bruce B.]

I'm looking at an early 57 (8xx) and the vin number on the title and vin plate begins with VE57S1008XX.
I have seen vins begining with a V on some 55 Corvettes but never on a 57.
Has anyone seen this designation before or possibly have an explanation for it?
Thanks in advance.

[Jimmy B.]

Re: 57 VIN question

The actual metal vin plate will not show a stamped "V", sometimes it could possibly be on the title though.

Mike Hunt did an article on this many years ago.

Jim

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Bruce, Mike Hunt's article that Jimmy refers to is attached. There are a couple of things on this low VIN car: 4 screws in column firewall plate, if 3 speed the shifter probably should have a spring on the outside of the shifter bracket on the passenger side and small shift pattern gate. No metal reinforcement under dash, rear cross Member with 5 holes in center section. Gary....

[Bruce B.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Gary,
Thanks for the Mike Hunt info, excellent stuff.
Is the complete Mike Hunt article available?
Bruce B.

[Michael P.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Bruce, Mike Hunt's article that Jimmy refers to is attached. There are a couple of things on this low VIN car: 4 screws in column firewall plate, if 3 speed the shifter probably should have a spring on the outside of the shifter bracket on the passenger side and small shift pattern gate. No metal reinforcement under dash, rear cross Member with 5 holes in center section. Gary....

What "Firewall Column" plate are you referring to? Thanks

[Mike M.]

Re: 57 VIN question

What "Firewall Column" plate are you referring to? Thanks

stamped steel plate on engine side of firewall that encompases the sterring col mast jacket as it goes thru the firewall to engine comartment.mike

[Michael P.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Gottcha, thanks

[Kenneth H.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Bruce, I don't know the first thing about '57s (except that I don't fit in them), but I read the article that Gary attached and it seems from that article that ONLY the paperwork for certain '57s had the "V" suffix in the VIN. If the VIN on the VIN plate starts with a "V" I would be questioning the authenticity of the plate. Is it possible that the '57 is an actual "V" suffix 'vette with the original paperwork, but someone had a reproduction plate made and didn't realize the significance and usage of the "V"as stated in Mike Hunt's article?

Thanks.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 57 VIN question

Ken,
I was mistaken, there is no "V" on the VIN tag.
I also read the info from Gary and it is very enlightening.
Thanks for bringing up the tag question.
Bruce B.