Special Vehicle Tag on 58

[David G.]

First time poster but long time lurker and pretty much computer illiterate.
Located a 58 available for purchase which appears to be setup for drag racing in the 60's. It is in somewhat ragged condition throughout.
The driver's side door hinge jam is fitted with mild steel metal tag prox. 1" wide and 3" long affixed with two aluminum rivets stating
Special Vehicle
No. MICH 79589
I need to obtain further info but am curious if any of the membership knows the purpose of the tag.
Thanks for any and all info.
David Grant

[Al E.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

I had a car that lost the VIN during a sand blast. The state officer came and inspected my car and I had to get a replacement VIN. These are also true for KIT cars or bodies.

[David D.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

David, MICH 79589, means it is a Michigan replacement VIN number. If I remember correctly, the first 2 numbers are the year (1979), the 2nd number (5) or numbers (05), is the month of that year. I am not sure of last numbers, I think it means it's the 89th replacement VIN number issued that year, but I could be wrong. Hope this helps some. Dave

[Bruce B.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

David,
Does the title show the vin number exactly as it is on the replacement tag?

[John H.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

First time poster but long time lurker and pretty much computer illiterate.
Located a 58 available for purchase which appears to be setup for drag racing in the 60's. It is in somewhat ragged condition throughout.
The driver's side door hinge jam is fitted with mild steel metal tag prox. 1" wide and 3" long affixed with two aluminum rivets stating
Special Vehicle
No. MICH 79589
I need to obtain further info but am curious if any of the membership knows the purpose of the tag.
Thanks for any and all info.
David Grant

David -

That's a Michigan state-issued VIN plate, issued for registration of hotrods/kit cars that didn't have original titles, and issued as a replacement for recovered stolen cars that had the original VIN plate removed by the thieves. Have had and seen many of them from my kit-car days in the 80's and early 90's.

[David D.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

The Michigan title should have just MICH 79589, in the VIN area. If the car was determined to be original, it should also have 1958 Chevrolet Corvette listed on the title, Special Vehicle (on the title) usually means it was assembled from parts. Dave

[David G.]

Re: Special Vehicle Tag on 58

Thank you kindly for all the responses.....great info. I believe i will look for another restoration candidate.,,