Anniversary Gold Corvette

[Walter F.]

I was somewhat puzzled when the Corvette 50th Anniversary model was red with some gold mist in the paint. In 1962 when it was Chevrolets 50th anniversary Chevrolet built supposly a limited amount of cars in a color they called anniversary gold . I believe the limited amount part is just a make believe story but my Father who worked for Chevrolet took delivery of a Impala 2 door hardtop when new in Anniversary gold.. When we first got the car people were struck by the color. They would ask us what is that color called. Why would Chevrolet not have made the 50th Anniverary Corvette like the Impala we had when it reached its 50th year? Anyone have knowledge why red was chosen for the color instead of gold?

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Anniversary Gold Corvette

I am still trying to figure out how come they did not come white and have a red interior an only a convertible model.

[Walter G.]

Re: Anniversary Gold Corvette

I was also surprised they weren't white/red as the '53's or else gold as a traditional '50th' color. One rumor I recall is that they were having a hard time matching the front/rear fascia to the body panels using gold paint so that idea was scrapped. Personally, I find the 50th too understated and the color at first glance is close to Magnetic Red offered several years prior to '03 so not a model that commands attention. Not bad cars, just nothing really special. Subsequent badge/decal "special edition" C6 models (GT1 and Competition Sport) tried to spark interest in the cars but were not a success in terms of sales numbers. These at least had a bit more visual impact.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Anniversary Gold Corvette

Anyone have knowledge why red was chosen for the color instead of gold?

GM's lame answer at the time was that the Ruby Red 40th Anniversary model had been extremely popular, and red was one of the best selling colors so....

I had a 50th on order but cancelled it once I saw it in person. I didn't like the color combination - especially the rims - but ironically my 2003 GMC truck is virtually the same colors as the 50th Anniversary Corvette, though the exterior is called Dark Toreador Red Metallic on the truck.

[Michael J.]

Re: Anniversary Gold Corvette

Yes, the color of that 50th Anniversary 'Vette was a huge disappointment in many circles. It did sell well, but not because of that awful color. I had a Dodge 50th Anniversary Dodge Polara 500 (actually the same car twice, once in high school and then 40 years later), and it had a beautiful Anniversary Gold special paint available.