1970 Chevelle SS Marketing Photos

[Lee Stewart]

PR and Brochure photos have to be taken months before the new model year cars get into the dealer's showrooms. Many times the cars that are used for these photos are pre-production cars. Sometimes the cars are missing engines, interiors and all kinds of emblems that are still being tooled up.

The ad agency that Chevy used for the 1970 Chevelle tries all kinds of different approaches. Then they sit down with Marketing and decide which photos will be used in the ad campaigns. As you will see in the photos below they took an aggressive approach to how they felt the Chevelle SS should be marketed

http://s28.postimg.org/mg9lwx219/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

This is probably their most famous photo which Chevy liked so much they used it in their Brochure as seen below:

https://s26.postimg.org/k1o9dr0ix/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

https://s26.postimg.org/s8g95bqll/SS396-prototype.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9svs7xch1/)

This is the actual car that was used for the above photos

http://s1.postimg.org/mndb88pov/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Same idea only with the Camaro which didn't work

http://s3.postimg.org/lpoauxjdf/DSC_0123.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Notice on the door - decals of other Muscle Cars - like WWII pilots used to paint on their fighter planes - enemy destroyed. The creator of the ad wanted Chevy to either sell the decals or give them away when you bought an LS6 SS454 Chevelle. Chevy felt this would promote street racing and nixed the idea. As you can see it's a pre-production car.

http://s8.postimg.org/5r16nhe9x/DSC_0119.jpg (http://postimage.org/app.php)


Same car as above with an even more aggressive look.

[url=https://postimg.org/image/lj9ppb59h/]https://s26.postimg.org/j1xyi1ld5/999.jpg (http://postimage.org/app.php)

Again the same car but in a more subdued scene.

[al8apex]

I bought a several CASES of the dealer showroom posters and sales brochures way back in the mid 70's from the photographers brother in Birmingham, MI (as the story went, he had some proofs too, so no reason not to believe him) of this picture:

[Mr70]

PR and Brochure photos have to be taken months before the new model year cars get into the dealer's showrooms. Many times the cars that are used for these photos are pre-production cars. Sometimes the cars are missing engines, interiors and all kinds of emblems that are still being tooled up.

The ad agency that Chevy used for the 1970 Chevelle tries all kinds of different approaches. Then they sit down with Marketing and decide which photos will be used in the ad campaigns. As you will see in the photos below they took an aggressive approach to how they felt the Chevelle SS should be marketed

http://s28.postimg.org/mg9lwx219/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


This is probably their most famous photo which Chevy liked so much they used it in their Brochure as seen below:

https://s26.postimg.org/k1o9dr0ix/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/onkdm3m1x/)

https://s26.postimg.org/s8g95bqll/SS396-prototype.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9svs7xch1/)

This is the actual car that was used for the above photos

http://s1.postimg.org/mndb88pov/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Same idea only with the Camaro which didn't work

http://s3.postimg.org/lpoauxjdf/DSC_0123.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Notice on the door - decals of other Muscle Cars - like WWII pilots used to paint on their fighter planes - enemy destroyed. The creator of the ad wanted Chevy to either sell the decals or give them away when you bought an LS6 SS454 Chevelle. Chevy felt this would promote street racing and nixed the idea. As you can see it's a pre-production car.

http://s8.postimg.org/5r16nhe9x/DSC_0119.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Same car as above with an even more aggressive look.

https://s26.postimg.org/j1xyi1ld5/999.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lj9ppb59h/)

Again the same car but in a more subdued scene.




Notice the non SS hubcaps on the above carwash Chevelle too..

I've got a bunch of 1970 Chevelle pre production marketing materials.I bought it all from a GM exc 30 years ago,who told me back then, "it's one of a kind."As the years have gone by so far,I believe him.
Clay mock up photos,as well as National Sales Convention photos and 35mm films.

[bluel78]

Those are great! Post more of your collection.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/mfasii4bt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/r16wquput/)

https://s26.postimg.org/aepchrwx5/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/i7g09r2w5/)

Here are a couple of a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 being photographed in a studio for potential use for PR, Ads or Brochures

https://s26.postimg.org/l2t3gm6w9/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/da2fon0x1/)

Same actor - different car line. Olds may have used the same Ad Agency that Chevy did.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/guyb7v5gp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7zxgxcgo5/)

https://s26.postimg.org/whpkl8j8p/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gjguv3p0l/)

This set is for a Malibu 396 which as you know was not available in the USA but was in Canada

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/hzsdd8rxl/dzs.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/g7zeic8kl/)

https://s26.postimg.org/6bybip2sp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rllxtjj39/)

A Canadian Malibu SS 396 in the studio

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/pv2ws21k9/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5ay2tklt1/)

This is the original photo

https://s26.postimg.org/p88lg9u21/rrr.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/aca28oin9/)

And this is the photo that is in the Brochure. How they did this back in 1965 I have no idea. If anyone knows please chime in - I would love to know the process they used.

[mockingbird812]

Fantastic! I love the behind the scenes stuff! Thanks.

[Crush]

Very cool! Any Nova shots?

[Mr70]

Campbell-Ewald did some amazing perspectives on marketing back then.
Really beautiful & innovative,that you don't see at all on todays bland cars.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/yga0ogfvt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5dvqlmtlx/)

https://s26.postimg.org/6hfuxle95/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/t651x5vmt/)

https://s26.postimg.org/uz7ylhgtl/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/l1wxsf97p/)

Because the 1970 Camaro was late, Chevy was still selling 1969s through November. Here are some unused PR photos. Interesting that they chose to have the SS wheels which were canceled back in January 1969.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/t8oxjzzah/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/42nzd5y05/)

This is a Chevy PR photo. It's a Z/28 but it has the SS emblem on the grille.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/yy564b5gp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/in527zsyt/)

A PR photo of a styling cue that never made it into production

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/capwy5pwp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/57i1ijkh1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/v4bpv5o4p/ddd.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m9avkmzc5/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/is8tho0a1/chevrolet_camaro_rs_ss_350_7.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/zg0bk5v1h/)

https://s26.postimg.org/ifmh8lobt/chevrolet_camaro_rs_ss_350_11.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5o8b23ejp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/igwf20q5l/chevrolet_camaro_40.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/exahc7nfp/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/5zkphqoo9/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7rdocn811/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/djiugwo6h/chevrolet_camaro_rs_2.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ygf2lkm79/)

I believe this is a photo of a pre-production 1967 Z28. Chevy may have been considering using the same tires that would be standard on the 1967 Shelby GT350 and GT500.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/8m59vsm7d/chevrolet_camaro_rs_35.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/i6owiobj9/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/41j3gv2i1/autowp.ru_chevrolet_camaro_waikiki_show_car_2.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/x3xdjoorp/)

1967 Camaro Waikiki Show Car

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/rh10m7m95/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sw2laxnc5/)

https://s26.postimg.org/442z3p65l/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/h88jgdy79/)

https://s26.postimg.org/id2llrko9/99y.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/70q03zbz9/)

https://s26.postimg.org/6zg2aka5l/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m85zoc3tx/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/47wsjybmx/9ik.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e57td0j8l/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/vjwmz15rd/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/49bbr42ud/)

https://s26.postimg.org/dv4w7eu09/8u7.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j6jss4g2t/)

https://s26.postimg.org/7ipqxkqy1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/djnfundk5/)

https://s26.postimg.org/5hz7cqusp/azx.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8c2cq6wyt/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/i6thwf0x5/chevrolet_nova_ss_350_1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ijkw2lj6t/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/tkg17mbft/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/nw9qgq739/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/upa3czxwp/chevrolet_nova_ss_350.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/giuchrn1h/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/avxzkakix/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dd9qrk4f9/)

https://s26.postimg.org/5ykez6ijt/vfr.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5lt0t009x/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/5abkg8ju1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4xk6a21k5/)

https://s26.postimg.org/xollduwrt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ejic43i3p/)

https://s26.postimg.org/xpvj79yll/vgy.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m0rjjb7mt/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/foce9h4kp/cfr.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vml3zlysl/)

https://s26.postimg.org/77cvyjzvt/zsx.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7k4a4qi5h/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/jn9lsat7t/bnm.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rsrnqghgl/)

https://s26.postimg.org/k1axrwdbd/zxc.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tylykykx1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/mwo0yrhbd/chevrolet_el_camino_ss_8.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/92zo9popx/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/qubao644p/chevrolet_el_camino_ss_1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vsyt2p7xh/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/d1wvsjdd5/ccc.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/or0vgi4bp/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/485zbfqeh/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/w8a2vptut/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/uhvn7z1pl/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9kzf3b3ol/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ouzaahz6x/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/b1axlg6lh/)

https://s26.postimg.org/qo26ytkdl/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/u7o4omn39/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/paak3il49/567.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vnzn6rq05/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/aflypcbjd/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vci6u09k5/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/pcufqcort/corvette_sting_ray_2.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6kikmrsdh/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ylwm0gxnt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j0fagilph/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/eski7rka1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8rmtaoxnp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/w8eo9gj8p/678.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/llkv41b39/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/i0ozkt6jt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lkaxam99h/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/rb5p236nd/999.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4mgi2ip9h/)

https://s26.postimg.org/s1yf7v90p/789.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/y2w44xvmt/)

There were two 1965 Mako Shark II concept cars built. This one was a "mock up" and did not move under it's own power. It was used for the show car circuit

https://s26.postimg.org/ht5y21kyx/456.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/m2ao47o85/)

https://s26.postimg.org/5ft3v4vah/bhu.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/twb9plw11/)

This one is a fully running car which Mitchell used as a company car when it wasn't at shows. BTW - this is the first "Corvette" to be powered by an L72 427.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/3pa2tndrd/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/66lu0wxnp/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/5iczhyyy1/chevrolet_corvette_stingray.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/q2htggep1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ftpcamqnd/screenshot_4686.png (https://postimg.org/image/4u44z1085/)

https://s26.postimg.org/d0w4qlqax/screenshot_4688.png (https://postimg.org/image/qht39h0md/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/kuwqbzy3t/screenshot_4690.png (https://postimg.org/image/cpeodu9ut/)

[396L78canuck]

Never seen this ad before.....Thanks for sharing.Bob

[Lee Stewart]

Never seen this ad before.....Thanks for sharing.Bob

That's because it was never run as an ad. It's a "layout" ad shown to the client (Chevrolet) complete with art work and copy. Chevrolet never approved it so it never ran.

[Mr70]

That SUPERCAR ad was actually "photoshopped" back then.I have the original somewhere showing it was a regular dirt road and they later edited the ditch in the center.

[Lee Stewart]

That SUPERCAR ad was actually "photoshopped" back then.I have the original somewhere showing it was a regular dirt road and they later edited the ditch in the center.

That's not what the creator of the ad, Art Director Jim Bernardin says:

''This was one of those unexpected delights that sometimes can be found if you keep your eyes and mind open for picture opportunities. We were on our way to a location at the Disney Ranch in Los Angeles when we were confronted with a washed-out road. It had been raining for several days and we were way behind on our schedule. It looked like we were not going to make it to our location but it didn't matter because here was something nobody could have imagined. I told Warren, our photographer, that this was going to be the best picture we would make of the Chevelle SS or anything else on this trip.

''The Chevelle, with its big new engines, you might imagine could leap across this road like Superman going over a tall building. We made three versions of the situation: the one you see here and two others that featured the front of the car with the washed-out road in the background. We did the one you see here first and I was satisfied that we had it, but Warren argued for the other views.

''We often had disagreements about pictures and solved them by doing two versions. Because I was the art director, I usually won out in the end--but not always. Warren and I were very good friends and had grown up together in the business. I tried my very best to sell this ad to Chevrolet, but we had too many other good, more heroic views of the car with good situations that they chose to use.

''This is an ad that I wish had run, but I am happy to have saved the layout and to show it now. The colors in the print are faded and the retouching on the tire marks is crude, but would have been made right for the finished art. Win some, lose some.''

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2010/06/Factory-Fresh---1970-Chevrolet-Chevelle-SS/3334661.html

[Mr70]

Then I must have a shortened photo of it,because there is no break in the road.

[mockingbird812]

Goodness Gracious! What is wrong with modern car advertising!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just love these shots - thanks for posting!!!!

[RPOLS3]

Cool thread - thanks for sharing

[edcar70]

Why did they not advertise the L-78s for the 70 chevelles and elcaminos?

[Mr70]

Because they were only produced for roughly the first 90 days of assembly,before being discontinued for the new LS-6 in November/December 1969.
If they did publically advertise the L-78 as heavily as others,by the time the materials hit the news stands,the cars would've been defunct already.
There are small mentions of the 1970 L-78 chevelle in certain early salesmens publications,but that was brief.

[Keith Seymore]

Lee - thanks for posting; a couple comments:

a) When I was the engineering rep on the program team for my various GM Truck projects, one of my jobs was to review the advertising literature to make sure there were no mistakes in it. I looked at option content (and mix), specifications (dimensional and powertrain), photos, etc. It wasn't easy, as it takes a person with a head for the product but even then there is a tremendous amount of detail and, if you let your guard down, mistakes can slip out.

[B]PR and Brochure photos have to be taken months before the new model year cars get into the dealer's showrooms. Many times the cars that are used for these photos are pre-production cars. Sometimes the cars are missing engines, interiors and all kinds of emblems that are still being tooled up.

Well said. Or the content - both appearance and option content - is still in a state of flux. Also - the subject may have built as one vehicle and are "dolled up" to represent something else*. The "Malibu SS" shown in your first post is probably an example of that. I wouldn't be surprised if the 6 cylinder car shown here is the same as the car with the kill stickers/police content.

The car was perhaps provided with the condition that no open hood shots be taken, which ultimately accidentally or intentionally got ignored.

K

A more recent example: I took a qty of twenty 2011 Chevy Volts and converted them (in appearance) to 2012 Opel Amperas, for use in the Geneva Auto show and other GM Europe marketing exercises.

[Keith Seymore]

I thought perhaps this was the same young lady (and swim suit) but now that I see them in the same spot they are not as similar as I remembered -

[Keith Seymore]

This one was taken at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan. Taken from Barnes Circle, looking south with the building area in the upper left (16% test hill in the background). The building area is the highest point in both Oakland and Livingston counties, which is why this patch of ground was chosen for the proving ground originally.

I don't know why that is so important for me to know (and share) but I do enjoy seeing if I can tell where these photos were taken.

K

[Keith Seymore]

This one strikes me as ironic because it was just yesterday that we were talking about backup lamps becoming standard in 1966.

Here we have....a '66 Corvette with no backup lamps.

K

[Keith Seymore]

I love this shot.

The caption could be "...and on the 8th day, God teamed up with Zora to create the Chevrolet Corvette".

[Keith Seymore]

This photo was taken at the GM Tech Center (Warren Michigan) on Duntov's internal test track.

When I joined the Engineering/Assembly Production Engineering group, the gentleman I replaced had worked for Duntov years earlier. He said if you had to be on your toes if you heard Duntov "rump rumpity" rumping around in the building area or near the track because he would run you over.

Sadly (to me, anyway) this track has been removed and turned into a pedestrian walking trail.

K

[mockingbird812]

Your recollections are appreciated Keith!

[Keith Seymore]

In my opinion this is the most attractive/sexy automobile ever built. Someday maybe I will try to replicate it.

The photo was taken on the Design Studio patio (behind the Design Dome). I do not know who the gentleman is being "driven" around by Mr Mitchell; if anybody recognizes him I would be interested to know.

K

[Keith Seymore]

There were two 1965 Mako Shark II concept cars built. This one was a "mock up" and did not move under it's own power. It was used for the show car circuit


We still do that.

This Chevrolet Volt concept is a fiberglass mockup over a generic steel tube armature.

Also pictured on the bricks at the Design Studio patio.

One time we were given the opportunity to participate in an employee car show held on the patio; official photographers were present to take pictures of our personal car(s) in the same location as these shots.

The weather was threatening so I did not bring a car down. It was definitely touch and go but the show went on as planned. That is one of my (many) regrets that I did not bring a car and get a photo.

K

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/8fie17yax/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5lf8nrw4l/)

https://s26.postimg.org/k5wbilr3d/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vv0b6ki1x/)

https://s26.postimg.org/yqdedfm21/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/h0bpse8h1/)

Before the 1959 Stingray Racer Concept Car was turned into a pure show car it was red and raced by Dr. Dick Thompson. It made its debut at Maryland's Marlboro Raceway on 18 April 1959, finishing in fourth place. It went on to win an SCCA National Championship in 1960.

Pete Brock, Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda designed the car.

The car appeared in the Elvis Presley movie CLAMBAKE:

https://s26.postimg.org/q9ihg96qx/download.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uin7ifa05/)

[olredalert]

----Thanks, Lee, for the last pic. I have never seen pics of Mitchells Corvette with the upright Weber's, and modified bubble hood. Very cool!

----In the spirit of tail light talk, if you look closely at any 63 to 67 Corvette tail light lens you will find the date "58". That's because those lenses were originally on all 58 Impalas........Bill S

[Lee Stewart]

----Thanks, Lee, for the last pic. I have never seen pics of Mitchells Corvette with the upright Weber's, and modified bubble hood. Very cool!

I was able to find one more photo:

https://s7.postimg.org/ayehaz7a3/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/sborpu2l3/)

----In the spirit of tail light talk, if you look closely at any 63 to 67 Corvette tail light lens you will find the date "58". That's because those lenses were originally on all 58 Impalas........Bill S

Live and learn! :smile:

[Mr70]

Looks like it originally got a Red interior for Bill,then changed to Black for Elvis along with a see through hood..

[69hurstSC]

Wow. These really should have been preserved for a book.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/5pwy3hieh/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/tgwbllilh/)

https://s26.postimg.org/d765ip7xl/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6th2fg31h/)

https://s26.postimg.org/kqz8kr149/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/imevjnzhh/)

https://s26.postimg.org/eq651f3vt/ase.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jotnfy7ol/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/huc7kgvah/888.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/enho0uaud/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/3p6einm95/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/k06ieyyqt/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/e1sp4qfs9/aaa.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/yyox9edt1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/824y12uzt/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/9txwvzecl/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/tptwbive1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ccjlwo02t/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/8iur1984p/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gblet8e3p/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ng3829ld5/sed.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lbiv16jqd/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/n4lrpi4x5/567.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ytprdgvvp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/aehjcewyx/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ijzlakl7p/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/uadirye09/qaz.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dmm0pgj8l/)

[Damien]

This is great stuff Lee, thanks for posting.:biggthumpup:

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/8f0xl02nd/vvv.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5kxs7k0h1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/u2pvvg31l/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/59gbusk11/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/rzfgns38p/chevrolet_chevelle_1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/vvssjro85/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/xp0altysp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ln4wropk5/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/aotn9i0yx/chevrolet_impala_ss_5.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j733du7hh/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/647gukh9l/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/7w0fph0md/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/qcuugagkp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/53785g09x/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/dmqm378mh/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/v00wi23xh/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/keh161xm1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5iihygm79/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/r67g8wmll/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5jsfrvo11/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/l6jp591t5/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/lw2hhm2cl/)

This photo appears in the 1968 Full Size Brochure over two pages. Now you can see it with no page break.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/evehou0kp/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/evehou0kl/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/duiudg8yx/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/xcdhte5wl/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/rph4vx3e1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/6skwr95d1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/rqr2pc57t/chevrolet_mixed_12.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/j8hmkzyp1/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/x3fx3gt49/chevrolet_mixed_11.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4dt16tp45/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ass23hvu1/chevrolet_mixed_19.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/frfki0zmt/)

https://s26.postimg.org/on05xmwrt/1968_Chevrolet_Ad-02.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4se4bihk5/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/685vokc4p/chevrolet_mixed_14.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wgh0dxw85/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/xlb2jbip5/777.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3te044vvp/)

Chevrolet Camaro XP-14 Caribe Sportsman Show Car '1968

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/4k6q9wy95/vbn.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4k6q9wy91/)

https://s26.postimg.org/l9865tuuh/jjj.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4lgo3c02t/)

1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28/RS ''Hurst Sunshine Special'' Prototype

[Xplantdad]

Charley...didn't you own that Camaro at one point? Didn't you do a trade towards a ZL-1...maybe number 18?

[al8apex]

before photoshop there was airbrush

that 68 Camaro appears to be a coupe that was "changed"

[Keith Seymore]

[BBefore the 1959 Stingray Racer Concept Car was turned into a pure show car it was red and raced by Dr. Dick Thompson. It made its debut at Maryland's Marlboro Raceway on 18 April 1959, finishing in fourth place. It went on to win an SCCA National Championship in 1960.

I definitely prefer the silver; seems like it shows off the body lines more on these cars.

K

[Keith Seymore]

This one is Milford Proving Ground as well. That twisty section of road course is called the "Seven Sisters" (because there are seven turns). Naturally it is used for ride and handling work.

There are sections of (local) public roadways replicated on the Proving Ground. Pontiac Trail, Hyne Road, and 12 Mile Rd come to mind. 14 Mile between Mound and Dequindre used to be particularly rough (the sections of concrete had shifted, causing a repeatable predictable beating) and I know for sure that some shock tuning went on there mixed in with the civilian traffic. Mr Lutz famously replicated the Nurburgring course where the off road portion of the Truck Loop used to be.

Lastly - I wanted to comment on the little adhesive letters on the windshields of some of the cars. These may be specific to the Marketing groups as they administrated the photo sessions (or designations of vehicles during a Long Lead/Short Lead press show) but we also use them to designate vehicles during Engineering road trips. Powertrain Cooling, HVAC, Brake Test trips, etc usually have several test vehicles, plus a lead vehicle and a chase truck with technicians and tools. The location is chosen based on what you are trying to accomplish (ie, Death Valley for heating/cooling, Kapuskasing for cold weather, Pikes Peak for altitude and braking, Towns Pass/Davis Dam for trailering up long grades, etc). Participants, consisting of engineers, engineering managers, and guests (quality or marketing reps, or even secretaries participating as a "benefit") are rotated through the various seating positions usually in a prescribed manner, to make sure everybody gets a turn to drive and sit in the back seat. Relevant data is taken while the vehicles are driven and, ideally, reviewed that evening during a working dinner meeting.

One of my favorites was a Corvette test trip where, rather than stick the letters on the rear window of the vehicles, they used the Manufacturer's plates to designate the test vehicle from behind (ie, "12M-001", "12M-002", etc).

K

[Keith Seymore]

Lastly - I wanted to comment on the little adhesive letters on the windshields of some of the cars. These may be specific to the Marketing groups as they administrated the photo sessions (or designations of vehicles during a Long Lead/Short Lead press show) but we also use them to designate vehicles during Engineering road trips. Powertrain Cooling, HVAC, Brake Test trips, etc usually have several test vehicles, plus a lead vehicle and a chase truck with technicians and tools. The location is chosen based on what you are trying to accomplish (ie, Death Valley for heating/cooling, Kapuskasing for cold weather, Pikes Peak for altitude and braking, Towns Pass/Davis Dam for trailering up long grades, etc). Participants, consisting of engineers, engineering managers, and guests (quality or marketing reps, or even secretaries participating as a "benefit") are rotated through the various seating positions usually in a prescribed manner, to make sure everybody gets a turn to drive and sit in the back seat. Relevant data is taken while the vehicles are driven and, ideally, reviewed that evening during a working dinner meeting.

One of my favorites was a Corvette test trip where, rather than stick the letters on the rear window of the vehicles, they used the Manufacturer's plates to designate the test vehicle from behind (ie, "12M-001", "12M-002", etc).

K

Here in SE Michigan it is fairly common to see a string of similar camoflauged vehicles flying down the expressway lined up like ducks. If you can't tell what manufacturer or nameplate the vehicles are just based on the overall size and shape you usually can tell by what type of chase/support vehicles are employed - but - not always. I know for a fact that during the Dodge Viper development they used Chevrolet Suburbans as chase vehicles in an attempt to make observers and the media think that the test cars were the next generation of the Chevrolet Corvette.

A lot of the durability testing is now contracted to outside suppliers, like Rousch, and done on public roadways. I can sit on my front porch and see pairs of vehicles (usually Dodge trucks, Darts and full size passenger cars) fly by, or pass them on my commute home along I-75.

K

[Billohio]

All very interesting. Thanks to Lee and Keith

[Keith Seymore]

As the asst engineering manager for the program, I was invited to participate in the Long Lead Press show for the GMT820D (the 800 version of the Denali) introduction.

The show was held in Santa Barbara California (we stayed at the hotel where JFK and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned) and there was a media ride as part of the show. We (Engineering) were supposed to ride along with these media folks and give some commentary about the trucks and answer any questions they might have.

Well, there is one thing you should know about me: In one of life's little ironies, I (...the consummate car guy...) get car sick. Cars, airplanes, boats - you name it - I've actually made myself queasy wheeling around in my desk chair. It's just one of those things you learn to live with.

This trip was no different. After about two hours of riding with this guy I got really bad. Not "...hey, I think I need a little break..." sick, but "...pulling over to the side of the road to throw up NOW..." sick (I'll bet he was impressed). It was pretty bad.

When we got to our next stop, which was the lunch stop (...yay...) I talked to the trip captain. I told him of my plight and said "...I really don't think I can go on. I'd like to go back to the hotel."

He said "well, that would be fine. These two (a guy photographer and a lady, who was to be his driver) are heading back and you can ride with them - but - they have to stop and shoot some photos on the way. Is that ok?".

I thought that would be ok and waited for them to finish their lunch (I didn't care for any). When they were done we headed over to this green Denali and I asked, delicately, "...do you suppose I could drive? I usually feel better driving than riding". Neither had any problem with that so I hopped up into the seat and off we went.

We drove for a little while, through the southern California countryside, when we came to this little "two lane" road. I say "two lane", but really it was so narrow it didn't have a centerline stripe or any markings. There was a kind of a sweeping lefthand turn, over a little rise, and then a switch back the other way. The photographer explained what he wanted his lady driver to do - but - she balked, saying she didn't feel comfortable doing that. In desperation he turned to me and said "...can you drive?". By then I was feeling pretty normal and, excited at the proposition, I said "sure!".

So, the deal was that I was supposed to get a run at the hill, beep the horn just before entering the rise (so he would know I was coming) and then he'd snap the pictures as I went rolling by. We did our first pass, and I thought it went pretty well, and he said "...think you can go faster?". I said sure and picked up the pace a bit for the next round. He said "...think you can go faster yet?". I said sure (heh heh) and tried again. By the end of the session I was wide open throttle over this little hill and through the turns. It felt gooooood and, after about twenty shots he thought he had some satisfactory material captured.

We left that location and headed to the next spot, which was a straight section of roadway up a slight grade. There was a truck lane and we wanted me to drive steadily up the hill, about 50 mph in the right lane, and he would shoot from across the road. We did a couple and then he asked "how fast were you going on that last one?" I replied it was probably about 55. He sternly said "I said 50! (I was surprised he could tell). We did this one about twenty times as well, and then headed back to the hotel.

As we parted company he thanked me and commented that these would be used for display around the buildings and in the conference rooms. He said that if any turned out such that you could tell it was me driving that he would send me one.

Well - they did and he did. A couple weeks later I was delighted to find these two photos in my mailbox. I never did see them on display anywhere except for where they are proudly displayed in my barn.

My favorite part: his ONLY instruction to me as his driver was: "...hands at ten and two. And don't stick your tongue out. I shot a whole roll one time and the guy had his tongue sticking out. Had to throw out the whole thing".


K

[Keith Seymore]

A couple more stories related to Long Lead/Short Lead Press shows at MPG:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/17/automobiles/collectibles/a-blast-while-it-lasted-unique-corvette-earns-an-encore.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSumMediumMediaFloated&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

http://www.motortrend.com/classic/roadtests/1408_1969_chevrolet_corvette_lt_2_review/

My office mate (at the time) participated in the event on Black Lake. My involvement in the above was (a) making Dave Miller aware that such a thing existed, and (b) connecting him with some of the other participants.

Mr Miller was so dedicated to accurately reproducing the car that, when he found out the original car was a yellow vehicle painted orange, he found a yellow donor vehicle so that he could do the same.

K

[Keith Seymore]

One of the "old" guys at work was telling me that, back in the "halcyon days" at Chevy (back when it wasn't sexist to have cute secretaries) the Marketing guys would swing by and say "hey, whateryoutwo doing for lunch?" If the reply was "nuthin" then he would say "C'mon - we're going on a picnic".

Since my friend was usually sniffing around the cute secretary's (plural) desk he got invited too.

Photos like those would end up in the brochures, just like products of the more premeditated shoots.

K


More detail on the barn, located alongside US-23 in Hartland, Michigan (now painted over, I believe):

http://jameshowephotography.com/blog/2010/08/masterpiece.html/

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ifjq0cup5/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e6ezy6rfp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/3jq8pvpm1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dh19ixx7p/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/m0kngp5k9/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/hrfxej2at/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/xqyky2ycp/1969_Chevrolet_Ad-14.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kzkerkokl/)

https://s26.postimg.org/52lmuuw6h/1969_Chevrolet_Ad-0b.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/64vtdeezp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/qqal5awkp/1969_Camaro_Ad-10.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kcli21rol/)

Sex Sells

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/k8w9zjbl5/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/klno5ptut/)

https://s26.postimg.org/fbipef9m1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jknfglcv9/)

[al8apex]

https://s26.postimg.org/ifjq0cup5/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e6ezy6rfp/)

https://s26.postimg.org/3jq8pvpm1/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dh19ixx7p/)

this is a 1970 with a 71 plate, this was later airbrushed to show the 71 highback seats

[Lee Stewart]

https://s24.postimg.org/42v0vrwet/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/x59aylioh/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s23.postimg.org/a9sg4hhq3/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/cr47br1mf/)

[L78racer]

looks like the red nova has the undercar 'curtains'?

[Jonesy]

Yes it does. Very interesting photos. :biggthumpup:

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/w7wfp3r6x/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4xb4h6o9x/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/3wavs27ah/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mbvcpglet/)

[Keith Seymore]

looks like the red nova has the undercar 'curtains'?

Rally wheels painted black, too.

K

[Keith Seymore]

https://s26.postimg.org/3wavs27ah/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mbvcpglet/)

I had an opportunity to work with David Kimble when we introduced the GMT800 trucks.

I provided the engineering data and specifications and he produced cutaways of the engines and body structure.

Very cool and talented individual.

I'm also the guy that is responsible for the throttle body being kicked up at an angle like that. I had design/release for the engine air induction system on the truck platform side; Darn Powertrain engineers put the throttle body on the front of the engine right behind the cooling fan, not leaving any room for the air induction duct.

I suggested angling the inlet so that I could make the turn from the right front fender, honoring their airflow restriction requirements.

K

[mockingbird812]

Most impressive Keith. Glad someone is on the ball!!!!

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/ru538pwtl/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/n88z0dbad/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/whb5ahk6h/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8dkdm71ph/)

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/6obae4m09/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/g8ux10bc5/)

How riske' is this unused PR photo . . . that girl is naked!

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/r3gygoju1/chevrolet_camaro_ss_350_5.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[BCreekDave]

Noticed in the first post the omission of the solid lifter L78 and LS-6 engines from the engine options. Was this pretty typical of Chevy back then?

[Lee Stewart]

Noticed in the first post the omission of the solid lifter L78 and LS-6 engines from the engine options. Was this pretty typical of Chevy back then?

Yes - none of the brochures showed the L78 396 option (Nova, Chevelle or Camaro) nor the LS6 for the '70 Chevelle.

AFAIK and this is speculation . . . both options defied corporate's ban of engines in mid sized cars that were less than 10 pounds per 1 horsepower. Yet in 1966 the L79 was in the Chevy II brochure.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s26.postimg.org/w0zkyws4p/image.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/r2c2kdobp/)

[BCreekDave]

Yes - none of the brochures showed the L78 396 option (Nova, Chevelle or Camaro) nor the LS6 for the '70 Chevelle.

AFAIK and this is speculation . . . both options defied corporate's ban of engines in mid sized cars that were less than 10 pounds per 1 horsepower. Yet in 1966 the L79 was in the Chevy II brochure.

How did the 1970 Z28 fit into this? In the corporate vision did it weigh more than 3600 lbs? Maybe like the L79 Chevy II it slipped through th cracks.

Maybe it was because the Z28 was a complete option package and not just an engine option? Who knows.

[Lee Stewart]

How did the 1970 Z28 fit into this? In the corporate vision did it weigh more than 3600 lbs? Maybe like the L79 Chevy II it slipped through th cracks.

Maybe it was because the Z28 was a complete option package and not just an engine option? Who knows.

Remember - the ban was lifted for the 1970 model year. That's when the 455s came out in the 442 and GTO along with the 454 for the Chevelle SS. So a 360 HP engine in a 3340 pound Camaro wasn't that big of a deal. And again there is no mention of the L78 396 for the 1970 Camaro (or Nova) in the brochures.

By 1970 the Muscle Car Era was perched on the edge of a cliff so to speak. Pushing it to that point was the Insurance Industry along with the Fed. One year later - it fell off that cliff.

[BCreekDave]

True. I forgot about the ban being lifted in 1970, but I guess that's what confused me a little. The brochure in the first post was from 1970 and it didn't list the solid lifter engine options. Maybe the brochure was designed-printed prior to the ban being rescinded.

[442w30]

I think I've seen 396/375 mentioned in literature several times, but that's the exception. I'd have to look to see which items I've seen 'em in.

[Lee Stewart]

https://s11.postimg.org/b1ookkqg3/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

AFAIK this ad was the only time the L78 375 HP 396 is ever mentioned