Beware - Fake Z16 Convertible for sale

[JoeC]

Chevy liked to make convertible show cars that can be used as pace cars. The most known are the Indy Pace cars but there were many others.

The Z/28 convertible was used as a pace car.

I would think that a Z-16 convertible photo would have surfaced if there was one built.

[jeffschevelle]

I personally believe it was built, based on pre-internet stories from 3 different sources (who did not know each other) who described an identical car, including the odd color combination of Sierra Tan with a beige convertible top and a Saddle or Fawn interior, and two of which described an identical demise of the car in a bad wreck.

However, IF it was built, it was not a regular production Z16. The recently unearthed Chevrolet window sticker ECL records specifically indicate that there were 201 Coupes and 0 convertibles built with the Z16 RPO ("Regular Production Option"). But those records don't include any COPO cars or tech center conversion cars, or any GM styling show car conversions.

So, assuming those records are correct (there are some obvious errors in them in other places so who knows), IF it was built then it had to be either (1) a COPO ordered car (built at KC) that is not in the RPO tally, or (2) a non-Z16 production 327 convertible that was converted after the fact into a Z16 at the tech center (like the two prototype coupes were), or (C) a GM Styling built show car.

Given that one 1965 300 2-dr sedan COPO was built with an L78 396/425 engine (the first use of the COPO program to get a purpose-built drag car built, as far as I know of), I would suspect that if someone in the brass wanted a triple-tan Z16 convertible built at that point, they probably would have just used the COPO program too to have the car built on the KC assembly line.

And yes the 300 car is real. Documented with the original (real) window sticker, and someone else has the Tonawanda COPO order spec sheet for the engine. Both bear the same COPO order number. And neither party knew of the existence of the other document, so neither document can be fake!

[AnthonyS]

^ interesting!

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

The bigger issue in my opinion is so many of these scam artist get identified but even when the authorities are made aware and things move forward. Little is really done from a prosecution standpoint. Or at least very few as I think we all know a few guys who continue to fake cars. Fake paperwork. Fake tags and stamps. and despite being known. There’s always more people who don’t know them than those who do and they are the ones who get screwed and I’m a huge believer in do your due diligence but sometimes these guys are VERY GOOD!!

Thanks Jeff for sharing your knowledge and insight

[bashton]

Originally Posted by jeffschevelle

I personally believe it was built, based on pre-internet stories from 3 different sources (who did not know each other) who described an identical car, including the odd color combination of Sierra Tan with a beige convertible top and a Saddle or Fawn interior, and two of which described an identical demise of the car in a bad wreck.

However, IF it was built, it was not a regular production Z16. The recently unearthed Chevrolet window sticker ECL records specifically indicate that there were 201 Coupes and 0 convertibles built with the Z16 RPO ("Regular Production Option"). But those records don't include any COPO cars or tech center conversion cars, or any GM styling show car conversions.

So, assuming those records are correct (there are some obvious errors in them in other places so who knows), IF it was built then it had to be either (1) a COPO ordered car (built at KC) that is not in the RPO tally, or (2) a non-Z16 production 327 convertible that was converted after the fact into a Z16 at the tech center (like the two prototype coupes were), or (C) a GM Styling built show car.

Given that one 1965 300 2-dr sedan COPO was built with an L78 396/425 engine (the first use of the COPO program to get a purpose-built drag car built, as far as I know of), I would suspect that if someone in the brass wanted a triple-tan Z16 convertible built at that point, they probably would have just used the COPO program too to have the car built on the KC assembly line.

And yes the 300 car is real. Documented with the original (real) window sticker, and someone else has the Tonawanda COPO order spec sheet for the engine. Both bear the same COPO order number. And neither party knew of the existence of the other document, so neither document can be fake!

AND, speaking of that particular 300, it WILL be joining us for the upcoming Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

Bashton

[flyingn]

Originally Posted by bashton

AND, speaking of that particular 300, it WILL be joining us for the upcoming Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

Bashton

No way!!! Come on November!

[big gear head]

Is that 300 a black car? If it is I believe I've seen it at Floyd Garret's place.