C2-TRIM TAG

[JULIA SERRANO]

i am the owner of a 1965 396/425 coupe. original engine. the trim tag is stamped with "MARK IV" as follows:

L21
STYLE 65437 S3957 BODY
TRIM 415AG 900 FF PAINT

MK IV

I have been told by the person who sold me the vehicle that the "Mark IV" stamped into the metal trim tag signifies that this particular corvette is a special edition used for racing and distinguishes it from other 1965 396/425.

can you tell me of what the significance of the Mark IV stamping means?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2-TRIM TAG

Julia-----

With respect to Chevrolets, the term "MK IV" or Mark IV" usually refers to the big block engines manufactured during the 65-90 period and installed in Corvettes from 1965 through 1974. These included 396, 427, and 454 displacements.

Notwithstanding the above, I have never seen nor do I have any knowledge of this designation being stamped on trim tags. If it had been regularly done, it would be a big benefit to folks trying to determine the original engine installed in a 65-71 Corvette.

I don't know why this stamping would have been used to designate a "racing" Corvette since I would think that, even if such a designation had been desired and performed, some other term would have been used. All 1965 Corvettes with big block engine were "Mark IV".

But, who knows?

[Loren L.]

I agree with Joe about never seeing

or hearing of this before. It MIGHT be something that an individual Dealer might do. From your body #, I assume that the VIn is somewhere in the high 22,000? Have you ever had the car looked at to determine if it is a real 396?

[Mike M.]

Re: C2-TRIM TAG

i agree with joe and loren in that i've never seena 65 396 on a judging field with mark iv stamped on the trim plate. mike

[Craig S.]

Re: C2-TRIM TAG

Julia - like everyone else, this doesn't sound normal. You may want to email Al Grenning who had done extensive documentation work on midyears and teaches classes at Bloomington on items such as this. I am sure he would be interested in a photo of your tag, and any other particulars of your vette. His email is algrenning@aol.com ....Craig

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: C2-TRIM TAG

-------I think I know this car!Was it new in Cal.and then brought to Fla. by current owner?..........Bill S