The First '68 Coupe??

[Rich G.]

Re: The First '68 Coupe??

Gordon

Yes, I think that's the one. They do ask for the partial VIN that includes the "37" or "67" for coupe or convertible. Some people followed the instructions. I listed the ones I found with the "37" in the VIN, so I'm pretty sure they are coupes. I wish the owners of that registry were more "strict" on editing the user's inputs, because there are many entries which are confusing. Having said that, it's clear from the number of correct looking entries with corresponding trim tag dates that it's safe to say by VIN 8456 at least, there were coupes rolling out.

This has been an interesting discussion. I own a 68 coupe, 259XX and I never knew the history of the delayed introduction of the coupe in 68.

Rich Giannotti

[Dick W.]

Re: The First '68 Coupe??

We forgive you Dr. Q. Your wealth of knowledge on C-1 and C-2 will make up fer it.

Yer should be out in Breckenridge with the rest of us ole pharts a toastin' our head in the high altitude sun

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: The First '68 Coupe??

Terry, it looks like I'll need your email address so that Tom can get in touch. Thanks!

Pete

[Mark J.]

That explains why so many verts!

I knew there were a lot more verts than coupes in 68. I always assumed that was simply buyer preference. Never knew they got a late start making coupes.

[Tom Runstrom]

Re: The First '68 Coupe??

Gordon: Thanks for starting this very interesting discussion about my 68 coupe and how it relates to the first coupe built. I am sorry that it took me so long to post an entry but I wanted to get into this at home rather than work. I find however that I spend so much time in front of the screen during the day that I don't often get to the PC at home.

It sounds like my coupe #13686 was about the 5000th one built. not very early in the cycle after all. I know it was the first one I saw in the Detroit area other than something with manufacturers plates. It came into the executive fleet (Chevy Spring and Bumper, Livonia MI) March 27, 1968. The 3000 miles that had to be put on it took until May 28th. I didn't see it much in the first two weeks I had it since it first had to have a leaking heater core replaced along with new carpet. Next it was commendeered by GM engineers that held it at the Chevy dealership in Plymouth MI while they tried various ways of curing the top and back window water leaks. The little bits of water dams that they glued onto the door jambs were removed by my restorer when he repainted the car last year but I still have the Engineer's pliers scratches on the back window chrome from them pulling the window out after tightening it too much!

Thanks to everyone for your input. It is great to find a forum like this. Tom Runstrom

Postscript - I have been trying to send this e-mail reply for at least a week. Password problems I guess. hope it works this time!