1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

[Richard T.]

I have a question for some of the NCRS old timers . In 1978 the NCRS issued a pewter belt buckle to celabrate Corvette's 25th anniversary. It's an oval shape with a 1953 in the center and the NCRS logo above it dated 1978 25th anniversary. On the reverse it describes the 53 Corvettes first year of production and it has the makers logo ( Indiana Metal Craft ). It also has a serial number plate on the rear. I've never seen one of these before and was wondering how many were made. Also the serial number plate on mine reads ( a p ) which I'm told means artists proof. Were these ever sold and if so how many ? Rich #2276

[Bill Clupper]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

Ouch! Old timer!! I have to admit that I'm looking at #242 which I've had since the event. If I remember correctly, 300 were available for purchase as part of the meet and they sold out. I don't know anything about the artists Proof. Not something you would wear around a car, but they are an interesting item

[Richard T.]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

Thanks Chuck, That's interesting trivia for a pup like myself (#2276) With only 300 made that would explain why I've never seen another. Regards Rich

[Terry M.]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

Rich,

There was a story in The Corvette Restorer a year or two ago about those buckles - not the artist's proof however. There will be an update in The Restorer that is in the making as we speak (or write). I'll bet Ken Robb, the author, will chime in here - he is a regular on the NDB.

Terry

[kenrobb]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

There were 300 made and sold. I wrote an article on these buckles and have a follow-up to it comeing out as Terry mentioned. I was able to obtain one from a friend for the article. Wear it to all the events. If you are at national I will have it on.

[Ashley Webb]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

As an owner of a 78 Pace Car and a keen collector of ANYTHING relating to Corvettes of this year I am interested to know if these belt buckles ever come up for sale.....just a looooong shot. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Ashley Webb New Zealand.

[Bill Braun]

Re: 1978 NCRS Belt Buckle

I suspect that Artist's Proof may be produced prior to production to check the forming quality. When I was still Stateside, I knew a guy with one of the NCRS belt buckles. Wouldn't do him much good to wear it though, as it is too well hidden (but well protected).

Bill Braun 33186

[Robert C.]

Re: 1978 NCRS "Proofs"

In general, The Artist's Proofs are exactly the same as the regular numbered Ltd Edition series. The Proofs are just lettered as such, usually the first 20 or so. The proofs are usually a group that helps the artist re-coupe his up front layout costs. They are also much more desirable and valuable. Bob Cook