Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

**Jerry G.** · September 2, 2002, 06:56 PM

Re: Why isn't it special? *NM*

**Ralph E.** · September 2, 2002, 07:02 PM

Re: Why isn't it special?

Please explain your response. 50th Anniversary's are usually a "Golden Anniversary"

**Clem Z.** · September 2, 2002, 07:21 PM

Re: Why isn't it special?

GM tried painting some C-5s gold back in 1998 but had trouble making the different types of plastic on the car the same shade of gold. there were only 15 painted gold that made it to the customers. i had my 62 corvette painted chevrolet anniversary gold from the factory in 1962. they charged a wopping $25 extra for the special paint.

**John H.** · September 2, 2002, 07:44 PM

Re: Why isn't it special?

True, a 50th anniversary is traditionally viewed as a "Golden Anniversary"; in Corvette terms, it could also be viewed as celebrating the 50-year heritage of the car, and should harken back to the very first one, which was white. In any event, the toothpaste-and-sunglasses marketers who were in charge when the idea was approved probably didn't even know there had been a '53 Corvette, much less what it looked like, so we got a red car with electro-rheological shock absorbers instead. The guys on the outside who really understand what the Corvette's 50th anniversary is all about designed a car that harkens back to the very first Corvette from 50 years ago (which the toothpaste guys laughed at); these guys are SWAMPED with orders, and are creating them in volume. The toothpaste-and-sunglasses marketers are gone now, but it's too late - at least for GM to take any credit for understanding the car's heritage when it counted.

**Tim anderson** · September 2, 2002, 08:30 PM

Re: Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

Tradtionaly GM has not had good luck with gold paint. Nor have the owners of gold painted cars.

**Duke W.** · September 2, 2002, 09:14 PM

Re: Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

Yes, gold is a problematic color in automotive finishing systems, which is why you rarely see it. So why not white with a red interior, like all the '53s?

I think John gave the real answer why the "50th Anniversary Corvette" is a rather uninspiring piece.

A couple of year's ago Dave Hill publically said something "really special" was in store for the 50th, and I don't think he was talking about shock absorbers.

According to a previous post by John the outside company that developed the '53 inspired body panels was originally doing it with GM's blessing, and the car was originally planned to be an "official" factory car like the Callaways eventhough a lot of work was to be done on the outside. I suspect that's what was in Dave's mind when he talked about a "really special" 50th model.

Duke

**Patrick H.** · September 2, 2002, 09:20 PM

Re: Why isn't it special?

Ralph,

I don't think any explanation is needed. The 50th Anniversary car we got is far from special, and that's what he was referring to.

Yes, 50th is usually gold. The only automotive gold I've ever liked on a Corvette is the Riverside Gold of 1969. Generally, gold is one of my least favorite colors, and many others feel the same. I've got a "gold" 1970 Cutlass now, but I bought that on condition, not color. At least it wasn't green or brown.

Patrick

**Clem Z.** · September 2, 2002, 09:34 PM

Re: Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

i just sat thru a dave's seminar at the NCM in BG on the 50th and he said they did not want it to be a collectors car,they want people to buy it and drive it. that new shock system really looks good in the film vs the std self adjusting shocks over the bumps. the corvette with the std adj shocks had the wheels leave the ground and the new system kept the wheels on the ground over the same bumps at the same speeds. they had the delphi engineer there to give rides and explain the new shock system. i ask him if there was any chance of rusting of the iron magnetic solution used in the shocks due to condensation inside the shocks going from cold to hot temps. he said he only did the computer programing and track testing of the shocks over at the nuburgring.

**Patrick H.** · September 2, 2002, 09:58 PM

Re: Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

Clem,

I see Dave is still giving lame answers re: the 50th, it's just that his answers have changed depending on when you hear him talk. Last month he was telling us how red sold better, and that's why they chose it. Now he says he wants the car to be driven, so they made it lame.

I had planned on buying and driving one anyway, but given how lame the car is, I'm no longer buying. Let someone else take my spot.

To be honest, I think in 20 years the 50th Anniversary car will be considered as un-special as the 25th Aniversary car is. I don't see anyone fighting over those 25 years later. It looks like the 40th car is the only great car of the bunch.

In Salinas at the SACC gathering there were 4 1953 Corvettes, and between them a matching white/red/black 2003. I've got a picture of it, as it really looked neat to see an original next to the "should-have-been-Anniversary" car.

Patrick

**Richard W.** · September 2, 2002, 11:33 PM

What about the Pontiacs?????

I keep reading that they could not get the gold to work on the various plastics. Pontiac makes a nice looking gold and the plastic doesn't seem to be a problem.

**Tim Anderson** · September 3, 2002, 10:45 AM

Re: What about the Pontiacs?????

Have you seen a 20 year old gold Trans Am latley? Plastic (or any panel for that matter) ain't matching.

**Bob Simard** · September 3, 2002, 11:13 AM

50th Anniversary

No matter what they do, it's better than the 30th anniversary car!

**Patrick H.** · September 3, 2002, 12:01 PM

Touche' *NM*

**George C.** · September 3, 2002, 06:11 PM

Re: Why isn't it special?

Tell it like it is John.>George And don't forget about the C6 , & Cadillacs being built along side of Corvettes . It just goes to show how no one and I mean NO ONE at the top has a Car Brain or gasoline in their blood. Thank God we have all those nice used Covettes St. Louis and Bowling Green , can't forget Flint built. before C6 and Cadillacs. I am sure Zora is turning in the Grave. Wake up GM. Oh yeh Today is final build day for F Body Camaro at St Therese. What will the future hold for Corvette with idiots running the show, maybe Corvette will be combined with Trucks at the Mexico plants, all rear wheel drives, please excuse my rambling but something is very wrong at GM.>George

Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

Why isn't the 50th Anniversary "GOLD"

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