John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

[Joseph T.]

John Evans sitting in my 54. John was the guy responsible for the move from Flint to St.Louis. He was the Chief Inspector at the St.Louis Corvette Plant from 53-70? Harvard engineer who implemented many upgrades at the plant. He was also responsible for all the plant pick up cars. Celebrities, Race Cars, Motorama Cars, Shriner Cars etc.

[John L.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

Great Photo Joe - did he own your car at one time or was this photo opportunity? Would be great to rewind to his experiences and knowledge of those early days of the Corvette infancy. What a book it would be. I have an early January 54 currently under restoration and have reflected many times on what it may have been like for individuals such as John during that time....guess to them at the time it was just a job you know.
John Lanning

[Joseph T.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

I drove my 54 to his house in the St.Louis area with a friend. John was retired and we did a video tape interview with him. He told numerous stories about the early days. In 1955 he advised the time and motion people in Detroit they were down to making 5 cars per day with 5 people.

[John L.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

5 a day! wow but that was 55'. Little did they know they would make it over the hump.
Would love to hear of his reflections of the day on the video. Is it available or transcript? I eat this early history stuff up!
John

[Joseph T.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

We did the video interview 30 years ago and it has never been released. Someday.

[John L.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

That is great you had the inclination in taking the time to record such an interview and hopefully someday we will have the opportunity to hear what John recalled. Thanks Joe.
JmL

[Joseph T.]

Re: John Evans.. responsible for moving from Flint to St.Louis

One of the stories of interest to NCRS. John said One of the Show Jobs ( Motorama Car ) was returned to the St.Louis plant. Upon arrival he instructed one of the guys to dismantle the car and put the parts back in the parts bins to be reused. I have and have seen detailed original documents charging the cost of parts and labor. This would lead me to believe at the time this was all documented.

Each year john would go to Detroit for a preview meeting of the new models Chevrolet and Corvette. In attendance were representatives from each of the 11 or or plants. Parts were displayed for review by the plant reps.