Sargevette

First Vette rolls off the line.

http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1953.php

DZAUTO

Notice the wheel covers (ACTUALLY plain caps and trim rings) in the original 53 photos. Those are what are (were) correct for the first 20-30 cars. At the very beginning of 53 production, the full wheel covers (which were typical for 53-55 cars) were not ready.

Tom Parsons

Vette Daddy

The full wheel covers were BelAir covers. They were one piece. No trim ring.

DZAUTO

I ALWAYS thought they were a two-piece cover. And you're right, they were from the 53 Bel Air cars.
Of course, I'm the first to admit, I've never pulled the wheel covers off of one of the first few 53 cars. I've seen 003 many times, but never asked if I could remove its wheel covers.

Tom Parsons

Vette Daddy

Yeah, they're kind of funky looking and I know what you mean about the rim rings. I remember some other GM products having that small trim ring. Pontiacs and Oldsmoblies come to mind. Wasn't trying to be a know it all or anything.

ps374

That car is gone correct? Is number two or three a servivor?

Vette Daddy

#003 is the ofical oldest Corvette today. The #002 body is alive and well.

92GTA

Really?! I'd like to hear what is known about it and what the plans for it are if you don't mind sharing

DZAUTO

NUPE, not at all!
That's just the way they looked to me, and as you mentioned, there were some GM cars that had seperate caps/rings, and the Bel Air caps look like 2 pieces.

Tom Parsons

oldsarge

And history was made,