route 66 TV series corvettes
03-07-2014, 03:51 PM
#2
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As a fan of the series, I've never heard of a find. Any model with four drilled holes in the trunk for a luggage rack might indicate one, but isn't conclusive. If you can tell the original color, The 61 was Jewel Blue, the 62 was Fawn Beige and the Sting Rays were Saddle Tan.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
03-07-2014, 06:00 PM
#3
Drifting
As a fan of the series, I've never heard of a find. Any model with four drilled holes in the trunk for a luggage rack might indicate one, but isn't conclusive. If you can tell the original color, The 61 was Jewel Blue, the 62 was Fawn Beige and the Sting Rays were Saddle Tan.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
Oh how I wish that series would have been filmed in color!
03-07-2014, 08:23 PM
#5
Safety Car
As a fan of the series, I've never heard of a find. Any model with four drilled holes in the trunk for a luggage rack might indicate one, but isn't conclusive. If you can tell the original color, The 61 was Jewel Blue, the 62 was Fawn Beige and the Sting Rays were Saddle Tan.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
From what I can tell, most of the models used in filming were automatics; Todd throws that thing into reverse and again forward awfully fast for a stick.
I read that the production company returned the 2-3 cars to Chevrolet after each season; whereabouts unknown.
The '62 car was a fawn beige 300HP powerglide, here's a pic of the '62 during filming, tons of pics on the great site ohio66.com.
Paul
03-07-2014, 11:38 PM
#6
I was watching this show at age 10. Looking back, they tackled some pretty serious topics in the weekly story line. ( I remember asking my dad how these guys afforded a new Corvette each year? ) Believe he told me something supportive like, "Quit watching that one eyed monster in the living room and do your homework!" ) Yeah, those were the days. Route 66 was great!
03-07-2014, 11:53 PM
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I was watching this show at age 10. Looking back, they tackled some pretty serious topics in the weekly story line. ( I remember asking my dad how these guys afforded a new Corvette each year? ) Believe he told me something supportive like, "Quit watching that one eyed monster in the living room and do your homework!" ) Yeah, those were the days. Route 66 was great!
The backstory was that the corvette was the only legacy Todd's father left for him after he died bankrupt (a 60 for the pilot, then a 61 for season one). Buzz worked at his Todd's fathers shipping business in NY.
They never bothered to explain how they had a new model each year... ( Or how easily they could drop into any town and find a job)
That ohio66 website is a great resource
03-08-2014, 03:14 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
I got the chance to talk with Martin Milner - Todd- at length about the cars on the show a few years ago.
He said he's been asked about them many times over the years and that there is no documentation he's ever heard about that would tie them to the show.
Said they were just cars, considered as props and tuned back to Chevrolet periodically where, as far he knows, they were sold as just used cars.
He did note that they were used pretty hard and he would never have considered buying one because of that fact.
The luggage rack was indeed held on with straps and suction cups, no holes.
There are several episodes with the rack removed and no holes in the trunk are seen.
For example in the episode "The Quick and the Dead", the rack is seen leaning against the pit wall and there are several closeups of the car going out on the race track from the pits (Todd did change the spark plugs before trying to set a new track record
) and the trunk lid is pristine.
If you don't own the series:
...you should. It goes on sale every so often and can be purchased cheaper than this. For a true Corvette enthusiast it is still very entertaining.
Thomas
He said he's been asked about them many times over the years and that there is no documentation he's ever heard about that would tie them to the show.
Said they were just cars, considered as props and tuned back to Chevrolet periodically where, as far he knows, they were sold as just used cars.
He did note that they were used pretty hard and he would never have considered buying one because of that fact.
The luggage rack was indeed held on with straps and suction cups, no holes.
There are several episodes with the rack removed and no holes in the trunk are seen.
For example in the episode "The Quick and the Dead", the rack is seen leaning against the pit wall and there are several closeups of the car going out on the race track from the pits (Todd did change the spark plugs before trying to set a new track record
) and the trunk lid is pristine.If you don't own the series:
...you should. It goes on sale every so often and can be purchased cheaper than this. For a true Corvette enthusiast it is still very entertaining.
Thomas
03-08-2014, 08:41 AM
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I got the chance to talk with Martin Milner - Todd- at length about the cars on the show a few years ago.
He said he's been asked about them many times over the years and that there is no documentation he's ever heard about that would tie them to the show.
Said they were just cars, considered as props and tuned back to Chevrolet periodically where, as far he knows, they were sold as just used cars.
He did note that they were used pretty hard and he would never have considered buying one because of that fact.
The luggage rack was indeed held on with straps and suction cups, no holes.
There are several episodes with the rack removed and no holes in the trunk are seen.
For example in the episode "The Quick and the Dead", the rack is seen leaning against the pit wall and there are several closeups of the car going out on the race track from the pits (Todd did change the spark plugs before trying to set a new track record) and the trunk lid is pristine.
If you don't own the series: Amazon.com: Route 66: The Complete Series
...you should. It goes on sale every so often and can be purchased cheaper than this. For a true Corvette enthusiast it is still very entertaining.
Thomas
He said he's been asked about them many times over the years and that there is no documentation he's ever heard about that would tie them to the show.
Said they were just cars, considered as props and tuned back to Chevrolet periodically where, as far he knows, they were sold as just used cars.
He did note that they were used pretty hard and he would never have considered buying one because of that fact.
The luggage rack was indeed held on with straps and suction cups, no holes.
There are several episodes with the rack removed and no holes in the trunk are seen.
For example in the episode "The Quick and the Dead", the rack is seen leaning against the pit wall and there are several closeups of the car going out on the race track from the pits (Todd did change the spark plugs before trying to set a new track record
) and the trunk lid is pristine.If you don't own the series: Amazon.com: Route 66: The Complete Series
...you should. It goes on sale every so often and can be purchased cheaper than this. For a true Corvette enthusiast it is still very entertaining.
Thomas
Since the racks did not require drilling, I wonder where I could find one for my trunk?
03-08-2014, 09:26 AM
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
They never bothered to explain how they had a new model each year... ( Or how easily they could drop into any town and find a job)
It was a fun show and it gave the Corvette a lot of positive exposure.
03-08-2014, 09:50 AM
#11
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Why would they be significant ? Just production cars of the day getting a lot of television exposure. Probably returned to GM, sold to employees at a discount. Nothing on the titles would indicate a lease to the movie studio.
I am waiting for someone to validate suction & strap marks on their trunk to qualify it as a " RARE " barn find ... and the newest saying, " the real deal ". Strands of hair with dna of Todd & Buzz would also qualify.
The search begins, stay tuned.
I am waiting for someone to validate suction & strap marks on their trunk to qualify it as a " RARE " barn find ... and the newest saying, " the real deal ". Strands of hair with dna of Todd & Buzz would also qualify.
The search begins, stay tuned.
03-08-2014, 06:19 PM
#12
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rt 66
I bought the series a while back and really enjoy it. I bought my 1961 in 1969 and still own it. My wife and I dated in that car. The Route 66 show was one I made an effort to never miss when I was young. I knew at that point it would only be a matter of time before I owned one myself..............
03-09-2014, 03:19 PM
#13
IMO "Route 66" was the best, most memorable advertising a car ever had. What TV show is the runner-up?
"Dukes of Hazzard" for Dodge Charger?
"Rockford Files" for Pontiac Firebird?
"77 Sunset Strip" for Ford Thunderbird?
"Dukes of Hazzard" for Dodge Charger?
"Rockford Files" for Pontiac Firebird?
"77 Sunset Strip" for Ford Thunderbird?
03-10-2014, 01:43 PM
#14
I would suggest Michael Parks in "Then Came Bronson" for Harley Davidson. ( He rode a Sportster with a picture of the "all seeing eye" found on the dollar bill emblazoned on the gas tank. )
03-10-2014, 05:30 PM
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St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Probably the orange 01 General Lee Dodge Charger from Dukes of Hazzard, since its still being broadcast, endlessly, on CMT; and it seems that kids of all ages know that car, while the Rockford Files & 77 Sunset Strip shows are probably only known by Boomers today.
03-10-2014, 08:42 PM
#16
Drifting
American Graffiti 55 chevy
77 sunset strip T bucket …. (there was a Thunderbird also??)
But Rt66 absolutely changed the history of the Corvette forever. I wonder if the car would even exist today without that show. Todd and Buzz should get a royalty for each new Vette sold.
77 sunset strip T bucket …. (there was a Thunderbird also??)
But Rt66 absolutely changed the history of the Corvette forever. I wonder if the car would even exist today without that show. Todd and Buzz should get a royalty for each new Vette sold.
03-10-2014, 11:06 PM
#17
Racer
/Tracy
03-10-2014, 11:30 PM
#19
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I always wondered about my 62. It's fawn and came from the Hollywood area of Los Angles. But I'm told the tv car was an automatic, although I think there were a pair of them...? who knows? I added the luggage rack to cart my stuff across country on the way home. Suction cups and straps. I've still got it!......
03-10-2014, 11:31 PM
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A couple of years ago I discovered that the original "Route 66" shows were being aired weekly (Monday 3a.m.) on ME-TV. I set up my VCR (Yes...I'm a "Dinosaur") and the first one I recorded was #12 in the series (SHEBA, first aired 1/6/61). I've failed to change channels or had a bad tape a few times, but I've gone through the whole series and it began again on 12/23/2013, so I was able to get the 10 that I missed (didn't get #9 "Layout at Glen Canyon", 1st aired 12/2/1960), with "SHEBA" airing this a.m. Now I have to try to remember to record the 1/2 dozen or so that I missed. I DID transfer all VHS tapes to DVD's and - so far - have 19 DVD's with 5 or 6 shows on each one. I viewed each show weekly on my VCR. Don't know if I'll ever watch them again, but my widow can always use them for "coasters"...
Cruz
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