L88-M40-900-407

Per the best information I’ve gathered through the years, there are a handful of factory black special paint cars from 1970-1976, along with whatever number of factory primer cars.

1970: None Known
1971: 1 LS5-M40-C60-CO7-CO8 2-top Convertible (documented)
1971: 1 LT1 Coupe (not documented)
1972: 1 Base-M40-C60-CO7 2-top Convertible (documented)
1973: 3-30 Various configurations from Hory Chevrolet (At least 5 documented)
1974: None Known
1975: None Known
1976: None Known

Anybody have more and better information?

How about 1970-76 primer car breakdown of years and quantities?

I know there’s a 1971 ZR-2 Coupe that was ordered in primer and restored to that condition in its original red oxide primer.

I know there’s a 1976 with Buckskin interior painted black. Any others known?

7T1vette

With so few actually being produced 40+ years ago....and most of them because someone wanted to shoot their own paint, how many could possibly still be around with that original primer on them (or IT)?

L88-M40-900-407

Well, there were a few black special painted cars from the factory AND the few primer cars. I’m wondering how many are accounted for by owners within the hobby. It would be because of trim tag research, etc.

There is a “fully restored” 1971 ZR-2 that was ordered in primer to be painted black. When it was restored, the owner/seller decided to restored it to its original red oxide primer. I’m wondering if someone has kept a formal or informal registry of the special black painted cars or the primer cars.

SEVNT6

When you total up '76 production by colors, it comes up 46,549.
Total production was 46,558.
Nine Vettes in primer?

KingRat

I did find a black '74 454 Coupe with the SPL trim tag. The car had the original certification label on the driver door and was unrestored. I should have bought that car. I wonder where it is now.

60 SHARK

Wasn't Black a option color choice for 1974 model year? Makes me wonder why one would order no paint, then paint it a available color option,,, I do realize there are many different blacks,,,, maybe???

SEVNT6

Black wasn't an available color on the order sheet from '70 to '76.
I know one thing. I ordered my Vette new, & my salesman never told me I could get it without paint!
I do remember he told me I could order any color interior with any paint choice.

L88-M40-900-407

That’s correct. The guides say that’s how to determine total production of cars delivered in primer.

L88-M40-900-407

I’d really like to know where it is, too. I wish you had bought it.

I’ll add it to the unofficial list to be found and confirmed.

L88-M40-900-407

No. Black wasn’t an available regular color option from 1970-1976. There were a scattered few COPO Special Black painted cars and some cars delivered in primer. The former are what I made this thread to hopefully track down.

L88-M40-900-407

I think it’s fair to assume that most dealers / salesmen weren’t aware of the COPO program for special colors; and those that were might not have wanted to mess with it or didn’t know how to do anything but basic special orders.

SEVNT6

Hell, he didn't even tell me I could get a mirror on the right side!!.....

L88-M40-900-407

😳🙄🤪😜🤓😎🎉

Easy Mike

Nine in a non-standard color. Non-standard could include primer, but also could have included pink if a buyer wanted that color and GM approved it.

LeeS

Do you have the VIN of that 76? Wondering if it might be my1975 SPC Black/Buckskin that I updated with a 76 rear bumper cover. Anywa, you can add a 75 SPC Black/Buckskin to your list.

Nowhere Man

special paint was not through the COPO.

vettebuyer6369

Saw this car at Indy Mecum today. At first I thought it was a special order ‘76 In black with 193 miles. Further investigation referred to the car being painted black at the dealership in Day 2, so I thought it was a SPEC car that came in primer. Turns out it was actually a car the guy wanted in black, couldn’t get that so ordered it in silver, then had it painted before he picked it up. With 193 miles.

So, not exactly what you were looking for but kinda related.

SEVNT6

Plus It's a L82 4-speed.
I can't wait to see what this brings Thursday.....if it sells.

"Special order" Goodyear tires?
When I ordered my white letters I was told I'd get either Firestone, Goodyear or General. I didn't have a choice.
Unfortunately for me I got Firestone 500's
My tread separation came on a 2-lane in eastern Colorado. Thank God it kept air.....

L88-M40-900-407

Fair enough. This is correct.

L88-M40-900-407

It’s still at Pro Team, last I looked. But I don’t think they post VINs, if I remember correctly. Will add.