Over the years I have acquired a collection of original Corvette brochures that includes all from '53-'13. I am hopeful a print version of the '14 will be available.
I sell printing and can guarantee the brochures do not cost $50 each to produce. The embossing, foil stamping, die cutting, and other add-ons to basic printing definitely add cost, but not to that degree. More like $10 would be realistic.
The dealers do pay for them-just like window banners and other showroom materials so they do want to be selective how they're given out.
When my '84 was new, the brochures came in a white envelope with red printing on them along with a suggested retail price. ($5 or $10, I can't recall for sure) Not sure how long this practice lasted; I'll have to check over my collection tonight and verify.
I watch the F1 races at a local exotic dealership and there are always Maserati, Bentley, and other high end brochures for the taking. That may be a part of the problem; Corvettes are sold along with Malibus and other lesser vehicles so the customers walking in the door are all over the map. The high end/exotic dealers only have one level of vehicle, so their customer base is all quite similar. If Corvette reverted to a simpler 8 or 12 page brochure like in the '60's they could print more for the same or less $ and let them be distributed in greater volume. The way it is now, there is a higher end piece but not many buyers are able to actually experience it as they're so limited. Good photography and interesting text would get my vote over the foil stamping, etc. if it would allow more pieces to get into the hands of true enthusiasts.

 

I like the nostalgia that comes with the brochure. I really don't plan to read it more than once, but I would like to keep one for the first year of the new gen.

 

I have EVERY single year going back to and including 1973, I'm sure not going to stop now !

 

Thanks!

 

Last month I chatted with a Chevy Rep. on their website and was told the Brochures were not ready. I was added to a waiting list and am supposed to get one as soon as they are available. When I placed my order for a C7 on May 1, my Dealer did not have any and didn't know when he would get them.

 

This might help - no color.

http://www.c7stingrayregistry.com/pd...%20Convert.pdf

 

I see color in the brochure.

Notice at the bottom of each page is says:
GM CONFIDENTIAL. FOR SALESPERSON USE ONLY.

 

I have this "Sales Guide". My Dealer gave me a color copy when I placed my order. It may be similar to the "Brochure" that Dealers will have, but it is intended for Salespeople and the not the Public.

 

Thanks for sharing. That is great.

 

Here is a later version (dated 4/15) that has more information, including shots of 1LT, 2LT and 3LT interiors:

 

Whoa, that had a lot more information in it. Thanks for sharing.

 

It works on mine.

 

Yes the dealers have to buy the brochures and no they do not cost $50. I'm sure that most dealer will not buy more than one box of 25 because they will be lucky to get 1 or 2 cars for the whole year.

I can tell you that I talked to Detroit about a month ago about the brochures. They told me that we are really going to like what they are making but there's a good chance we will see the cars here on out lot before we get our brochures in.

Dave

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Though I think that seems a little backward, I am glad they have their priorities straight.