This was the best definition that I could find of a "Pilot Corvette". While the thread refers to C5 Corvettes, it holds true for the previous models.
"Regular Production Options (RPO) Codes on the Service Parts ID Label (under the left rear hatch cover or on the Glove Box Door) may indicate a PILOT and/or PROTOTYPE C5. Many of these early production C5's were sold later to dealers through Auctions after there test periods were over and purchased by retail buyers as used or slightly used C5's.
You may have an early Pilot/Prototype if your VIN Number is below:
1997: 100396
1998: 100091
1999: 100057 (100001 and 100031 through 100056, were Hardtops.
2000: 100040
2001: 100045 (and 100049, 100053, 100057, 100060, 100079, 100087, 100093, 100097, and all Z06's below 100150.)
2002: 100039 (and all Z06's below 100085).
2003: 10040
RPO Codes to look for are:
RPO WDO: WDO is the PROCESSING OPTION CODE for a new C5 BUILT FOR THE NEXT MODEL YEAR FOR TESTING and EVALUATION purposes. A WDO C5 is built during the current model year run of C5's, but is a FUTURE Model Year Vehicle. This Option Code is known at the factory as a "CONTAINMENT VEHICLE" CODE. Which is the "IDENTIFICATION" of the START OF A NEW PLATFORM (i.e. NEW MODEL YEAR C5).
RPO WD1: WD1 is the IDENTIFICATION CODE FOR A FACTORY PILOT VEHICLE, for the Next Model Year. Example: If the factory was building 2002's and a "RPO WDO" & "RPO WD1" was going to be built, it would be a 2003 Model and would have a 2003 VIN Plate attached to it. Of course this would be a EARLY MODEL 2003 C5, with a built date in the middle of the 1999 Production time line, and a JOB# for the current 2003 C5 Model Production.
RPO WD2: WD2 is the IDENTIFICATION CODE FOR A FACTORY PROTOTYPE, C5 Vehicle. All the information would be the same as above, EXCEPT this would be a 2004 C5. Usually all C5 Vehicles after this are called ALPHA Vehicles And BETA Vehicles meaning 3 and 4 model years away."
It is basically a prototype vehicle built during the previous model year for the next year's introduction. In this case, an 1996 LT4 Convertible that was built during te 1995 production year. I'm assuming that these cars were built off-the-line.
Hylton, Regarding the LT4 badge it is an aftermarket piece but I left it on as I thought it looked good. It will come off with a heat gun.
Remeber I'm flexible on the price and don't really want to go through the ebay thing again since my last experience with my 72 Z/28. So, feel free to give me a call. Ed
