Verne,

The LS6 was slated for a mid year introduction, and the generally accepted date was 1-70. However production actually was underway in Dec of '69 with cars being sold. The L78 was being phased out and LS6 production has been generally accepted to have begun after that. All of the data I have so far, along with what is accepted by the majority of Chevelle "gurus" says LS6 production didn't begin unitl Dec '69. I have seen late L78's (which all seem to be built at Baltimore from 11c-12B)as late as 12-8. There were certainly cars built with the LS6 engine in Nov. ,but as of yet they were pre-production or prototypes. These cars (the Oct/Nov. prototypes or pre-production cars) have yet to surface. This car is certainly a "production pilot," as it was delivered and eventually sold through retail channels. Jim Mattison emailed a nice letter discussing the LS6 "pilot" program. I'll be happy to post if anyone wants to read. Quite an education. This car is the earliest known car where the paperwork has been publiclly known.