The orange/silver car you saw is the gold/black car prior to it being restored to original. Here is a link to the prototype GT with some pics and the owners story about it.
http://home.swbell.net/vette-65/69_motion.html I do have some pics of it in current condition but I feel I should need Larry's permission to post any. Here is a link to his '70 GT as well.
http://home.swbell.net/vette-65/70vette.html This car didn't appear to have ever had light covers.. Dan how are they installed on your car? If they were there then removed would there be any telltail signs?