August 69 Hi Perf Cars

[MotionVette]

In doing some research for my vette project, I came across some interesting information in the August 1969 Hi Performance Cars magazine.

The article " Sneek Preview " makes reference to the front end of the 1969 GT pictured, stating that the 1970 models will feature faired in headlights with plexiglas covers.

My question is I have seen a couple 1969 Baldwin Motion Corvette's with the recessed headlights that are documented cars. How could they feature the recessed headlights if Motion did not start installing them until the 1970 Models?

[djunod]

My guess would be the "plexiglass" covers... from what I've seen.

[55chevy]

The only GT I've seen with original plexiglass headlight covers was the Gold/Black '69 that has shelby scoops on the side pillars. (the car that recently sold at BJ). And that comes from what I seen of that car used in vintage ads for Motion. I heard that headlight covers were deemed illegal right away and the rest of the GTs were delivered without them. Dan M's yellow '70 GT was restored with the covers installed but I don't think it was delivered that way originally...? Dan?? The original Phase III GT Corvette prototype car had the factory front and rear end. What made the GT special (at first) was the slant back window and fuel filler cap (among other Motion mods). The proto car was the only GT to have the stock front end. (I'll link a pic). The rest of the 9-10 GTs to follow had open headlights. The only car I've seen in vintage photos that perplexes me is an Orange/Black GT that has the GT front with open lights yet retains the stock 4 round taillights.. I believe that to be the 2nd GT built. All the other GTs built had the slotted taillights as far as I know. Also as far as the slotted taillights go it seems there is no 2 GTs built the same.. All I have seen are unique in size and shape. ......... Ok lets see what I started here... Here's a pic of the proto GT (which I've seen inside and out numerous times and remains today very close to what it was originally...other than a color change... and a boo boo )...

[JoeG]

Ed , here's a photo of the '70 yellow vette in '92 ( or there abouts ) in front of Palm Beach Motors---They said the originals were missing so they had to handcraft the plexi covers---Now the car was shipped to Las Vegas back then --So were the covers allowed there due to different state MV laws?

[Dave Rifkin]

Of the 9-10 cars built how many have been accounted for?

[MotionVette]

The gold and black GT is the car that I was thinking about after reading the magazine article. The way I deciphered the article was that the recessed headlights would not be installed on any of the GT's until 1970. I have also seen pics of a orange and silver 69 GT with the recessed headlights. This car also features the Shelby side scoops like the gold and black GT. Do you have any pics of the prototype GT as it is today?

[MOTION1]

Joel told me that the car was restored exactly as built when I bought it so I believe it had the covers from the get go.

Dan

[MOTION1]

Second shot

[55chevy]

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?

[MotionVette]

Thanks for posting the pics of the car and the info. Have any more of the yellow GT ?