Early69 RS SS 396 Camaro with goofy hubcaps

[William]

There are 6 Camaro SS listed in the CRG db built prior to this car [Sep 23, 1968] listed as having been built with ZJ7. Sorry, no dates but one entry is noted as having its original spare. N508223 is stated as having 5 original XT paint wheels, dated 8-17-68. Hard to believe Norwood would have a 37-day supply of wheels in on-hand inventory; wheels are relatively simple to manufacture and the suppliers were close to the plant. If there truly was a stock out of 14 x 7 rally wheels, SS orders specified with that option would not have been scheduled for production. Option shortages are noted in dealer communications throughout the model year. Dealer orders specifying the option are delayed or cancelled.

So what happened?

I think N508223 was built as ordered and the wheels stolen, probably at the dealership. As the car was a customer order, a dealer stock Cortez Silver Camaro SS gave up its 5 wheels so N508223 could be delivered. Since the caps and trim rings were shipped in the trunk, it was a simple matter to get creative.

Chevrolet had nothing to do with those hub caps.

Just my 2¢.