Need Chev Lic Plate: "USA-1See America's First"

[njsteve]

I'm looking for one of the Chevrolet front license plates, original or repro that has the bowtie logo on top, USA-1 in gold in the middle and "See America's First" across the bottom. It seems that there is every other version out there in the various catalogs but I haven't found this one yet. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? The plate is going on my Z11 (see attached photo -it's the same one as used on the actual pace cars seen in the pictures from Indy, May 69). Thanks, NJSteve

[Mr70]

Hi Steve
I have all 3 versions of this 69/70 issued plate in my collection.

The first was an Proto-type aluminum Very thin plate with a Black cardboard protective backing that was used at the 1970 National Sales Convention on all the cars in the show.Also used on the Pace cars,in your picture.This has USA-1 is a Highly Reflective gold Plated embosssing,and not painted on.Underneath it says,"See Americas' First".The Bolt holes are round.This plate is VERY Scarce to find in any condition.When you see this Plate in Mint condition,it's reflective aspect really jumps out at you.It was not available to the General public.

The second issue was More common,and a Painted on USA-1 in Flat Gold,pressed onto a Much heavier and thicker metal production Plate.It also says,"See Americas' First".The bolt holes are round.This was available to the Publc through the Dealership and in their merchandising catalog.

The third issue was a Later Reproduction stamped into a thin aluminum plate,with USA-1 Painted with a dull Gold paint.
These bolt holes are Elongated and not round at all.
It says,"See America's First".

There is a fourth design reproduction that is almost identical to the third,but instead of,"See Americas first",it has "See America first".under it.It is not plural,as it originaly was issued.
I will see if I have any Duplicates.
Rick

[njsteve]

That is why I love this site! It's amazing the knowledge that exists out there in the hobby. Please PM me or email me. I would definitely like to find one of these plates, original or later issue is fine. I spent a good hour or so today trying to explain what I was looking for, to the various Camaro parts suppliers out there but they didn't seem to get it. NJSteve

[Belair62]

NJ...keep a sharp eye on E-Bay....they come up from time to time...it's a tough search though.

[Mr70]

This is to whoever L89SS is in Michigan that goes by that ID name on Ebay.I think that is a pretty discpicable thing you did to take my Text and use it almost Verbatim in your Ebay ad.You obviously Lurk on here and saw an opportunity to Manipulate a person who was interested in this plate,and baited him.And No,I am not bitter because I wanted to sell him one of my own.Your Private auction,(so no one could contact him),and over inflated "BUY IT NOW" price 3 hours after I posted my response,leads me to believe you were trying to take advantage of an innocent person just asking for guidance and assistance here.
You could have easily emailed him and told him you had one for sale.Not put on a circus act,using my own words,and behind a curtain as well.
Rick

[njsteve]

Not to worry Rick, I didn't fall for it. I always follow the belief that if something is too good to be true, it usually is. I'll talk to you later -NJSteve

[yountto]

Steve, Seems they sold pretty quick for being overpriced. $100-120 is a steal for those plates....

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Steve, Seems they sold pretty quick for being overpriced. $100-120 is a steal for those plates....

[/ QUOTE ]

I was actually thinking the same thing.

[Bill Pritchard]

Looks like someone from this site has one on eBay right now....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=10076

[Mr70]

I was actually thinking the same thing.