The Supercar Registry - Early69 RS SS 396 Camaro with goofy hubcaps

The Supercar Registry (https://www.yenko.net/forum/index.php)

- Supercar/Musclecar Discussion (https://www.yenko.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=79)

- - Early69 RS SS 396 Camaro with goofy hubcaps (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=170046)

William, your explanation is plausible to me. Can't imagine any possible scenario where Chevrolet would invent something like this to plug a gap...the production volumes in this era were so high that it wouldn't have made sense to rework a single vehicle unless it was something destined for press usage, shows, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by William (Post 1575051)

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¢.

Except apparently we have been looking for any YJ Rally's dated early enough for the car since 2005 and so far none have shown up.

William the proof is the car and how it left with silver painted XT wheels.

All 5 XT wheels are dated 8/17
The wheels have factory silver paint not body color.
Original tires not dismounted from rim except 1.

I forget the rpo but it could have come with XT with trim rings and dogdish caps. But still wouldnt match the ordered rally wheels called on the window sticker.

I am convinced this car came with the XT wheels trim ring and dog dish. I question who would go to lengths to mount those rally tops to the dogdish caps?

Btw that picture of the original owner Gerry Nelson holding the wheel with the goofy cap was taken July 2000, and there is audio confirming he picked the car up with those wheels. He states he soon after installed the slots. In addition he removed the chambered exhaust and installed transverse system.

I'm confident they exist, since we have noted early production Camaro SS built with ZJ7.

Do you really think they all had XTs with home-made hub caps?

I do not believe N508223 was built with those wheels and hub caps. We will have to agree to disagree.

Someone took real time to mount those up and make sure they were centered, if only those caps could talk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by William (Post 1575061)

No, believe this car left the factory with XT wheels and trim rings. Something happened and this information / opinion was shared and obviously we agree to disagree. There is no disputing this car is as original as they come and and the facts speak for themselves.

Look 20 plus years later the mystery continues and everyones conclusions are welcome....

Beautiful survivor Charley. Are there any pictures of it out there with the rally caps on the XT wheels? Maybe it came from the factory with XT wheels for whatever reason with the rally caps in the trunk and someone at the dealership got creative and put them on before the OO picked it up since he's paid the extra $35.85 for the rally wheels? Bet whoever did it never thought we'd be debating something like this 53 years later..lol..

----I have lost my bet. Good thing nobody took me up on it!....Bill S

Somebody please correct me if I’m wrong but I vaguely remember the Lemans Blue 1969 Rally Sport ZL1 having silver-painted XT’s for many years. Am I remembering that correctly?