1970-74 Auto Show Pictures Wanted - Chevy Demonstrator Display

[72heavychevy]

Here's what I believe to be an original Chevrolet auto show demonstrator sign, circa 1970-74. I found this sign last year, right here in Detroit! Recently finished up the custom frame and mounted it in the garage. The seller had it for many years and had previously bought it from a sign shop going out of business in the 80's. He was told it was used in the auto shows but never found any proof. I think I did!



I've found some pictures showing this demonstrator being used from 1970-73 but they're all a bit grainy. It seems to have been updated throughout the years for the new features of each year.
The best picture I have is from the 1970 Chicago Auto Show with a great view of a few '70 Chevelles in it. (The Chicago Auto show has a great picture archive available here - https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/history/1901/)





I believe this to be a 1973 version for the 1974 model year as it states the "new 5 mph impact bumpers" which were implemented in 1974 due to safety regulations. Interestingly this sign still carries the 1970 "On the Move" slogan.

I'm looking to find some more pictures! Any help is much appreciated!

[Burd]

That would have been made at Creative, Chevy had their own Display shop. A lot of it split and went to HB Stubbs, then to GPJ, i worked with some of the Creative guys, they would have set that up, I’m trying to think who still around. I did the Auto shows for 25 years, but that was before my time, that display might still be around, after the bailout, 80 semis went to atlanta, crazy they just didn’t scrap the stuff. You might talk to the guys at the heritage center. Greg retired, I don’t know the new guys.
Note the “smoker” in your pic, when I started, we put ashtrays out at events.

[Burd]

I’m going to show that to bud, hes an ex clay modeler, he did alot of Chevy work, you should see the one off vett stuff he has. Cool collection.
He made a glass top table from an alum Proto wheel.
Look in your pic, guys are working on the display on ladders.
I have a book from GPJ, when they turned 100, they had a big party, I’ll go through the pics.

[72heavychevy]

Originally Posted by Burd

That would have been made at Creative, Chevy had their own Display shop. A lot of it split and went to HB Stubbs, then to GPJ, i worked with some of the Creative guys, they would have set that up, I’m trying to think who still around. I did the Auto shows for 25 years, but that was before my time, that display might still be around, after the bailout, 80 semis went to atlanta, crazy they just didn’t scrap the stuff. You might talk to the guys at the heritage center. Greg retired, I don’t know the new guys.
Note the “smoker” in your pic, when I started, we put ashtrays out at events.

That's great information - thanks Burd!

I was shocked it survived as well, sounds like the guy I bought it from bought a bunch of other non-GM stuff with it for cheap back in the day. I didn't even think it was a true auto show piece until I dug up this picture.

If you're able to find anything else out it would be much appreciated!