RE: [Chevelle-list] DROOL!

[Dale]

A bit high on the base price of a Z16.  The Popular Mechanics article says a base Chevelle price of $2431 plus $1501 for the Z16 option bringing it to $3932 and there were still a few options that could be had on top of that.  Still a hefty price in 1965, however.  I think this was also the only year it was referred to as a Malibu SS 396 and from 66-68, renamed the SS 396 or Super Sport with the 'Malibu' being dropped when it was a separate model from the Malibu.  The 65 Broadcast Copy shows 'Malibu SS 396'.  I believe Terry's car is probably a 2nd prototype built at Baltimore.  The first 'hand built' prototype, featured in the Spring '98 Year One catalog, was an *Experimental Sample* and had many hand built parts and even came on a regular hardtop frame.   Other articles state that most Z16s went to company executives, high profile personnel (like Dan Blocker due to Chevrolet's sponsorship of Bonanza) and a few select buyers.  It wasn't something you could walk into your local Chevrolet dealer and order in 1965.   Some info I've received from two people asking the seller about the car: the body plate shows a Y6 code for paint meaning a yellow car with black vinyl top.  One got a reply that the car NEVER had a vinyl top and one got a reply that it did but when it was *restored* it was left off.  I would think that a buyer today would want the vinyl top back on so it'd match the body plate...just me.   Dale McIntosh TC Gold #92/ACES #1709/NECOA #41 DalesPlace  My 67 El Camino ChevelleStuff  Decoding info on 64-72 Chevelles MidwestChevelles  Midwest Chevelle Show Information From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 12:21 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] DROOL! I think maybe a little research on Z16 cars should be done before making the statement it isn't worth it. The Z16 was the first  SS 396 Chevelle The Z16 option was just under $1500.00 putting the car at about $4300.00. Here is a couple links to Z16 articles.   1965 SS-396 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 ACES, Chevelle World, Vol 1 No 5, Feature Car Musclecarclub.com - Chevrolet Chevelle - History    In June I was able to spend 4 days @ Chevellabration and had the opportunity to spend many hours drooling over the "first off the line Z16" owned by Terry Gunter. Value of Terry's car? Many of us who have seen it place its value between $450-500 K. This car was just taken off the line and made into a Z16. Many of the parts were hand made and to be quit frank fit very poorly. This was my first Z16 I ever have seen in person. For the last 5 years I have been buying Z16 parts in hope of maybe one day finding a car to bid on or to restore. In the last 5 years this is only the third (Restored) Z16 that has came up publicly for sale that I know of. In late May of this year the supposedly "Dan Blocker Z16" sold for $250,000.00. I happen to be one of the "suckers" that is bidding on the car. Unfortunately $125,100.01 was my last attempt to own one of America's most desired and sought after muscle cars. Today I received a phone call from the guy selling the car telling me the reserve is $175,000. Unfortunately it is $25,000 more than I have available and $50,000 more than my wife agreed I could bid on it. So for now I'm back to looking for a unrestored Z16 or maybe the dreaded thought of Cloning one.                                             Sucker Larry (Z)