Quote:
Originally Posted by 1989ZR1#74
Research Update:
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Now the dilema. I would guess that Amelia did not have a ZR-1 emblem on the rear bumper:
More then likely it had an LT-5 emblem as #014 did and all the long lead press cars at Riverside, CA press debut had. Talk about Unobtanium! Well the search begins.
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You are probably right about the emblem that is supposed to be there, as every picture I have ever seen of the '89 ZR-1's always has the LT5 emblem instead of the ZR-1 emblem. I guess they decided to change it at the last minute.
EDIT: Here is a quote from a website (
http://maxchevy.com/events/2009/iv_2-autopsy-10.html) that explains why they changed the emblem. Most of you probably already know this, but I'll post it anyway:
"The ZR-1 emblem affixed to the right corner of the special extra-width rear fascia was the brainchild of Corvette Development Manager, Doug Robinson. Initially the plan was to use the LT-5 moniker for the King of the Hill project but a change in GM rules prohibiting engine RPO codes from appearing as external nomenclature nixed the plan. Though plastic LT5 emblems appeared on early engineering prototypes and are seen on David Kimble’s cutaway illustration, Robinson’s ZR-1 moniker was the final production choice."
I don't know if you'd ever be able to locate an original prototype LT5 emblem (though anything is possible), but I know the ZR-1netregistry store used to sell the LT5 emblems that look pretty much
exactly like the original prototype ones. I bought the last one they had, they said no more were going to be made. The package the emblem came in says it's an officially licensed GM product, but I don't know if that really means anything.
Here is a picture of the one I have:
And here is a picture of one on a restored '89 pilot ZR-1. They look identical to me (other than the difference in color):
So, I'm sure someone has some extras of the ones like I have they are willing to part with that you could use in the event you can't find an original one.