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12/11/2005 5:38 pm
Tony P. - Why is the whitewall version of the 1957 Vet considered an error version??
Whitewall tyres were an option in 1957 on the Vets, option number RPO 290 in 6.70x15 size. The cost of the option was $30. It seems to me that both versions are "correct". Just my observation......... In fact, whitewalls were an option from 1953 thru 1976. In 1966, the gold stripe tyre was added along with the whitewall. In 1967, the red stripe tyre was added to the option list. I think the raised-white letter tyre became an option in 1968 and beyond. In 1977, the raised-white letter tyre was still an option and the whitewall was history. Of course, 'dealer' options could throw a monkey wrench into the soup. Remember, the older the car, the wider the stripe...... And in the classic 'brass era', some tyres were ALL white.... try keepin' them babies clean...........LOL
12/11/2005 5:52 pm
Jerry - I believe white wall tires were not available with the fuel injected engine option.
12/11/2005 6:32 pm
I have a "standard catalog of corvettes" book and it has several pics of the 57 'fuelie', (fuelie badge and lettering in fender cove), shown with white walls. SEE PIC below.... There is no mention that the RPO 290 option was not available on the fuelies.
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
Seein' is believin'......
13/11/2005 2:35 am
Jerry, in '57 Corvette had more than one fuelie option...
...The one that FM chose to replicate was the formidable 579E option. A package that had a whitewall delete, small dog-dish hubcaps instead of wheel covers, a tachometer mounted to the steering column and the RPO 684 option adding a "big brake" option with with air scoops on the front units. FM got all of this right on their initial release and production run. After a re-order, they inadvertently added the whitewall tires and when they realized it they corrected back to the blackwalls. We, here on the site, are the ones who termed the small run with the whites, the error version of that model.
1957 Corvette production codes.
Scroll down for the fuelie option codes.
13/11/2005 4:16 am
Thanks, Tony. If anyone knew what happened, IT would be you.
So much for my reference book, goin' deep six........
13/11/2005 4:22 am
13/11/2005 4:30 am
Thanks my good man.....
13/11/2005 4:44 am
You're more than welcome sir. Here's a great pic...
...I have never found a photo on the internet of an RPO 579E and 684 optioned car. But here is a photo of a picture of one found on page 69 in the book, "Corvette, 50th Anniversary" .
photo no longer available
The text, in part, reads, "Only 240 cars got the 250-bhp "fuelie" or the landmark 283-bhp edition. Ads touted the latter (FM's car model) for making an impressive "1 h.p. per cu. in." Relatively few '57s wore the small hubcaps and monotone paint shown here."
13/11/2005 6:34 am
Tony - You are truely amazing . . .
Obviously I need to just sit back and let you answer the questions that are directed to you. LOL
13/11/2005 6:55 am
Thanks Bob, but I'm merely a one-trick pony. Have more...
...Corvette books and facts than any other marque so obviously even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while - HA!!
13/11/2005 8:03 am
Tony.....You STILL the MAN