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Special prototype rear axle is stamped “Z16” instead of “GA” as all subsequent Z16 axles would be stamped (highlighted with yellow crayon for clarity). |
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Air cleaner still retains the “AC Engineering Model Shop Experimental Sample” decal! |
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Radiator is special prototype with Sales Order number, core size, etc. stamped on tags soldered to radiator. |
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Since this car started life as a small block Malibu SS, Chevrolet Engineering filled all emblem holes with lead that were not used. At right is the inside of the front fender with tape over the leaded holes. Doug Garrett reapplied the tape just as he found it when restoring the car. |
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At right are the exhaust manifolds, photographed by Mark Meekins, during restoration. Mark highlighted the casting numbers for clarity.
Of extreme interest is the word “SAMPLE” located where the casting date would be located in subsequent Z16 RH manifolds. It can be seen on the lower manifold in the photo between the highlighted part number and the non-highlighted shift clock.
The LH manifold has the casting date of L284 (December 28, 1964). These manifolds had never been off of the car when restoration began in 1989. Photo copyright and courtesy Mark Meekins. |
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At right is a rear coil spring metal tag. This tag lists the part number for the spring (3870488 REAR), it’s height in inches at the indicated load (LOAD 9.74 611, and the spring rate expressed in pounds per inch of deflection (RATE 119). The number stamped in the lower left area of the tag (3591) is unknown to the author but is speculated to be a vendor part number or code. These tags are on both rear springs and are never seen on production automobiles. |
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#1 Z16 Special Parts
The #1 Prototype Z16 was made up of many sample, hand made, prototype parts. While many special parts were used to build all subsequent production Z16s, the #1 car has parts that were very unusual, indeed!
This #1 Z16, being a pilot car, was obviously a test mule used to check the fit, function and performance of these parts. |
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More leaded holes are evident in the rear quarter where the “Malibu SS” emblems were (inside trunk, above).
The deck lid had many holes leaded where the original “normal” Malibu SS trim was located (above right and right).
Note that this was done by Chevrolet Engineering to build the first Z16.
Also of note is the standard “open” coupe frame (not shown). Since this #1 Prototype was a modified production Malibu SS, it came with the standard, non-convertible frame. All Kansas City built Z16s received the heavy duty convertible, boxed, frame.
Similar photos and information on the #1 Z16’s special parts have been published and known since 1989. |
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Trunk molding is machined - not die cast as was the balance of production. |
