Scott Lauer

BangScreech4-4-2

The VIN doesn't seem low enough for a pilot car situation. What makes you think it's something special? Got any pictures or details?

Scott Lauer

rcorrigan5

The true test is the VIN. If the VIN starts with 344878Z1-----, it is a real 4-4-2. If the VIN starts with 336878Z1------, it is a Cutlass V8. The trim tag on all, or nearly all, 4-4-2 models in the '68 model year used 36 instead of 44.

Randy C.

Koda

99% of "pilot car" stories are bull, since they weren't supposed to be sellable cars with vins.

joe_padavano

As noted, it's a Fremont-built Cutlass Supreme holiday coupe. The 400 was not even offered in that model in 1968 (except to police buyers only as part of the B01 or B07 packages), so it is unlikely to be a numbers matching motor or trans. Serial number is pretty high for Fremont, so not an early build either. Of course, the cowl tag would have the build date code and would eliminate all guesswork.

Scott Lauer

joe_padavano

Build date first week of Nov, 1967. As noted, not a real early production car.

Scott Lauer

joe_padavano

11A = build date first week (A) of Nov (11), 1967
004573, 550640 = build sequence codes unique to the Fremont plant
ST68 = Style 1968 model
34287 = Oldsmobile division (3), Cutlass Supreme (42), Holiday Coupe (87)
BF = Fremont CA assembly plant
01306 BDY = Fisher Body assembly serial number (not related to VIN)
TR 987 = Trim Parchment interior with armrest bench seat
B80 = Chrome roof drip rail moldings (standard equipment on the Supreme models, and also mandatory with a vinyl top)
D6 PNT = Sapphire Blue (D) with Parchment vinyl top (6)

joe_padavano

FYI, the 3.91 rear axle was not available with A/C. The steepest gears you could get from the factory with A/C were 3.23.

joe_padavano

I'll add one more thing. While I doubt the 400 is original to that car (a quick inspection of the VIN derivative stamp on the block will confirm this), it WAS possible to order a 1968 Supreme with the RPO L77 400 motor through the Police Apprehender program. Theoretically, one needed to be an authorized police agency to do this, but a creative salesman could possibly put such an order through. Note, however, that the only manual trans available was the HD three speed.

Scott Lauer

joe_padavano

It's probably easier if you just email me directly.


joe_padavano@rocketmail.com