Q: SHOW-1 Paint Code
My body tag has “show 1” where the paint codes should be. What does this mean.
A: In regards to your question about a “Show 1” Body Tag, yes I have seen those before on a GTO as well as other makes/models. They are quite rare because they were generally very early production vehicles (but not always). Even to this day, the auto companies produce “SHOW” vehicles early in production. Working in Advance Mfg. at DaimlerChrysler, I see vehicles with these same Body Tags… “SHOW 1”, “SHOW 2”, etc. Also see: “PILOT” and “SPEC” as well.
Generally, these special build vehicles were scheduled during the pre-production phase by Engineering or Styling. A “SHOW” Build is built on the regular Line but is treated special and fit/finish are very usually a little better. Paint is also unique and given an extra shine. As with most pre-production or even some early build vehicles, many were destroyed due to various test requirements. A “SHOW” vehicle would have survived if no other Dept. requested it after it’s purpose of “Show” was over. Example: Usually, every fall, the Plants will run a few “SHOW” vehicles for Detroit AutoRama. When the new Grand Cherokee came out in ’92, I personally remember seeing (3) “SHOW” vehicles built. All were Red and each had an ‘escort’ to ensure all trim/exterior parts were show worthy. In addition to the Body Trim Tags stating the vehicles purpose (BTW, at Chrysler, these Tags are temporarily ‘wire-tied’ to the front lower cross member until mid-way through the Chassis Line). “SHOW” vehicles have special Broadcast Sheets as well as hand-written sheets attached to all sides to let Operators know that this vehicle is to be treated special. To find a “SHOW” 1st Gen. Firebird is indeed a rare thing. Finding the Broadcast Sheet would be an interesting discovery. If I can answer any similar questions, feel free to let me know.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:18 am
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