^ THIS. Sounds like it may be a unique car and not just another '86 Z28.
More of the back story of this car, and pics would be fantastic.
Exactly. It's not about the investment. It's about the story and the memories of it.
My dad was a line worker at the Norwood GM plant in Cincinnati Ohio. He worked there from 66 till the closed the plant in 87 (or 88). I also had the true joy and pleasure of working with dad at the plant for a summer just as I got out of high school. This particular car was that same year, although based on build dates, It's possible, but unlikely that either Dad or I did some assembly work on the vehicle at the plant.
As produced, the car was built as a T-TOP. It was then sent to American Sunroof Company (ASC) to be converted to a convertible. As I understand, GM built about 200 of these. The VIN # indicates a T-TOP build.
In 1987, the convertible model went into full production. I was still working at the plant. Models destined to be a convertible were still built as T-TOPS, but instead of placing glass into the TOP holder, a plastic filler was used. The car was then shipped off the ASC for full conversion and the T-TOP filler removed (along with the roof)
This particular car, was then made available to GM executives to drive. The program at that time was that GM execs would drive these cars for about 5,000 miles. After the GM executive drove his allotment, he would return it, and then receive a new vehicle.
Normally, those pool cars are then made available to GM employees to buy at steep discount. I seem to remember about a 30% discount and there was always a waiting list. Dad was on the waiting list to receive a Z28 T-TOP
This particular car however, being just 1 of 200 and a new upcoming model, instead of immediately being being sold, the company used it for special events for time. Dad got word that they were going to keep it a little longer for "reasons". Dad did some digging and found out that 1) they had converted it a convertible and 2) it was being used in special events, 3) Did he still want it? Yes he did.
The car was used in special events. It was used as a pace car several times and I tracked it down and got to see it run as a pace car for a region race. ( I wish I had more info about that, much is lost to memory)
Finally, GM decided it had used the car enough and then sent it to a local dealer for delivery where Dad picked it up. This car was a gift to my Mom for their 25th wedding anniversary.
Mom and Dad had another 30 years together. They Celebrated their 55th anniversary in September and he passed away in November. Mom is sorting through things and asked me if I wanted it to restore.
Mom is 75. I really really want to get this car running and take mom for a drive in it.
Someone asked why it hasn't been driven. Well Dad wanted to keep it pristine. I had tried to impress upon him how to keep a car that way, but I wasn't able to convince him.
I changed the oil for dad in 1990. That receipt is still in the car. I took it home. Started working my first real full time job where I met my wife to be. I literally hadn't been in the car for 31 years. And that receipt was still there! ($9.48 at Valvoline Instant Oil Change)
It's 3 states away, But when I'm back in January I'll get some photos.