1 of 50??

C

CtCarguy

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I am researching a 1979 10th Anniversary for a client. He claims it is one of 50 special "dealer" versions. There is a 4+1 emblem on the front quarter panel suggesting a Doug Nash transmission. Other "special" items include a true dual exhaust and "radial" disk brakes. I sent for a PHS information packet but if this was some sort of non-factory dealer build, it would not be documented. The client has no documents. Ever heard of this? It's not a Macho. Purchased from a dealer in New Jersey. Thanks in advance for any help.
Larry
 
1. Which dealer in New Jersey?
2. Did you check the transmission?
3. Dual exhaust with two catalytic converters?
4. Where is the term "radial" disk brakes coming from, a document or the owner?

Unless the dealer is so large that they have national renown, Royal Pontiac as an example, a bunch of maybe dealer installed items with no documentation is meaningless. Good luck and let us know if you have any more details.

PS: Did you finish your 71 GTO?
 
1 of 50?

The owner told me the car was purchased from a dealer in Fort Lee NJ. I received the PHS documents and it shows the car went to a dealer in FL.

I could not check the transmission since the car is in storage but I am assuming the owner is correct.

Yes, the dual exhaust each have a catalytic converter.

Understand these are owner claims without a single document. I think the owner is combining the Daytona Dealer add-on and Macho. I am appraising this car for insurance and without documentation, the procedure is to assume none of the items that cannot be confirmed or documented, are not viable. I think he is going to be very (unhappily) surprised. The car has been off the road since 1993. It needs a fair amount of detailing of the engine compartment and underbody before it would be considered "show" level.

I am continuing to research his claims but will soon proceed with my appraisal.

Is there somewhere the Macho's VINs are listed? I wonder if it is a partial Macho (not that it would impact the value in a positive manner.) Thnks for any help you can give me.
Larry
 
Re 71 GTO : I built that cat to do the 2010 Hot Rod Power Tour and it ran perfectly. What an experience, 14 days, 4400 miles. Started in Iowa, ended in Alabama. I sold the car at Mecum Harrisburg a few years later.
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This article gives you a good idea of what to look for on a true Macho and the dealer, Mecham Motors was in Arizona. What I find interesting is they modified the cars in violation of Federal rules but sold them as used which is maybe how they wiggled out of that. Does the car you are appraising have headers or the stock cast iron exhausts? Does it have Koni shocks? There is no mention in the article of Macho components being sold by Mecham but easy to replicate other than the decals stating it's a Macho.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/m...Trans-Am/1707978.html#PhotoSwipe1525267476958
 
Update/ Correction

I received the PHS documentation today. I thought the car went to Florida but I was incorrect, it went to Louisiana. Not that makes any difference. I think the owner was given a line by the seller or convinced in some manner that this is a special car. My last task will be to contact Macho with the VIN to see if they have any record. If not, then this becomes a modified car resulting in less value even with 24K miles.

I love the challenge of these mysteries. Once in awhile, what the owner claims (without documentation) is true.

Larry
 
I spend a lot of time on a Corvette forum where you run into these same type of situations. Usually someone claiming they have an original L88, ZR!, etc. They typically didn't do their homework before buying the car.
 
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