Ramble On

October 22, 00

Prototypes, Pre-Production and just plain tough to find

White Enamel Camaro ~ Raw Diecast Corvette

I have a bit if a pet-peeve.

It has to do with what collectors call a really difficult car to find.

Sometimes it's just a tough car to find, but they insist on calling it a "Prototype". It really bugs me when this happens. The word Prototype is defined by Webster's Dictionary as:

"An original model or pattern from which subsequent copies are made, or improved specimens developed"

I couldn't find the definition of the word "Pre-Production", but I would say it is a car that existed before actual production started, possibly for examination of body parts matching up and fitting.

Leaf Springs on the rear (check your Camaros) make this White Enamel Camaro more likely to be a Prototype.

This one also has capped wheels

In any case, the use of these words has been a little too loose and easy. By definition, a Prototype OR Pre-Production car must originate from a (former) Mattel Employee. While it is possible that a car was handed down to a kid from a Mattel Employee and now it shows up in someone's childhood collection, it is more likely that you can directly trace the "roots" of the car directly to a Mattel Employee.

Just because a car is "rare" (another word I dislike, unless it truly fits) doesn't mean it is a Prototype!

The white interior Indy cars are tough to find, but I wouldn't consider them Prototypes, because there are too many of them out there. Most true Prototypes were made in numbers like ten or twenty. Likewise, the black interior Olds 442 - many people call it a Prototype. I wouldn't. I believe they just made less black interiors!

Interior variations are usually just that - Interior Variations!

All Indy Cars with white interiors are not prototypes; however, all prototype Indy Cars do have white interiors. This is backed up by the early catalogs showing the white Interior Indy Cars, they also have clear glass which is the differentiating factor.

Photo and additional info. by Scott Lesperance

Just because a car is a great "one-of-a-kind" customized paint job, does not mean it is a Prototype!

Watch out for these, the customizers are getting to be real good!

"Restored" Magenta Beach Bomb, Rose Camaro, Hot Pink Camaro

Just because a hungry collector wants to get more money for a car does not mean they should call it a Prototype and fool a less-experienced collector into buying it.

Consider the collector's reputation and track record.

I happen to own a few Prototypes and I know the origin of each one. I feel safe in calling them Prototypes because I know they are. I would hesitate to call some cars I own "Prototypes" because I don't know that for sure. We need this level of integrity in this hobby. People need to know they can count on your word, because ultimately, that is all you're worth to them.

This "Lime-Over-Chrome" King Kuda is one car I hesitate to call a Prototype simply because I don't know that for sure. I purchased it in a collection of 12 cars. I don't have to call it a Prototype to make me feel better! Just owning such an unusual car is a reward in itself.

As this hobby continues to mature and values of rarer cars continue to escalate, we will need to be more vigilant and careful about the origin of the cars we buy. Message Boards like the one on this site are a way to help others (especially new collectors) to steer clear of the fakes and the crooks.

Just my two cents!

Dave Espino

p.s. If you have information that would prove me wrong on any of the points I made, I would welcome any helpful corrections to this article, I want it to be accurate. I am not an expert, and I don't want to mislead anyone.

Either way, let me know if you like this type of article. I could do more.