GM Restoration Parts and Chevrolet donate $2,500 in genuine parts to restore Corvette returned 37 years after being stolen

DETROIT January 25, 2006; GM Restoration Parts and Chevrolet have donated $2,500 in genuine parts to help restore the 1968 Corvette convertible that Alan Poster recently had returned to him after being stolen 37 years ago.

Alan Poster, who made a number of headlines last week for having his stolen Corvette returned just before being shipped to a would-be buyer in Sweden , was surprised by the gift during an interview with Cruise Control Radio, a national automotive talk radio show. Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager, called to congratulate Mr. Poster on having his Corvette returned and informed him that GM Restoration Parts and Chevrolet were giving him $2,500 credit to use for genuine Corvette parts.

“We’re happy to help Mr. Poster restore his long-lost love,” said Charles. ”We understand what it’s like to fall in love with a Corvette and to get it in your blood. Corvette enjoys a 70 loyalty rate, which means 70 percent of people who buy a Corvette purchase another one.” It turns out that Mr. Poster had just purchased a 1974 Corvette prior to having his stolen 1968 Corvette convertible returned.

GM Restoration Parts offers more than 25,000 parts that meet stringent quality standards. Many of the program’s licensed parts are produced from the original GM tooling. Approximately 2,000 parts are available for Corvettes. You can see which parts are available and learn more about GM Restoration Parts at www.gmgoodwrench.com.

Mr. Poster’s Corvette was returned missing several original items such as a gas tank, carburetor and a transmission, and its original International Blue paint scheme had been changed to silver. Mr. Poster said he plans to restore the car, repaint it blue and give it to his 17-year-old daughter.

The 1968 Corvette that Poster had returned ushered in the third generation of Corvettes created in the “Mako Shark” concept design. Several classic design cues from that era can be found in today’s sixth generation 400-horsepower Corvette coupe and convertible as well as the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06.

"Anytime you have a chance to put a great piece of American automotive history back on the road you have to try to make it happen,“ said Cruise Control co-host Fred Staab. “I am glad to have had the opportunity to bring Mr. Poster and General Motors together." Cruise Control engages in discussions of automotive news of the week and offers in-depth interviews with leading car industry executives, designers, engineers and product managers. Information about subscribing to the Cruise Control Radio podcast or downloading an MP3 copy of the show can be found at www.cruisecontrolradio.com.

General Motors Corp. , the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 325,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company’s history. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.