Sadly no. GM did not permit such photos or at least take any that I know of. However, he still has the first working LCD prototype that was installed in a Buick Riveria, which introduced in the late 70s at the Detroit Autoshow (now NAIAS). AC was trying to sell LCD and electronic cluster technology to the car divisions back then. Chevrolet and Corvette were the first to bite from a mass production standpoint. Soon after, vacuum florescent displays also became somewhat popular with the Astro/Safari G-Van and S-10 dashes, several Olds dashes, and so on.

 

LCD technology didn't catch on as everyone hoped. Only the Corvette and later the Trans Am GTA had a LCD instrument cluster. People  liked and trusted the look of a real gauge even if is computer controlled and not mechanically controlled anymore. So that's why you see gauges and then you see vacuum florescent displays for things like trip and vehicle  odometers, the PRNDL, tire pressure, air temperature, radio stations, etc. Just not full on gauges anymore. However, Dakota Digitial seems to be doing well in spite of this.

Great information! Always wondered why there aren't more digital displays. They seem to slowly be breaching their way into the market though as my Camaro has almost everything available digitally in the Center DIC and through the HUD.

June 30, 1953, this day in automotive history: the first production Corvette is built at the General Motors facility in Flint, Michigan. Tony Kleiber, a worker on the assembly line, is given the privilege of driving the now-historic car off the line.

 

Harley J. Earl, the man behind the Corvette, got his start in his father´s business, Earl Automobile Works, designing custom auto bodies for Hollywood movie stars such as Fatty Arbuckle. 

 

BTW - The NCM is selling bricks from this Flint MI plant, as the building was torn down several years ago. You can purchase them for $25.00 a piece and you get a letter of authenticity.

 

 

$25 for a piece of history, not bad.

This thread brought to you by the makers of the Chia pet and the pet rock.  At least the Slinky gave you something you could push down stairs and not get arrested for it.