I hate to even post a negative on this one Jason, but no one here has mentioned that these GPW axle ends do not look factory on either front or rear of this Chevrolet. In 1961, I would say that any color trial would have had crimped axle ends on it that would have been done in the prototype shop, not just a crude hand peening as is visible on these two. Those, along with both re-peened base rivets (With the original round limits of the factory peening still showing) are very negative for this one being a factory original pre-production for me. The combination of components still make this one a very interesting model to display. I would have to keep this one on my 'specials' shelf rather than call it a straight repaint fake because of this one's two positives you have shown us very well Jason.
The two Positives we can all see from your great pictures are the almost unheard of factory untumbled rough base casting used on this model, along with the body casting used on it with it's factory unspun window rivet.
The GPW all look unused on this Chevrolet, while the tougher early clear window unit as well as the green paint make those parts of this model look very well used. All of the above points create interest while defying any logical conclusions on the originality of any part of this Model Jason. Thanks for showing this one to us for our varying comments and views on it........
kwakers
