[MikeNoun]

Keith, we're on the same page, but you stated it better.

The only part I would disagree with is :

Manufacturing Validation Build - Nonsaleable: these are built in the assembly plant. Parts are production tooled (hopefully) but not saleable status yet. Purpose of the build is to validation the manufacturing process, highlight build problems that need to be fixed before mainstream production. Vehicles are fairly refined but have a "nonsaleable" (ie experimental) VIN and cannot be sold or titled. Typical usages are for Engineering and early Marketing uses. In the old days we might have called these "pilot" vehicles.

Some pilot vehicles were later sold through dealerships, so I would say "usually Nonsaleable".

We also have to acknowledge the fact that some prototypes were later taken out of engineering, and survive to this day, while others were destroyed. As we know, the Banshee(s) and some other prototypes (or concept cars) were not destroyed, and Pontiac would not be legally responsible if they were driven on a public road and involved in an accident. Some other prototypes were destroyed, even some that appeared like production units with some changes to the bodywork or the drive train. I guess it's on a case-by-case basis, if someone at engineering wanted a specific car, after they were through with their evaluation, and whether they had any "pull" to talk someone into allowing them to buy the car.