Vinyl pressings
by Randy Pie · 1974
Highway Driver was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
2371 555 = 3 S 1 3 20Runout side A, variant 1
2371 555 = 3 S2 3 20Runout side B, variant 1
2371 555 = 2 S 1 3 20 1 FRunout side A, variant 2
2371 555 = 2 S 2 3 20 1 KRunout side B, variant 2
2371 555 S 1 ℗ 1974 3 20 C 1Runout side A, stamped, C = tilted 90°
2371 555 = 2 S 2 3 20 1 KRunout side B, stamped, K = tilted 90°
2371 555 = 3 S 1 3 20 1 N1Runout side A
2371 555 = 3 S2 3 20 1PRunout side B
2371555 A//4 1B 11 1 MELYSRunout Side A
2371555 B//4 1B 11 1 MELYSRunout Side B
2371-555 ALabel A
2371-555 BLabel B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Canada | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Canada | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1974 | Germany | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Germany | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Polydor 2371 555First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | US | Polydor PD-6515LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | US | Polydor PD 6515LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | US | Polydor PD-6515LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Australia | Polydor 2371 555LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Germany | Polydor 2416 230LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1982 | Germany | Polydor 2416 230LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
16 vinyl pressings of Highway Driver are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1974 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in Germany, UK, Canada. One of them is Polydor 2371 555.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2371 555) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2371 555 = 3 S 1 3 20 and 2371 555 = 3 S2 3 20. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
