To me, this makes sense if it's a GT vs non-GT thing. Because the GT badge would be just above the 273 4bbl badge in front of the doors.
I've seen pictures of the emblems in both locations. Maybe it was a mid-year change. Or maybe they were manufactured in two different locations. The v8 emblems are in the front of the fender location, where some of the 273 4bbl emblems are. I wonder if they have studs in the same spacing as the 273-4bbl emblems. Are the 'flat' 273-4bbl emblems found in front of the doors studded or just glued-on? Sorry, I guess I have more questions than answers.