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Was there EVER a C3 COPO

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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 01:46 PM
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Default Was there EVER a C3 COPO

I was talking to an "EXPERT" on C3's and he said that there where COPO cars built in 1978 and 1982. Is this true or just BS? He is about my age 65+ and sounded like he knew what he was saying.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 04:39 PM
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I don't know, but would be doubtful of COPO Corvettes from 78 and later. Most of the COPO cars were much earlier (60's). GM curtailed the COPO process sometime in the early 70's (I believe), but some probably still got thru for some execs.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 05:06 PM
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Even if there were COPO cars produced in 78 and 82, there were no significant engines being produced at that time to substitute for the standard engine.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by LRPMAN
I was talking to an "EXPERT" on C3's and he said that there where COPO cars built in 1978 and 1982. Is this true or just BS? He is about my age 65+ and sounded like he knew what he was saying.
Basically, not true.

There were some cars built in non standard exterior colors, or in some non recommended interior/exterior combination, but that was it.

By the mid 70's, the EPA was requiring auto makers to emission certify, every engine/trans/chassis combination, sold to the public. The certification process was difficult, time consuming and expensive. It cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, to certify a power train combination. This is why the number of engine, trans and gear combinations offered, were reduced in the late 70's and early 80's. The fines for selling an un-certified vehicle were huge too.

Demand for Corvettes, was at an all time high, during the 78-82 time period. There was no need to disrupt production, to build a COPO car.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 05:49 PM
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A C3PO?
Sorry. I had to.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by brent319
A C3PO?
Sorry. I had to.
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Old Aug 17, 2013 | 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by brent319
A C3PO?
Sorry. I had to.
Now THAT is funny!
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 11:11 AM
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I looked at a 68 L79 convertible a few years back at Carlisle. It was British Racing Green with Tobacco Interior. The seller claimed it was a documented COPO. Very original car from what I recall. The seller wanted an arm and a leg for it. Anyone know this car?
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by avalonjohn
I looked at a 68 L79 convertible a few years back at Carlisle. It was British Racing Green with Tobacco Interior. The seller claimed it was a documented COPO. Very original car from what I recall. The seller wanted an arm and a leg for it. Anyone know this car?
what made it a COPO car? color over rides did not require a COPO order.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 12:19 PM
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A close relative of mine ordered a new Corvette in the mid-70's but didn't want any of the colors being offered that year. It came in primer after months of back-and-forth with GM. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself. He had a show-quality black paint job applied and never drove it. What a waste...
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 12:22 PM
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If he had left it in the original primer paint and kept all the paperwork to prove it, that car would be valuable today. But, after adding his own paint.....not so much.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 12:27 PM
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I see lots of camaros wearing their primer. Maybe they are also copos.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
what made it a COPO car? color over rides did not require a COPO order.
I don't recall exactly. He had some documentation indicating that it was a COPO. I'm thinking he said something about the original owner being some big shot at GM. Again if my memory serves me.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by exposingtime
I see lots of camaros wearing their primer. Maybe they are also copos.
As I recall, COPO`s were not limited to Corvettes
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Ironcross
As I recall, COPO`s were not limited to Corvettes
I would say 98% were taxi cabs and police cars or work trucks
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
I would say 98% were taxi cabs and police cars or work trucks
Probably ever higher than that. I'll never understand the fascination.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Probably ever higher than that. I'll never understand the fascination.
I was being nice about it. I don't get either
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
I was being nice about it. I don't get either

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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 09:58 PM
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What's so funny mike
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
What's so funny mike
I thought your comment was funny, that's all. (?)

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