Is This Million Dollar 1973 COPO Corvette For Real?

Doing the Homework

Every so often, a Corvette pops up for sale that garners all the headlines, typically because it's an incredibly rare model with a million-dollar-plus price tag. This purported 1973 COPO Corvette up for grabs at Hemmings is a perfect example of that, as it's reportedly one of just a dozen produced, and as such, has a $1 million dollar price tag. However, prospective buyers will certainly want to do their homework here.

Photos: Hemmings

One of One

With just 14k miles on the clock, this C3 certainly looks immaculate - especially since it's been restored - but it's also apparently very rare - the seller claims that the original owner was able to convince GM to paint it Tuxedo Black - a color that wasn't available that particular year - making it a truly rare and desirable machine.

Photos: Hemmings

Doubling In Value

This particular car has changed hands numerous times over the years, most recently selling for $500k in 2020, which means that it has apparently doubled in value over the past three years or so. Of course, someone has to actually step up and pay it to justify the asking price, which hasn't happened as of yet.

Photos: Hemmings

Award Winner

Regardless, the special C3 did win a Top Flight Award back in 2007, and a year later, it changed hands once again. The buyer at that time reportedly invested another $90k in the car in an effort to make it perfect, which is a pretty significant sum for a Corvette fresh off winning such a prestigious award.

Photos: Hemmings

Real Deal?

Originally purchased at Hory Chevrolet in Larchmont, New York - which was owned by automotive legend Bill Kolb, Jr. - this particular car still sports its dealer sticker on the rear, which is significant given the fact that Kolb has confirmed that this car is, in fact, the real deal. 

Photos: Hemmings

Mountain of Paperwork

Then there's the accompanying documentation, which includes the original window sticker, owner's manual, new car warranty, maintenance schedule, firestone pamphlet, consumer information, emissions control systems, owner's card, and the registration and title from the original owner, all of which helps instill some confidence in the car.

Photos: Hemmings

Worth It?

Upon closer inspection, there are some paint imperfections on this black beauty, as well as some non-original tires and other blemishes - not what you'd expect to see on a million-dollar ride. But then again, the market will ultimately decide what this incredibly rare Corvette is truly worth, as it always does.

Photos: Hemmings

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