Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

[Norris W.]

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134031&utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CA0812_F123

I don't know if there was ever a documented '69 COPO L88, but the creator of the ad seems misinformed. In his response to my inquiry, he believes that the car is COPO only because it has an M22 in it, and says COPO is written on the build sheet beside the M22 "option". His opinion supports the wording in his link:

" One of 116 built in the final year of L88 production, this exceptionally well-documented 1969 L88 convertible is , which also lists its transistor ignition, 4.56 Positraction rear end, side exhaust, F41 suspension and a Black vinyl-covered auxiliary hard top."

Since the M22 was a required option (on manual trans L88's) along with F41, TI, and HD brakes, so where's the COPO'd ness in this one?

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Well here we go again, a seller and auction company that can't pass muster on the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Mecum really should follow the BJ lead and let NCRS vet these ads and documents.

[Duke W.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

COPO means "central office production order", which are orders from the Chevrolet central office rather than from a dealer via the zone office. Most COPOs just had regular production options - nothing special. There were some exceptions like the 50 ZL-1 Camaros that were all ordered through the COPO process.

Since M22 was an RPO in '69 unless it has something "special" beyond RPOs, it's not big deal - just auction hype.

Duke

[Terry D.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Dave

Neat article, thanks for the info. I'm always amazed when someone says "it could not have come from the factory that way" As a young man in the late 60's and early 70's working at a high volume, high performance inclined Chevy dealership I saw lots of things come off the truck that were not on the regular order sheet that the average customer used.
Terry

[John H.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Here's the response I got back from Mecum after pointing out that ALL 4-speed L-88's got the M22 transmission (Brian Topp used to be a salesman at Pro Team):

John,
There is something special about this M22 Transmission and it is noted on the build sheet. I have purchased, sold, and inspected many L88 Corvettes. The build sheet to this car is real and it is the only COPO Build sheet I have ever seen for an L88 Corvette and it has special notes about the M22 transmission. If you have a player on the car I would be glad to let them in on the history of this car.
Regards,
Brian




__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
Brian Topp | Mecum Auctions
(262) 275-5050 Office | (262) 275-3424 Fax
www.Mecum.com

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Here's the response I got back from Mecum after pointing out that ALL 4-speed L-88's got the M22 transmission (Brian Topp used to be a salesman at Pro Team):John,There is something special about this M22 Transmission and it is noted on the build sheet. I have purchased, sold, and inspected many L88 Corvettes. The build sheet to this car is real and it is the only COPO Build sheet I have ever seen for an L88 Corvette and it has special notes about the M22 transmission. If you have a player on the car I would be glad to let them in on the history of this car.Regards,Brian_________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________Brian Topp | Mecum Auctions(262) 275-5050 Office | (262) 275-3424 Fax www.Mecum.com

Very interesting. So there are special notes in the COPO/F&SO box on the tank sticker about an M22? Very mysterious, what could they be? I do hope anyone thinking about bidding on this car gets a look at that tank sticker, and NCRS has validated it. And BTW, a former ProTeam salesman doesn't raise my credibility ranking very much.

[Walter F.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

I still do not under stand how this COPO thing worked. Suppose I wanted to buy a Corvette for my wife and she wanted it pink. I go to my local Chevrolet dealer and tell him I want a pink Corvette. Where does it go from there? I always thought most dealers would just order a white car and take it to a body shop and have it painted. Same with engines. If I wanted a 427 in a Nova wouldnt the dealer just order a 396 and then switch it with a 427? How does all this work on and assembly line?

[Harry S.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

This is a scan of the original document. I have no idea why the COPO box is filled.

I agree that it did not need to be a special optioned car to be a COPO car.

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

This is a scan of the original document. I have no idea why the COPO box is filled.

I agree that it did not need to be a special optioned car to be a COPO car.

Interesting, wonder what is on the tank sticker? And what does "53" mean with regards to the M22?

[Harry S.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Interesting, wonder what is on the tank sticker? And what does "53" mean with regards to the M22?

The sheet is from a 63, so no tank sticker. The only trans available was a Borg Warner. I own this car and all the numbers are original and match.

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

In this thread I found, look at the 3rd and 4th replies, especially by Duke.
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...t=copo+numbers

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

The sheet is from a 63, so no tank sticker. The only trans available was a Borg Warner. I own this car and all the numbers are original and match.

Oh, sorry, I thought you were posting info on the L88 under discussion here.

[Harry S.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

Oh, sorry, I thought you were posting info on the L88 under discussion here.

I was just commenting on the L88 COPO part of the question.

[Joe R.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

The sheet is from a 63, so no tank sticker. The only trans available was a Borg Warner. I own this car and all the numbers are original and match.

Harry,

I know you are aware that by SN 14,000 most 63's had Muncie's aren't you? And that would probably mean that most AC cars had Muncie's! At least if they don't have a Muncie the 63 should be checked throughly! This would also depend on the 63 being a close ratio trans or not!

JR

[Harry S.]

Re: Mecum's "world's only documented COPO L88 Corvette"???

JR, yep I'm aware. That sheet is from my vert. not the coupe and for that VIN only Borg Warner was available. Yes, the coupe has a muncie as it is a July built car.