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

[James G.]

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

I believe that the following is ''WHY THIS CAR WAS A COPO". The fact that it raced both SEBRING and DAYTONA in 1969 for the original owner shows that ZORA and his ''non-racing staff'' was fully involved in the construction of this Corvette.

It was originally owned by Rick Thompkins and ran several racing seasons at venues including Sebring and Daytona and has been restored to as-raced configuration including the original racing livery. In 2009 it was part of the Bloomington Gold Special Collection and the Race Car Reunion at Carlisle; it was also displayed at the National Corvette Museum.

[Richard F.]

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

I don't see "J56" listed. What is that about?

[Robert G.]

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

Here's the sticker, maybe someone can figure it out.

http://www.proteam-corvette.com/cars/1003A-statement.htm

[Michael J.]

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

This is all very interesting, and I am not a marketing genius, but somehow I think my headlines for the car would be the racing heritage and exclusivity of the car and the people involved with it, and not the COPO status, but that's just me....

[Michael D.]

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

...Sure looks like the transmission is the subject of the COPO...

My WAG: an M22 was prepped off site for this car, then sent to St. Louis for installation.

[Bryan S.]

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

This car is also being discussed over at the Super Car forums - http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbt.../Number/497928

The theory there is that the rear axle ratio (4:56) required COPO ordering channels.

[Patrick B.]

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

If the 4.56 rear was not a regular option, could the 4.56 speedo gear in the trans make the trans a COPO item?

[Terry M.]

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

I don't know what would make the 4:56 not an RPO. The 1970 ZR1 once owned by Sal Carbone had a 4:56, but I am not sure what paper work exists for that car.

Anyone have an order sheet for 1969?

[Ralph S.]

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

I have an order sheet for 1969 it is listed GS6

[Richard F.]

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

Didn't 4.56 get you one of those 90 degree ratio adapters hanging off the trans?

[Terry M.]

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

yes .

[Terry M.]

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

So much for that COPO idea.

[Bruce T.]

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

What about the possibility of this car getting a pre-production M22 with the 26/32 spline configuration that came out in the 1970 model year? I know the 26/32 spline M22s were used with the introduction of the 454 engines starting in the Chevelle SS454 in December of 1969, but the General probably had some prototypes by May/June 1969 when this Corvette was built. Does this car still have its original transmission?

[Richard F.]

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

They would have needed a later clutch driven plate as well. I'm still hung up on the J56 thing. I could see no J56 on a drag car, but this one seems to have always been destined for road courses.

[John H.]

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

What about the possibility of this car getting a pre-production M22 with the 26/32 spline configuration that came out in the 1970 model year?

Bruce -

If that was the case, then the engine would also have to be a COPO assembly, as the engine included the clutch, which would have needed a fine-spline disc.