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.

7T1vette

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.

BKbroiler

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.

gbvette62

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.

brent319

A C3PO?
Sorry. I had to.

whitehause

chstitans42

Now THAT is funny!

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?

Nowhere Man

what made it a COPO car? color over rides did not require a COPO order.

CaseyJones

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...

7T1vette

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.

exposingtime

I see lots of camaros wearing their primer. Maybe they are also copos.

avalonjohn

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.

Ironcross

As I recall, COPO`s were not limited to Corvettes

Nowhere Man

I would say 98% were taxi cabs and police cars or work trucks

Mike Ward

Probably ever higher than that. I'll never understand the fascination.

Nowhere Man

I was being nice about it. I don't get either

Mike Ward

Nowhere Man

What's so funny mike

Mike Ward

I thought your comment was funny, that's all. (?)