[William]

Hi Stefano:

Challenge away! I welcome intellectual debate. You have been around the cars as long as I have.

You’re correct; I do not agree. My position has everything to do with my long history in the hobby, virtually all of it involving the ’69 Camaro-bought my first in 1975. When I started out with CPX in the ‘80s buying/selling parts one often bought as much as they sold at a good meet. In fact I often walked those swaps with some of your buds: Stevie, George, Ron, The Hippie, Drew, Joe. Parts were everywhere and as a group we sold it all: disc brake sub frames, DZ engines, 837 alternators, 4053 & 4346 carbs, 472 & 163 intakes, YH & XT wheels. We sold 2 BE axles [I know where they are…]. Many parts were still available from GM such as the TH400 cross member, BB frame mounts, fan shrouds. We stocked and sold all of that also. Now imagine 15 years of that exposure-where did all those parts go? The Frost Green clone I mentioned was certainly one recipient. Another was a triple black ’69 SS-RS convertible L78 clone, done correctly and to near perfection. I know for a fact it was re-sold years ago as being real. If you know what you are doing it isn’t hard to do.

So from my standpoint claiming a car is a COPO only because it happens to have all the correct componentry, holes, clips, whatever, is ludicrous. Several good books out there showing what is needed; plenty of parts around. This in particular applies to cars that have had a long rough life and cars that have undergone complete restorations. In both cases there is often virtually nothing original remaining; anything could have been done to them. A case might be made for a car that was in untouched survivor condition but just happens to no longer have its original engine or paperwork.

The CRG has no involvement whatsoever in “certifying” anything.

Some don’t care for my viewpoint; some may not care for yours. But as a couple of guys that have a long history in the hobby it is important that we speak our minds. Let the chips fall where they may.