[COPO]

This is a REAL problem and getting worse!

I think a registry can certainly decrease the number of fakes. You certainly aren't likely to see any fake ZL-1's as all the VIN's are well known, Joel Rosen has the Baldwin Motion numbers and Ed Cunneen has a many of the COPO's. There are a number of other registries as well.

I've started a registry and have been collecting LS-6 convertible documentation, VIN's, cowl tag, and option info for both the fakes and the documented cars. I've found several excellent fakes that have sold for BIG dollars to (supposedly) knowledgeable collectors. Some of which are mentioned in Charley's post above.

The registries will be much more useful to the hobby as a whole if the information is released to the public rather than kept in private hands. Clubs such as this are a good way to exchange information about cars as well.

Another problem the fakes create is a devaluation of REAL cars which are not heavily documented. I've talked to some owners of legit cars that have had repro docs made because of this issue.

Many of the Yenko Club members have well into the 6 figures invested in their car(s) and while I believe most of us love our cars and the hobby. Let's face it, none of us want our "investments" devalued due to the fakes.

Many of the car related websites have helped to weed out the obvious fakes, but there are many excellent "built" cars out there. Trim tags, P-O-P's, window stickers, are all readily available just look in Hemmings each month. The only documentation that I'm aware of that is not widely faked is the buildsheet. I will generally extensively research any car I'm looking to buy and have gone as far as hiring a private detective to track down previous owners to ensure a car I was buying was legit.

Of course Chevrolet could release the "secret files" like Pontiac and GM of Canada did and the problem would virtually cease overnight.



[Edited by COPO (05-04-2000 at 08:50 PM).]