Authenticating A COPO

[smalltirecars]

Nobody mentioned the car in question. Are we talking about a yellow L89 Camaro?

Well..............

[smalltirecars]

Well.....is it a yellow L89?

[Stefano]

Who found the car and who restored it can be very important components to the equation. There are some who have had no issue, restamping VINs and codes into various parts as well as affixing reproduced VIN and trim tags to various vehicles which they have been involved with, in order to fool or defraud someone down the road.

There can be an established reputation, good or bad.

I am going to disagree with William on this issue. There are occasions where based on the evidence presented that a vehicle can be verified beyond a reasonable doubt as authentic, even without it's original engine or any factory/dealer paperwork.

As an example, take the Yellow/Yellow 1969 Z28 that we are currently restoring.

It does not have the original engine and it has no factory paperwork, However, it is beyond a reasonable doubt a real Yellow/Yellow Z28.

This car holds a Certificate of authenticity from our Company as well as other certificates of authenticity.

I will agree with William that once a Vehicle has been completely restored that the task of verifying becomes much more difficult to accomplish if even at all possible.

I have seen individuals verify/certify cars with little to no history with no factory paperwork and absolutely not one original drive train component.

[William]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have seen individuals verify/certify cars with little to no history with no factory paperwork and absolutely not one original drive train component. </div></div>

So have I. Doesn't always work out so well.

I am wondering why you would expect and want more from GM vintage services. If the original build sheet that came with the car when new cannot be had, the GM docs that are available today is as good as it gets. It sounds like you are worried the vin # for this car has been circulated and you suspect a car has been created from the available paperwork. If thats the case,then for my money anyways,I would seek Jerrys help to try and determine exactly what the car is. Go through the process and don't take any shortcuts. If its important do it right.

[Stefano]

Here is a JM Certified COPO

[Stefano]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Here is a JM Certified COPO </div></div>

Incomplete owner history.
No factory or dealer paperwork.
Not one original drivetrain component.
Certified after complete and extensive restoration.

[CJP_69]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">[quote=Stefano] Here is a JM Certified COPO </div></div>

Incomplete owner history.
No factory or dealer paperwork.
Not one original drivetrain component.

My scuncio project falls into this category. Jerry inspected it along with one of my other cars a few years ago. He concurred with what I already believed based on the assessment of the car. Like him or not, he is a well respected member of the camaro hobby. Everyone has their own comfort level, and if after performing your due diligence, a car doesn't rise to your threshold, you don't buy it. I hear what William is saying but I do agree with Stefano. In a perfect world, original drivelines and bulletproof docs are what everyone would like. The reality is, lots of these cars were beat to death and thrown away. Should I not restore my car as a copo because it's missing the above? Obviously it will never be worth what a documented, original drivetrain car would be and that's okay too. Restored cars do pose a challenge. Hopefully there are &quot;before&quot; pics and the resto is documented as such. My opinion.