REAL COPO? saw what I think is REAL see my pics

[Stefano]

A few comments;

First and foremost, anyone can be a victim of Fraud, no matter how much you know about a particular car, anyone!

The rough casting by the oil filter on any Big Block can be accurately reproduced. (same as the rough casting on the back of a 428CJ etc) This is not new! It has been done for more than two decades, on many cars to include COPOs and Yenkos.

That particular VIN/location is very difficult to "Judge" or "determine" while it is in the car. Not impossible, just difficult.

Properly done frauds/fakes/rebodies "can" be virtually undetectable, in fully restored states.

Original, untouched and unrestored cars are much more difficult to fake. Possible, but much more difficult.

I certainly am not infallible and have made my fair share of mistakes. I have debated COPO/Yenko issues with every "ëxpert" mentioned in this thread and ALL have made mistakes.

In fact: I can't think of any one particular expert who I have dealt with over the past decades, whether is has involved a Ferrari, Shelby, Pontiac, Shelby, COPO/Yenko, etc., who has never made a mistake.

Since this thread is in regards to COPO Camaros, I'll stick to that issue.

Paperwork such as a buildsheet, is very rare in a 1969 Camaro, built at the Norwood Plant. I can confidently state that more than 90% of all Norwood Camaros do not have a build sheet with them today!

Companies have been reproducing protecto-plates using Vintage Blank books, vintage tape, vintage Blanks and stamped with Vintage Machines. You cannot tell the difference on an "accurate" reproduction.

Note: There are companies which will accurately reproduce VIN tags for GM, Ford and Chrysler Cars.

It is very difficult to prove anything 100%. What most Pro's do is try to Prove beyond a reasonable doubt to themselves and elliminate any situation wherein the car can't be something.

There are approx 100 specific item to look for Just on a COPO Camaro.

To use a particular car as an example and to infer that because it doesn't have factory paperwork or an original drivetrain that all such cars are not worth much, just doesn't hold water with me. Maybe it might have something to do with the quality of the resto/price etc?

I have bought sold, inspected and certified more than a few COPO Camaros and can say that most do not have all their original drive trains.

Sounds like you have indeed found an original COPO Camaro and if Jerry MacNeish provides a certificate as such, along with the other info you have uncovered and that which may still be uncovered, that you indeed have a Rare car with Collector/enthusiasts value.

ps I have seen several knowledgeable people look at the same parts, numbers and stampings and come up with varying opinions.

Congrats on locating and identifying another potentail piece of the COPO Camaro puzzle