[SuperCars]

Joe, I was given a file of about 50 pages from Chevrolet Engineering Archives, that I believe I was told came through help from Herb Fishel, a Chevrolet Engineer, and I believe along with Fran Preve. The bulk of these documents pertain to COPO 9737. Most of which deals with suspension parts such as tie rod ends, sway bar components, steering and a bunch of stuff I haven't paid much attention to. The key pages I have focused on are this smog test, but also there were engine assembly numbers that were added and deleted number through this 9737 process as it appears to have evolved during 1968. Also for example, is one Engineering Change Recommendation on COPO 9737 (dated 4-10-68) is noteworthy, as it is typed "NOTE: RPO L78 Fuel Pump will used for delivery of vehicles only". Typed below that is "RPO L78 Fuel Pump required to facilitate assembly". In between these two typed sentences is handwritten: "Make Exp V78 Mandatory on all exceptions with Engine Changes- add to cost sheets." (signed with initials ARB 4/15/68; A.R.Baker was one engineer listed at top of page) Then, when I refer to the list on the COPO 9737 sheets, which is titled "Exception Control Letter Sheet" it lists all the RPO's to configure the COPO 9737. The first COPO 9737 Sheets do not list V78. RPO V78 was added to COPO 9737 on 4-3-68 and is: "V78 Less Certificate of Compliance/For Export/". It is my belief that this RPO V78 addition, plus handwritten in by an engineer the words "engine changes", is exactly what happened.

In answer to your question of the COPO order document in the Chevy Action Article, I thought I had a copy, but can't find it right now. I know who does have it and will get a copy one way or the other (I hope).

The 66 L72 Vette you posted is one of the L72/M22 that created the controversy over whether there were 66 L88's. There was a Lawsuit going on between a couple Corvette guys over this car, it got kind of ugly. But, I do believe it to be another of the L72-B/M22 cast iron head versions of the L88 as previously discussed. It was special ordered by Don Yenko for friend/customer named Mike Summers who owned "Best Photo Service". It was raced extensively and you will see the BEST PHOTO name on it. I can type another whole story on this car but won't right now.

By the way this reminds me of another interesting item about Don Yenko. It was told to me that his special order performance cars were white with red interior. We see that this 66 Vette is white/red and my 68 Yenko is white/red. When I was told this I didn't really think any significance to it; but has anyone else heard this?



[Edited by SuperCars (04-22-2001 at 12:56 PM).]