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So this is the new word for CLONE???

5.5K views 29 replies 19 participants last post by  RichSchmidt  
#1 ·
Ok, So if a guy does this in his basement and take a few years to make it. then tries to sell it he is selling a clone.

But someone throws tons of $$$$ at it and calls it a

Tribute


I have calmed down. but :mad: its a clone for to much money.... Its just a plane jane 69 camaro. NOT A C O P O camaro!!! :mad:

There's also a gag "COPO Vehicle Verification" from The COPO Connection verifying that this is a real COPO—the builder had this mocked up just to see how many people would be fooled into thinking this was a real car just because of a piece of paper. Apparently even the experts were fooled. This car is so accurate that the owner (a genuinely good guy) felt obligated to stand next to it letting folks in on the joke lest he be accused of fraud. It's important to have a sense of humor about these things, since so many guys take numbers and codes way too seriously. Lighten up, Francis.
 

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#4 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

A tribute is a clone for to much money
I like that :thumbsup:

Or maybe "a tribute is a over priced clone by someone with a 'name' "
 
#6 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

Well at least they are NOT trying to pass it off as a real one. They are being honest about it in my opinion. Auction ended anyway, so no foul, no harm.

And in the description he said "This car started out as a fairly clean-looking SS396 4-speed car". So apparently it was not just a plane jane Camaro to start out with.
 
#7 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

I think tribute is an honest representation. Clone sounds like a cheap representation. People put big engines in basic cars for a long time and what ever wheels they wanted. No big deal. Why slam the guy?
 
#9 · (Edited)
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

I think tribute is an honest representation. Clone sounds like a cheap representation. People put big engines in basic cars for a long time and what ever wheels they wanted. No big deal. Why slam the guy?
But these guys didnt just change the motor or wheels. They even went to the trouble to make a "Bogus" cert to say it was a COPO car. thats a bit far. not to mention $89,000 dollars for the "TRIBUTE" version. I mean CLONE Camaro. Would you like someone to make a clone or Tribute of your 69 Z/28 and put it out there in the market with your car?

It's important to have a sense of humor about these things, since so many guys take numbers and codes way too seriously. Lighten up, Francis.
I would just like to see what is left out in the world to be left as it is. Ya i know i am dreaming, but how many Z/28's, SS, Motion, Yenko or Baldwin cars are we going to see Created! out of what was just a regular plane jane camaro. When was the last time you saw a 6 cyl camaro at a car show or a benchseat camaro. Thats all im ranting about.
Not to mention a member who has been searching for years to find one and does find his COPO? Van what do you think?
COPO Barn Find

just my 2 cents.
 
#13 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

I remember reading about the build of that car some time back. I cant find the web page, but here is video of the car from the shop that built it.

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.
Well, I got a problem with the location and method of driving this clone.:( Around these parts, that's a ticket. But it sure sounds good!
 
#11 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

The magazine Muscle Car Review often uses the term "Tribute Car" for a car that is built to look like for example a Yenko Camaro.

I think that it is OK as long as they don't try to sell it as the real thing, that would be a Clone or even a Fake.

But the second or third guy down the line of owners might not be so open with what the car really is.


Jan
 
#12 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

It might be good to "keep track" of this one. One thing that bothers me is the trim tag was "recreated". I don't see the VIN or trim tag information listed, but would like to know what it is.
 
#15 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

If this thing is such a spot on tribute that it can fool the experts,then I have to imagine that the engne and trans have been restamped with the VIN of this car.If thats the case ,the law has been broken.Call the cops.Changine the trim tag is illegal in some states too right?Typically speaking clones are done by people who cant afford the buy in for the real deal.In this case the owner could have bought a real car.Oh well.
 
#18 ·
Re: So this the new word for CLONE???

That car is legit, if I could afford it, i'd buy it, and not care what anyone said to me at those jokes they now call "car shows" which is really just a pick-a-part fest.
x2, like it was in the good old days, drop the biggest engine in a small body and drive it like you stole it. Have fun but for that kind of money, dont think so.

Any old body would work but present it for what it is, A Hotrod. I mean, who wouldn't ?
 
#17 ·
It is very interesting to read the articles about how some folks feel about some Camaro owners and what they do to their cars. First, I agree that if someone rebirths a Camaro for profit to scam someone, shame on them. But for the love of these cars there are many who have spent good money making their cars look like what they enjoy having and driving. Everyone wishes they had an original out there. How original can you be, once you change a plug, air filter, clutch if you want to be realistic it's not original. My God some of these cars have become 43 years old. I have own my 1969 for 23 years now. I thought I had an SS when I bought it 23 years ago, you guys know the stories. Back then you took someones word for what they told you. But after being with you guys only about 4 years, I found out it wasn't the real mccoy. That did not stop the Love I have for my Camaro nor the pleasure I get out of driving it. You guys have the best wealth of information and support for us true Camaro lovers I ever seen. The only change I had to make was when someone ask me if my Camaro is a true SS, I smile and say it's not. From the prices I have seen on the net, I would think of mine as a poor man's SS Camaro. But thats never change my love of the game which is I own a 1969 L65 Camaro with the SS dress and really enjoy driving it. That in itself in 2010 is a rare privilege to have. Again my thoughts to those who have the real mccoys out there you are the lucky ones, but you need to understand there are not many really true originals out there. I can say one thing my Camaro hasn't seen rain or Snow in 23 years, original sheet metal under the rugs, not bad for a car from Massachusetts.

Tony
 
#21 · (Edited)
Tony, I understand your view. I feel these cars have changed over the years by owners. Not everyone has one of the "diamonds" in the rough. As most of us have seen on here, the "ebay crowd" have been trying to sell "Doctored" Camaros for Big $$$$$. Its one thing to be like you and most of my camaro buddies here in the valley. 20 years+ of ownership you and them have modifications to them and are enjoying them as that. But the group who take one that could be 25 grand car up to 89 grand tribute, thats a bit of a stretch on enjoying the car. And they are remaking the HOPE Diamond not just a diamond in the rough. That to me screams MONEY, not enjoying the car for what it is a Camaro.


Ohhh Speaking of ebay types
TRIBUTE aka Recreation
 
#22 ·
Sort of like A$ and Butthole. They mean the same, it just that one is a little nicer way to say it.
Senior Orfice is another way of putting it.
 
#20 ·
I think we need to enact a law that states that a replacement engine in a Camaro cant be any more then 10 ci larger then the original,and putting Z/28 or SS badges on any car that wasnt factory equipped with them should be a felony.Seeing as how somebody can be defrauded out of 5 digit sums of money just by buying a car with a bogus engine or emblems,Shouldnt this be a felony crime?Come on gubbermint where are yu when we need you?
 
#28 ·
I think we need to enact a law that states that a replacement engine in a Camaro cant be any more then 10 ci larger then the original,and putting Z/28 or SS badges on any car that wasnt factory equipped with them should be a felony.Seeing as how somebody can be defrauded out of 5 digit sums of money just by buying a car with a bogus engine or emblems,Shouldnt this be a felony crime?Come on gubbermint where are yu when we need you?
So let's see: I purchase a 67 roller back in 1986 with full interior (that sat in a guys backyard for years with weeds growing up through the engine compartment) but no engine or tranny that has a V8 VIN with 327 SBC flags on the fender which I initially decide to put a 427 BBC into (later a 454) because I like Rat Motors and you think I should be charged with a felony?

Come on, get real. I sincerly hope you were joking. Ever heard of the term "sleeper"?

FWIW, that is how I acquired the 67 I currently have.

Now about the SS and Z28 badges: Well it's not illegal but it's not to my taste. I do agree regarding falsifying documents though. That should be against the law (if it isn't already).
 
#23 ·
The fact is that you can put any engine or emblems or even trim tag on any car you want.When you restamp VIN numbers you are breaking the law.You dont even have to worry about calling in an expert to examine the forgery,if a VIN ends up on a part that it wasnt born on,a federal crime has been committed regardless if it is a $300,000 COPO or a $30 Yugo.WIthout the VIN on the engine and trans any COPO or other rare collector car should be considered questionable,and not worth the money of an all born with car.
 
#26 ·
While maybe technically a crime, the "gubbermint" as you put it, has more to worry about than the restoration hobby. Now add nondisclosure, and that's a different story. A restamp is no longer just a restoration technique, it's fraud, and you'll get their attention.

Civil law is another matter. If you buy my Yenko Tribute (clone, fake, wannabe, etc...insert your favorite term) and I disclose the fact that it is unreal, no crime has been committed, even if you pay me real Yenko money. That doesn't mean that you can't sue me for selling you an unreal car, and that I might have to spend ridiculous money to defend myself. (you'll spend ridiculous money, too)
 
#24 ·
Rich, I think the greatest thing going is that quite a few interested buyers are asking experts from this group of good folks for opinions on camaros they are interested in. I am seeing this happening more and more. This is one good way of helping out a serious buyer not to get scamed. I've learn't so much from this forum on the early camaros, more that the many books I have on them. Again it is very sad when that famous word GREED enters the picture of a true enjoyment of owning a collector car as these camaros. I believe the support that comes from this group towards this problem is great, I see folks asking for help on an inexpensive camaro as well as the recreated ones. That is one way of beating this issue.
Tony
 
#25 ·
X1000 Tony So SO SO True....

I for one have been helped by the guys on here From Mr. Tibbs to Kurt and many many more i cant even begin to name them all. I spent a good many years just reading and reading what was posted. Using what i learned to buy and build my camaros that i have owned. I thank all the guys for there help and assistance in the vast information that they have and the years of experience on the 1st gen camaros. If the site is able to prevent one person from getting taken for a ton of cash that would be great.:hurray:

Thanks guys...

To a great year to come and hopefully a productive one. I for one am shooting for Carlisle Events in april or sept. 2011 with my butternut yellow 68 and a lawn chair.:thumbsup:

Image
 
#27 ·
Either way you slice the "tribute" or "clone" question, the body/paint work they did on this car is top notch. If this concourse resto was on a plain jane, wouldn't that car be worth 20K or 30K?

And if you add in the cost for the COPO specific parts on top of that, you are in the $89K range anyway. So the car is worth the money they are asking because of the level of work done and the sum of the parts. That is my take.

The only oops I see are the headlight bezals, taillights and the headrests (no straight ones on COPOs). but they are easily corrected.
 
#30 ·
Of course I am joking.I own a 73 Firebird with a 427 bigblock in it and a 79 base model with a 400 smallblock.I once built a Toyota with a turbocharged 472 caddy motor in it.I would strapped to a gurney with the needle in my arm if engine swaps were a felony.

But in defense of my Pontirat,The car has spent nearly twice as many years of it's life with a bigblock chevy under it's hood then it did with a pontiac engine under there.