Specials by GM
The "Specials" are Corvettes that were indeed sold to the public, but in a limited production run. Perfect examples of this are the 1996 Grand Sport or the 1990 ZR-1.
Some exotic, one of a kind Corvettes are mistaken for prototypes, while they’re actually modified production cars. Special VIP customers or large dealers sometimes ordered an option on a car that was not available on the option list. These cars were called ”COPO” or Central Office Production Order. Such a car is also marked as a Special, since it’s built for the market. Another example of such a special built car is the FSO, Factory Shop Order or Fleet & Special Order. This car was modified in the factory to celebrate a special occasion like a best selling dealer, a charity donation, etc.
A more covertly used code is ”SO”, or Shop Order/Special Order. These were special orders placed by the GM Engineering or GM Styling department. Think of standard Corvettes with exotic engine or drivetrain parts in it or special styling tests, like the four seated C2 you will find on this site or "Bunkie" Knudsen's Corvettes.