GM Granted Trademark Approval for the Legendary Corvette Engine RPO Code L88

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GM Granted Trademark Aprroval for the Legendary Corvette Engine RPO Code L88

After trademarking Turbo-Jet last fall, it appears that GM has dusted off another legendary term. GM Authority reported late last week that General Motors has recently been given approval to use a pair of different L88 trademarks. The two requests were filed in August and September 2012 respectively and final approval was given on January 15th of this year.

According the GM Authority article, GM submitted two separate applications relating to the L88 name. First On August 4th, 2012 they applied for “exterior and interior badges for motor land vehicles”. Then on September 18th they filed another application relative to “decals”. In October both were published for opposition as part of the normal approval process. Subsequently on January 15th, 2013 both we approved to the US Patent and Trade Office Principal Register.

RPO L88 was the option code for the 430hp 427ci engine produced from 1967 – 1969. The engine was basically a race unit that pumped out closer to 560hp. Savvy buyers and racers scooped up L88’s in scarce numbers over the production run. Just 20 were sold in 1967, 80 in 1968, and 116 in 1969. Today well documented L88 equipped Corvettes in good condition routinely sell between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

When it comes to option codes there really isn’t one more sacred to Corvette enthusiasts than L88. While other famous RPO’s like LT-1, Z06, and ZR1 have been reused over the years, L88 has remained on the shelf. So what does this new piece of news mean? Well, it could be a couple of things. It could just be basic housekeeping for GM, making sure all the paperwork is in order. Or are they working on a successor to the famous L88 of yore?

While we have no idea what this does exactly mean, we’re excited at the possibility of seeing L88 associated with Corvette once again. This could be a marketing bonanza like when Chrysler brought back the Hemi name several years ago. Since the C7 already has resurrected both LT1 and Stingray, why not bring back L88 too? On the flip side it seems that nothing will ever duplicate the original C2 and C3 L88’s, so why not just let L88 remain part of history? Would a new L88 diminish the legacy of the original L88’s?

What are your thoughts on a potential return of RPO L88? Let us know in the comments below.


Source:
GM Authority

Related:
GM Files Trademark Paperwork for “Turbo-Jet”
[VIDEO] 1969 L88 Convertible Sells at Gooding and Co for $825,000
GM Trademarks the “Stingray” Name

 



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