1967 Chevrolet Camaro V8 Coupe

It would a very worthy opponent to provide competition in sales for Ford's Mustang. Chevrolet attempted to knock the Mustang off its high-horse as the world's most popular pony car with their F-Body Camaro. It was attractive, sporty, and available with a wide array of performance options. It was introduced in 1967 and invited to pace the Indy 500. To be eligible to compete in the SCCA Trans Am Series, Chevrolet introduced the Z/28 package. Availability was limited and it was not advertised in sales literature, with the specification buried within the options list. A total of 602 units were produced in its debut year.

In 2007 this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Trans-Am Race Car was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $200,000 - $260,000. It is powered by a 302 cubic-inch V8 engine with a Muncie M-22 H.D. close-ratio four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes. It is finished in its correct period livery and is the 17th car built from the initial run of 25 pre-production prototypes destined for dealers participating in the Chevrolet racing program. It was sent to Heinrich Chevy-Land in Rochester New York and wore the number 57 on its side. It was campaigned with dealer sponsorship and driven by Gary Morgan in the SCCA Trans Am Series. Morgan raced the car from 1967 through 1969 and amassed 11 first places, two second places and numerous track records in his class. In 1969 the car finished fourth for the season in the Finger Lakes Region of the SCCA Northeast Division.

This car was featured in the Gulf TV commercials from 1967 through 1969, including the political conventions and was seen seven times during the Lunar Landing.

This car was one of the first to be equipped with factory 'Cross-Ram' intake manifolds and the ultra-rare cowl plenum induction system. There is an original 12-bolt rear end with factory disc brakes and its original suspension. The car has been restored in the early 1990's to the original Trans Am racing specifications.

Bidding at auction reached $160,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. The lot left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007