1969 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe Series 34 V8 Sport Coupe

This 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO Hardtop Coupe, finished in Fantom green, was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to sell for $225,000-$275,000. It is powered by a 427 cubic-inch overhead-valve V8 rated at 425 horsepower. The engine is matted to a manual gearbox and drum brakes can be found in the front and the rear.

The close of the 1960s was the peak of the muscle-car era. Super Sport was synonymous with performance on Chevrolets. By having this package installed with the SS logos, it announced that the vehicle was a serious performance machine. Others preferred to have this power but not advertise their vehicle's capabilities. For those, the no-graphics Chevelles were perfect. COPO, meaning the Central Office Production Order was a process that allowed vehicles to be specially ordered. The intent was for vehicles that carried a duty, such as taxicabs or possibly trucks. It is estimated that around 323 Chevelles were ordered with the L-72 427 cubic-inch big block engine. In modern times, there are only 17 known to exist.

The Fantom green Chevelle offered for sale at the World Wide Group Auction is certified in the Super Car Registry. The interior houses bucket seats, full console, a gauge cluster, M-22 (Muncie Rock Crusher) four-speed transmission, chambered exhaust, floor mats, and a courtesy light package. It is the highest optioned car COPO Chevelle known to exist.

There are no emblems or logo's to announce to unsuspecting racers that this is a highly potent performance machine. The ultimate 'sleeper car.' Since new, it has undergone a restoration. It was shown at the June Chevellabration in Nashville, Tennessee where it received the ACES (American Chevelle Enthusiasts Society) Award. It was judged one of the 50 best muscle cars in the country at the September Super Car Reunion #7 in Collinsville, Illinois.

At the conclusion of the auction, the vehicle was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010