1969 Chevrolet Camaro Hardtop Sport Coupe

In 1968 Fred Gibb Chevrolet of LaHarpe, Illinois, persuaded General Motors to produce the Camaro with the all-aluminum LZ-1 engine. The engine had been designed for the CanAm racing series. General Motors agreed as long as Gibb was able to order at least 50 cars with this option. In December, the first two Zl-1 Camaro's arrived at the Illinois dealership. This option would become known as the COPO option or Central Office Production Order (COPO). It would include a massive 427 cubic-inch engine in a small, compact, and lightweight Camaro, Chevelle, or Nova.

At a sticker price of $7200, the COPO Camaro was almost double the price of a 'standard' COPO Camaro with a cast-iron 427. As a result, Gibb returned most of the cars to the factory as most Chevrolet enthusiasts were not willing to pay this amount. The cars were then sent to other dealerships. In total there were 69 examples produced including the original 50 examples shipped to Gibb in 1968 and another 19 produced in 1969. Gibb was able to sell 13 of the original 50.

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 427 Coupe finished in Cortez Silver paint was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It is COPO Code 9560 order and one of the 13 cars sold by Fred Gibb Chevrolet. Its first owner was Tom Rose of Warren, Ohio who kept the car six months before selling it to **** Harrell, also known as 'Mr. Chevrolet'. The engine was removed from the car and used in racing endeavors. At Bristol, the original engine was destroyed in Dick's 1970 Pro Stock Camaro. Later, a replacement aluminum block engine was re-installed back into the Camaro and has since been re-certified by Ed Cunneen, president of the COPO Connection.

This car is equipped with disc brakes, M40 Turbo Hydramatic transmission, black interior, heavy-duty radiator, electronic ignition, heavy-duty suspension with 12 bolt rear with 4.10 gears, dual exhaust and cowl induction hood.

At the conclusion of the auction, this ultimate muscle car was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006