The COPO Camaro was created in 1969 as a solution to Chevrolet’s restriction on installing engines larger than 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters) in their midsize vehicles and pony cars. Don Yenko, who offered dealer-installed swaps, requested Chevrolet to install 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8s in the Camaro through the Central Office Production Order program. The chosen engine was the solid-lifter L72 big-block, which could be found in the Corvette and Impala and had a power rating of 425 horsepower.
Yenko initially ordered 201 vehicles, but other dealers caught wind of the option, leading Chevrolet to produce around 1,000 units. These were distributed to dealers such as Baldwin-Motion, Nickey, and Dana.
The second COPO Camaro was a collaboration between drag racer Dick Harrell and Ford Gibb Chevrolet. Unlike the previous model, this one, known as COPO 9560, was equipped with the all-aluminum 427 ZL1 engine. Officially rated at 430 horsepower, the ZL1 engine was originally designed for Can-Am road racing. Harrell and Gibb wanted it in a drag-ready Camaro because the aluminum construction made the ZL1 approximately 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the standard iron big-block.
Ford Gibb Chevrolet ordered 50 units, the minimum requirement for NHRA homologation. However, the ZL1 turned out to be too expensive for most enthusiasts, resulting in 37 unsold units being returned to Chevrolet. These cars were then redistributed to other dealers, and an additional 19 units were built. With a total production of 69 vehicles, the ZL1 is the rarest of the COPO twins. It is also the most expensive, with many examples valued between $500,000 and $1 million.
As of 2024, there are more replicas of the COPO ZL1 than authentic ones. The Hugger Orange Camaro featured here is one of those replicas. However, unlike most replicas found at classic car shows, this one boasts a genuine 427 ZL1 engine.
This particular Camaro recently resurfaced in Goldsboro, North Carolina, after spending nearly two decades in a private museum. The seller claims that the car is equipped with a “correct date coded” ZL1 engine, and the presence of the “snowflake” logo on the block confirms its authenticity as a Winters Foundry engine.
Winters Foundry was responsible for casting every ZL1 engine for Chevrolet during that time period. It is reported that the foundry produced approximately 300 blocks from mid-1968 to 1974. Many of these blocks were sold over the counter at various Chevrolet dealerships and installed in dragsters and Can-Am race cars.
However, this Camaro is more than just a 1969 coupe with a ZL1 engine. Both the interior and exterior of the car are in impeccable condition, and the paint is of “show quality,” with the exception of some bubbling on one of the rear outer wheel housings. The engine has also been upgraded with some internal modifications, resulting in a power output of over 600 horsepower. This Camaro is truly a sleeper.
While similar cars are usually auctioned off, the seller has opted for a “buy it now” ad. The asking price is $185,000 or best offer. Although this may seem like a hefty sum for a tribute car, it is quite reasonable considering the powerful engine under the hood. Is this pony car worth the price tag?