Belews Creek, NC 27009
336-595-3900
Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc.
Our Emphasis is on Quality and Details
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1969 COPO |
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Almost 40 years have passed since Fred Gibb crafted his Muscle Car Era heavy hitter but you can still own a piece of history. GM has brought back the ZL-1 aluminum 427 engines and CARS Inc has the exclusive license to build and distribute the limited edition 1969 COPO Camaro Continuation Series starting with number 70. Pricing starts at $139,500.00 USD |
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What do you mean by "Continuation"?
We have picked up production where it left off in 1969. They are all new just like you would find them on a dealership lot in '69. 69 1969 COPO Camaros were built and we have picked up at 70 (pictured above).
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How do you title them as '69s?
We assign a serial number to each car we build and put it in 6 locations on the car. The DMV determines if it is the best unique identifying number to use. They then take the serial number and call it the VIN. We have had no problems with this process, however we can research your state's rules and regulations on this matter.
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Do you have financing?
Not at this time.
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Can I visit the shop while my car is being built?
You are more than welcome to come visit us before, during and after your car is built.
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What's the price and does it include shipping?
The 1969 COPO Camaro Continuation with the iron block engine is $139,500 USD with the aluminum block engine the price is $175,000 USD and it does not include the cost of shipping. Shipping is arranged on an individual basis.
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Why such a price difference for the aluminum block?
The price for the GMPP ZL-1Anniversary Big Block crate engine is $28,500 USD; this is the biggest reason for the price difference. We also make modifications in order for the car to meet 1969 specs. Once the engine arrives we change the oil pan and oil pan pickup tube and install the correct GM dip stick. We change the water pump to the correct style '69 water pump (GM ships the anniversary crate engines with the 1968 style short water pumps). We change the distributor to a Petronix style electric ignition that resembles the original style distributor used in 1969. We change the spark plug wires to the correct black style wires. We change the valve covers to the correct 1969 valve covers and return the anniversary valve covers to the owner with the car. We also add a new internally balanced fly wheel and clutch assembly, when using the correct style exhaust manifolds we must change 8 of the external head bolts for clearance purposes. The anniversary ZL-1 427 is a generic crate motor hence the changes to fit the 1969 specifications.
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For the model year of 1969 Chevrolet made the Camaro’s shape into something that auto enthusiasts saw as a classic almost immediately. They unfortunately did not have the same level of performance as other muscle cars being produced the same year by competitors. Under a GM company edict a car could not be manufactured with an engine greater than 400 in. The Central Office Production Order (COPO) was the back door around Chevrolet’s performance limits. The COPO process was used most often for mundane special fleet orders such as taxis and special wheelbase trucks but doesn’t necessarily indicate a high-performance vehicle. In ’69 however, the process was used to order high-performance Camaros that were otherwise unavailable from the factory. Much like Don Yenko was responsible for the COPO 9561 427 Camaros, Fred Gibb was the man behind the COPO 9560 aluminum block ZL-1 427 Camaro. In 1969 Fred Gibb Chevrolet approached GM to produce the Camaro with the ZL-1 all aluminum 427 engine. The factory would agree to the project if Gibb placed a minimum order of 50 cars. Due to other dealers catching wind of the program the total was run up to 69, most of the cars went to racers. The COPO 9560 started on paper with a RPO L78 SS396 Camaro baseline but were modified according to a document called the Exception Control Letter (ECL). Components were added or substituted until the Camaro fit the order. The COPO 9560 Camaro came with the ZL-1 aluminum 427ci engine, a HD 4.10 ratio 12-bolt rear-end, HD radiator, cowl induction, special springs, and transistorized ignition. An option of automatic or manual transmission was offered. Other options could be included but had to be approved by Chevrolet management. |
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