The original 1969 COPO Camaro was Chevy’s answer to the ban on engine’s over 400 cid in a midsize car. The Central Office Production Order (COPO) was Chevy’s special-order system used by dealers to build high performance models. Chevrolet equipped factory Camaro’s with L72 427 cid V-8’S. These original ZL-1 COPO’s were available in either an automatic or 4-speed manual option. In 1969 Chevrolet sold 171 COPO Camaro’s with four speed transmissions and 30 with automatic transmissions totaling 201 sold. Today an original 1969 COPO Camaro brings big money on the collector market, with one recently selling for $451,000 at the 2012 Barret-Jackson auction.
Last year around this time Chevrolet presented a Camaro concept at the 2011 SEMA show. After the overwhelmingly positive response from the concept, GM decided to go ahead with a limited production run built to commemorate the original 1969 sports car. They built 69 of these models with only 66 sold to the public. All of the same options offered on the 69’ COPO were offered on the limited production run including the paint colors.
3,300 people submitted their names to GM this year in hopes of being the next owner of the extremely rare 2012 COPO Camaro. Out of these 3,300 people, only 66 would have the opportunity to buy one. Our General Manager at Morrie’s Brooklyn Park, Carter Doolittle, was lucky enough to be #32. Carter tells us about the night he received the news that he was one of the individuals chosen to buy one of the new COPO Camaro’s. “On March 8th 2012, 4:13pm my phone rang. It was Dr. Jamie Meyer of Chevrolet Performance stating that I was one of 66 people randomly selected for this limited time purchase opportunity of the dedicated Stock Eliminator NHRA racecar.”
Carter was told that he had only 24 hours to confirm his purchase of this rare collectors item before the offer expired due to high interest in the automobile. The vehicle was available in five colors, Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Grey Metallic, Victory Red and Stealth Black. Unlike the original COPO, the 2012 came in three engine choices. The supercharged LSX-based 327 with a 5.3L V-8 and a 2.9L supercharger, a supercharged LSX-based 327 5.3L V-8 with a 4.0L supercharger, or an LS7 based naturally aspirated aluminum big block 427 with a 7.0L V-8 engine.
In an attempt to replicate the original 1969 COPO, Carter decided to go with the black, aluminum big block 427. He picked up his vehicle on October 18th 2012 in Wixom, MI. Four GM employees where there to greet him and they turned his 2-hour scheduled tour into an enjoyable daylong event. Carter says that his experience was incredible and he felt fortunate to be in the company of such talented and knowledgeable employees who were extremely accommodating and passionate about the endeavor. He thanks everyone at the Performance Build Center for making his experience so memorable. Make sure to stop by Morrie’s Brooklyn Park Subaru sometime soon to see the 2012 COPO Camaro in person!
