The COPO Camaro has long stood as a symbol of raw power and racing excellence, but now its legendary journey reaches its final chapter. To honor the legacy of this purpose-built race car, Chevrolet Performance has created a one-of-a-kind model to close out the COPO program. This exclusive Radiant Red car, fittingly numbered 69, marks the end of an era for the 2023 model year.
A Legendary Past
In the late 1960s, innovative dealers like Fred Gibb Chevrolet used the Central Office Production Order (COPO) program to equip vehicles with engines that weren’t typically offered. Among these, the 69 COPO Camaro models from 1969 became the most iconic, featuring the all-aluminum 427 cu-in. ZL-1 engine. These cars were originally built for Super Stock racing, and over the decades, they have become some of the most coveted vehicles in the world.
Decades later, Chevrolet Performance revived the COPO Camaro program, introducing naturally aspirated and supercharged engines following the launch of the fifth-generation Camaro. For over twelve years, these cars dominated the drag strip, securing countless wins and championships, while also becoming a holy grail for collectors.
A Labor of Love
“The COPO Camaro has been a cornerstone of Chevrolet Performance for more than a decade,” says Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports. “Each car has represented a piece of Chevrolet’s storied past while incorporating cutting-edge technology to win at the track.”
In tribute to the famed 1969 COPO models, only 69 COPO Camaros were built each year in the modern era. Buyers were selected through a lottery, and each car was assembled with meticulous attention to detail at the COPO Build Center in Oxford, Michigan.
“We know that with each one of these cars, we contributed to history,” says Mike Lawrence, operations director at COPO Parts Direct. “From the first to the last, every COPO we’ve built has been a labor of love.”
The Final COPO: A Modern Homage
As the 2023 model year concludes, the last COPO Camaro—number 69—carries special significance. It features a new, all-aluminum 427 cu-in. Mark IV Big-Block engine, echoing the same architecture found in the original 1969 COPO Camaro, famously driven by “Mr. Chevrolet” Dick Harrell. This homage extends to the car’s design, with Radiant Red paint and dual throttle bodies protruding through the aluminum hood, a direct nod to Harrell’s racer.
The final COPO’s engine, built by veteran drag racer Mike Lyons, boasts forged internals, a billet-steel mechanical roller camshaft, billet-aluminum intake manifold, dual throttle bodies, and a dry-sump oiling system. The result? A jaw-dropping 971 horsepower at 9,500 rpm, paired with a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission, making it a formidable machine on the drag strip.
A Farewell to an Icon
With a one-of-one Camaro ZL1 front fascia, Radiant Red tint-coat, and race-ready chassis and suspension, the final COPO Camaro is more than just a showpiece. After extensive dyno testing, the car’s power figures prove it to be a true performer, ready to leave its mark on the drag racing world.
While the COPO Camaro program may be concluding, its influence lives on in Chevrolet Performance’s portfolio, including the 1,004-horsepower ZZ632/1000 crate engine. Key components from the COPO legacy will continue to be available for racers and enthusiasts alike.
“The next big idea is just around the corner,” says Todd Gallant, Chevrolet Performance Assistant Marketing Manager, “but one thing is certain: Chevrolet Performance will always be dedicated to pushing the limits of high-performance engineering.”
As the final COPO Camaro joins the GM Heritage Collection, it stands as a tribute to all those who played a role in this iconic program. The COPO legacy, built by racers, engineers, and passionate fans alike, will remain an enduring chapter in Chevrolet’s storied history.
- Engine: All-aluminum 427 cu-in. Mark IV Big-Block
- Horsepower: 971 hp @ 9,500 rpm
- Torque: 597 lb-ft @ 9,500 rpm
- Transmission: TH400 three-speed automatic
- Induction: Dual throttle bodies, billet-aluminum tunnel-ram intake
- Fuel System: 86 lb./hr. injectors
- Oiling System: Dry-sump
- Cylinder Heads: Aluminum with billet-aluminum valve covers
- Exterior Color: Radiant Red tint-coat
- Special Features: One-off ZL1 front fascia, aluminum hood with throttle body cutouts
Source: Chevrolet/The-Block
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
