2022 Chevrolet COPO Camaro

The original 1969 COPO Camaro was inspired by Illinois-based Chevrolet dealer Fred Gibb, who used the company’s special-order system to build what wasn’t already offered in the Camaro. The goal was to make the car more competitive in Stock Eliminator drag racing, which was rooted in production-based vehicles. It occurred to Gibb that Chevrolet’s in-house special-order system, known as Central Office Production Order (COPO), could provide an advantage. Typically, the COPO system was used for fleet vehicle services such as special paint or truck equipment, but Gibb used it to equip the Camaro with the all-aluminum ZL1 427 racing engine. With its lightweight block and heads, the ZL1 427 engine weighed about 100 pounds less than the iron-based 396 big-block engine offered in the Camaro and produced more power. It was the perfect solution for the drag strip. Only 69 original ZL1 Camaros were produced and now have become one of the most expensive and desirable muscle cars in the world.

Chevrolet opened the next chapter in the COPO Camaro legacy in 2011 with the introduction of a COPO Camaro race car concept at the SEMA Show. The overwhelming response helped Chevrolet make the decision to build the new COPO Camaro race cars in 2012. Since then, it has introduced a new COPO model with only 69 produced each year and a host of different engine choices. For 2022, the COPO Camaro is available with the optional gigantic 572 CI (9.4L) big-block V-8, which Chevy says "channels the spirit of the original 1969 COPO Camaro.

This example offered here for sale is optioned with a 572 CI engine, which uses a cast-iron block with aluminum heads, a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons and fuel injection. This powerplant is backed by a race-prepared 3-speed Turbo 400 transmission linked to a competition Hurst shifter. Like all COPO Camaros, this example features a carbon fiber hood and wheelie bars, with a trunk-mounted weight box and the optional parachute. This car has never been raced and remains in showroom condition.

With the recent end of Camaro production, there will be no new COPOs built, making them even more rare and valuable. As most have been raced, this example remains new and is the perfect example to add to any major collection.