The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a poster child for the golden age of muscle cars, but an example heading to auction with Mecum at the corporate’s Dallas auction this month is not any atypical Camaro.
Based on the auction listing, this automobile is certainly one of an estimated 58 COPO Camaros built with the RS Package. COPO is an acronym for Central Office Production Order, a backdoor method enterprising dealers used to special order cars with high-performance engines. On this case, the dealer was Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Because of the COPO process, Berger was capable of have this Camaro built with the L72 V-8, which displaces 427 cubic inches and is rated at 425 hp. That power is distributed to the rear wheels through a Turbo 400 automatic transmission and 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 4.10 gearing. Other non-standard features include power front disc brakes and a ZL2 cowl induction hood.
Any COPO Camaro is rare, but this automobile is even rarer because it is also equipped with the RS Package, an appearance package recognizable by its hideaway headlights and unique grille with a centered “RS” badge replacing the Chevy Bowtie. The RS Package was a well-liked option in 1969, but as noted above, it was unusual for a COPO Camaro to get it.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Berger COPO RS (photo via Mecum Auctions)
Mecum didn’t publish a pre-auction estimate for this automobile, but early COPO Camaros are among the many most precious classic muscle cars. Consider this automobile’s added rarity, and it’s prone to sell for large money when it crosses the auction block.
The unique COPO Camaro died with most other classic muscle cars because the auto industry shifted focus from performance to meeting newly mandated emissions and safety standards. Chevy brought the COPO name back, initially on an idea automobile unveiled on the 2011 SEMA show, for a turnkey drag racer, and has continued to construct limited numbers of those cars. It even built a one-off electric version, dubbed eCOPO Camaro, able to a 9.51-second quarter mile.
The auction is scheduled for Sept. 22.
This Article First Appeared At www.motorauthority.com
