Car: Chevrolet “COPO” Camaro Coupe

Year: 1969

What makes it special: For their 1969 model year, the Chevrolet Division of General Motors offered a wide range of V8’s for the Camaro, the largest and most powerful being the aluminum block 427 cu in V8 known as the ZL1. When stuffed into the pony car, it could easily run circles around most Chevrolet Corvettes on the street. The ZL1 came as per request by Fred Gibb, who needed a more potent option for NHRA Drag Racing. A minimum of 50 such-equipped Camaro’s had to be made to qualify the ZL1 for racing designation, and eventually 69 were ordered. It was intended only for professional drag racers that could recoup its expensive list price for that time period.

What made it famous: The ZL1 was Central Office Production Order ( or just “COPO”) number 9560, that could be specially ordered for an added $4,160 over the base price of a Camaro. This internal fleet order helped to overcome GM’s restrictions on Chevrolet models only offering up to 400 cubic inch displacement in a Camaro. Since COPO was really meant for special paint and options on commercial vehicles, the ZL1’s were not exempt from any warranties and were 100% street legal. The V8 was originally created for the Can-Am Chaparral, using cylinder heads similar to the L88 engine but with an all-aluminum block. It had wet-sump lubrication, a K66 transistorized ignition system and a mechanical fuel pump could be used. It was fed by a single Holley 4-barrel, was the most powerful engine GM offered to the buying public and produced about 500 hp. It was backed-up by a new posi-traction rear with a larger pinion and axle gearing. With stock tires, a ZL1 could run down the quarter-mile in the low 13’s.

Why I would want one: Being these were extremely powerful, low production number offerings, they are not only rare and desirable by collectors, but also command huge prices in today’s collector car market.

Fun fact: The ZL1 Camaro began life as a 396 Super-Sport body, but was fitted with the F41 suspension, ZL2 Cowl-Induction hood, heavy-duty front springs and brakes, and a 4-speed, sometimes ordered with the M21 close-ratio transmission.
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Car: Cadillac Coupe De Ville

Year: 1961

What makes it special: Originally a trim level, the DeVille became a separate model of GM’s Cadillac Division. The 1949 Coupe de Ville, a pillarless 2-door Hardtop body style was the very first year to bear the name, and was a trim level above Cadillac’s Series 62 Luxury Coupe.

What made it famous: Restyled for the 1961 model year, the series also was re-engineered. It now boasted a slanted back grille, sitting between twin headlights. New forward slanting front roof pillars and non-wraparound windshield was featured too. DeVille models featured front designation scripts and a lower body skeg trimmed with a thin, 3/4 length spear molding running from just behind the car’s front wheel opening all the way to the rear of the body. Standard on the DeVille was power brakes, power steering, an automatic transmission, dual back-up lights, windshield washer, dual-speed wipers, wheel coverings, fender skirts, outside mounted rearview mirror, vanity mirror, oil filter, power windows and 2-way power seats. 4-barrel induction systems were the only power choice and dual-exhaust were no longer available.

Why I would want one: I love the crisp lines, the menacing look of the slanted back grille. It’s one of the most stylish cars of the early 1960’s.

Fun fact: The “DeVille” name is from the French “de la ville” or “de ville” which means “of the town.”
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