Yes, but most guys buying the ultra rare cars are in it for investment value.

No secret that I have been involved with ZL1 #4 since Camaro Parts Exchange acquired it in 1987. It became our in-house restoration project, completed 1989. The current owner purchased it from Doug Martz in 1995. Since it stayed here in SE WI, I remained involved. Over the last 31 years, the car has been in climate-controlled storage. During that time, the car was continually improved as more was learned about ZL1s. Also, with the help of Dan Palchanes, we were able to learn the history of the car back to its original owner. Dan provided [at NO charge] vintage newspaper ads, NOS Hauser dealer emblem and contact information for the original owner. We have vintage photos of it when Hauser raced it and as acquired by the original owner.

The complete history of #4 is known back to March 4, 1969 when it rolled off the assembly line. Ownership history is an important factor for those considering adding one to their collection as some ‘restored’ ZL1 Camaros had lengthy drag racing histories and were extensively modified. Several of these are “rebody” restorations. Some disclosed at auction, some not. Others do not have their original body tags. While #4 was raced, initially for the 1970 NHRA season, it was never cut. There is no need to question its provenance.

The ZL1 market is strong. This year several have sold; a pair for $1.2m at Mecum Kissimmee and another at Barrett-Jackson AZ for $770k. Another was sold privately by Legendary in Canada; they have another in their collection. I think Peter knows what he is doing.

There was no expectation that #4 would establish a ZL1 auction record-at either end. The owner is a reasonable man. See you at Mecum Indy 2019.

Thanks William
 

Well spoken from a knowlegable man. I think only a fool should question his assessment.

I was there on Sat and was astonished that it didn't go for much more.

Seems like just yesterday when #1 sold for $400,000.00 in 2012.

That's about where 289 Cobras were in 2012.

One of my all time dream cars...

/Rich

While a lot of these cars may not appeal to millennial's, there seems to be a growing desire to get into these muscle cars by kids the age of my son who is now 14. I say that because he wants a late 60's to early 70's muscle car and so do his close friends who are the same age. His one buddy is now building a muscle car with his grandfather, and another (also 14) is now working on a 340 duster with his dad. Looks like the three of them will all have stick cars just a couple years from now, and that's a good thing!

The chicago auction is not the best auction venue, and there have been quite a few ZL1'S at auctions and even some newly discovered in the past 5yrs. people that have the means to buy one can certainly wait for what they want. I would not put the final bid as the value of this car.

I think that the "sky is falling" attitude towards muscle cars is way over blown. Everything fluctuates in prices. Look at everyone who said brass era and old hot rods would be worth next to nothing because all of the people who were interested in those are or have died off. Negative, they're still worth a lot. Are they going for what they once were? Some definitely not, but some are, and most are still selling for decent bucks. Everything in life is cyclical, and maybe 60's muscle car prices will fall some, but they'll still be worth decent money.