L72/L78/COPO production dates?

VintageMusclecar · #1 10-10-2003, 04:36 PM

How late did COPO production run for the `69 model year? I'm told the latest COPO Camaro was produced in Nov. `69, but what about the rest of the L72/L78 production cars? Were any of these built in 1970 as a `69 model during the Jan.-Feb. carry-over?

Thanks!
Eric [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

**Mr70** · #2 10-10-2003, 11:05 PM

The 69 Camaro & Corvette were the exception.
There was a strike in effect for the New 1970 Camaro & Corvette,so they had to make the 69 models longer then usual.
The other New Models for 1970,were Nationally advertised as being available on time on Sept.18 1969.The Commercial for them aired on "The Glenn Campbell Goodtime Hour" on CBS at 7 O'clock Central.Check Local listings in your area....
I was wearing my Footy Pajamas watching it! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

**William** · #3 10-10-2003, 11:22 PM

The last production week for the 1969 Camaro was 1st week November 1969 (11A). The original plan for the '70 Camaro was to continue the '69 style with a few cosmetic changes. See page 57 of The Great Camaro for a photo of a '70('69) Camaro Berlinetta. The '70 Chevrolet Press Intro featured an unchanged '69 Camaro; the true '70 Camaro was introduced late Feb 1970 with the Corvette and Firebird.

The latest COPO 9561 I know of is 10D, later builds are certainly possible.

**hvychev** · #4 10-11-2003, 01:41 AM

Rick...... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Kim_Howie · #5 10-11-2003, 01:11 PM

My 70 camaro has a 02C with a vin # 9000

**William** · #6 10-11-2003, 03:38 PM

The USCC was doing a 1970 registry and had some info in The Camaro Corral magazine. I recall one car with a Dec '69 build; a few January dates also. Probably Pilot cars.

The official reason given for the late intro was the '70 was originally slated to be a '71; Chevy moved it up 6 months. I think it was John Z who stated the car was always going to be a '70 model introduced with the rest of the line. The pilot quarter panel stampings fit so poorly the tooling had to be scrapped and re-done, delaying the car.

**Mr70** · #7 10-11-2003, 04:36 PM

I remember SeattleSam's 1970 L78 Camaro showing a 1C cowltag date.
Also some more tidbits.
February 3, 1970,is the mailing date on the Dealership Commnunication Kit for the 1970 Cam/Vette.
Friday February 13,1970 is the date on the Official press kit mailing for both.
It mentions Thursday February 26th as the official date the newly designed Cam/Vette will go on Sale in Dealerships.

VintageMusclecar · #8 10-11-2003, 05:14 PM

Excellent info, thanks!

I'm trying to figure out some date code issues, specifically regarding 4346 Holley carbs. If I understand correctly, the last `69 COPO Camaro was either Oct or Nov. `69 built, right? Were there any other 1969 model year L72 or L78 (or COPO) cars built after late 1969? If so, how far into 1970 did they run?

I'm trying to figure out if an 01 0r 02 dated 4346 carb could legitimately be considered a "production" dated carb as opposed to an early service dated unit.

Thanks again
Eric [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

**Stefano** · #9 10-11-2003, 05:51 PM

Yes, L78 Cars were built in 1970. Chevelles,Camaros and Novas.

**COPO** · #10 10-11-2003, 08:09 PM

My L-78 Camaro is also a 1C car. VIN is 5000

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