69 Camaro ZL1 Prototypes

[Jeff H]

Wasn't it supposed to have the JL8 4 wheel disc brakes as well? What would a ZL1 with 4 wheel discs be worth?

[William]

The question is moot.

No production COPO was built with JL8.

[PxTx]

Is it known when the two ZL1 prototypes built? Just wondering how early things could have been put together and if the date code span is tighter or wider on prototype cars (in general).

[William]

The VIN that is known for one of them suggests a September '68 build.

[JoeC]

The two 9567 ZL1 Camaros could have started out as almost anything since they probably were built in engineering instead of being built on the assembly line. They could have started out as assembly pilot cars or test cars from engineering that were then modified into the prototype ZL1s. It looks like they tried to build a ZL1 that had more marketing potential with lower compression and more options. The cost of the aluminum motor was so high that it would have prohibited high volume sales. It is unfortunate that more is not known about them.

[PxTx]

Recently, a book called The 1969 Camaro Reference Book by John R. Hooper. was brough to my attention. Specifically, page 212 where John is asking questions to Fred Gibb;

Q. Did they ever make a four-wheel disc brake ZL1 or COPO?

A. Only one experimental model that I know of.

I'm not really familiar with Hooper, so I was wondering if anyone can attest to the valididty of this conversation?

Then my next question- which one was it? A four-wheel disc ZL1 or a four-wheel disc COPO?

Maybe there was a third experimental ZL1- a four-wheel disc car and it probably was a convertible too ; ^ ) (have to work on my smilies)

[Warren Malkin]

You can find another picture of the black RS ZL1 in Sports Car Graphic Oct '69. Appears to be at the proving grounds.