Copo Production & Survivors

[Stefano]

JoeC:
How are these 'Tonawanda' production numbers reported? Is this based on the block casting number '512'or is this based on the Engine Pad stampings? Would this include C E blocks for warranty replacement and over the counter sales? If not then how many of these were produced?

Who is the keeper of this info., as it has been referenced often, but I have never seen official copy?

[William]

The keeper of the info is Fran Preve, who works at the Tonawanda engine plant. They retained production records for many years. In an April 1987 issue of Muscle Car Review he stated that 822 "MN" and 193 "MO" code 427 engines had been shipped, 1015 total. As these codes are unique to Camaro, it is indicative of a production level near that number. He stated that historically, installation rates were 2%-5% less than engines produced.

[Keith Tedford]

I read one time, an article by someone, that Fran Preve had a number of 358 427 engines destined for the Chevelle application. He had a figure of 10% for CE applications leaving 323 to go in cars. The best information I have is that 30 COPO Chevelles came into Canada. With the US having 10 times the population, you could figure on about 300 sold south of the border. That's 330 which is pretty close to the 323 figure. Just statistics but interesting. From what I have ever seen, engines came into the Oshawa assembly plant with the Tonawanda, McKinnon etc info already stamped on them and we added the vehicle VIN. As an example, and MP 427 would come with the flex plate installed. The MQ engine would have its flywheel and clutch assembly installed. While not answering the original question it is part of the puzzle.
As for survivors, I can come up with five survivor COPO Chevelles and one Yenko Chevelle here in Ontario alone.


[Edited by Keith Tedford (11-01-2001 at 03:23 AM).]

[Stefano]

Keith:

In my opinion, the Canadian production numbers are disproportionate to the population , as compared to the USA.

There were more built ,in Canada for Canadian consumption, percentage wise.

This is mainly because the Tonawanda plant is so close to the border. News about the COPOs traveled very fast. Sometimes those in the know had to educate the ordering dealerships. GM ties are very strong in that region. What do you think?

[JoeC]

I agree that a larger number of COPO cars went to Canada as a percentage of total. Many US dealers had no knowledge of the L72 Camaro and Chevelle. I believe the only 2 LT1 1970 Novas not used in the Yenko Deuce program went to Canada?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

JoeC;
That is the correct story on the COPO Novas in Canada. Central ordered 10 cars, but only received the Cortez Silver car and a Forest Green car. The Green car is gone.
M

[Chevy454]

As in "gone", does that mean we lost track of it, or does that mean it went to the great recycling plant in the sky?

Doesn't some bearded Canuck own that silver car ? I heard he might have another car or 2...

[Edited by Chevy454 (11-02-2001 at 08:05 AM).]