Some more 70 COPO history stuff

[70 copo]

History sounds about right. Round #1 was at Laguna Seca April 19, 1970, with the COPO 9796 announced for production on April 26th - on the same date as the Round #2 (rained out) Dallas race.

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

when in the series did the ruse happen

[70 copo]

The SCCA ruse was at Round #2 at Dallas. But first the factory ruse: Penske had insiders still working at GM, and had learned of the new race spoiler and that Chevy was planning to use it at Dallas. Upon complaining to SCCA, These officials did an inspection where Piggins fooled them into thinking the spoilers were in full production.

In actuality GM only had about 50 Firebird center sections on paint racks and some prototype AO-Smith designed end caps.

With charm and some trickery Piggins fooled the officials into believing the spoilers were in full production.

Upon hearing of the outcome of the SCCA visit Penskie then complained again to the SCCA, and at Dallas SCCA planned to again pressure Chevrolet officials and the the Camaro team to "prove" the spoiler was in production.

Ruse #2 was where Piggins and Pierce Hand carried 6 sets of Spoilers and end caps to Chevy dealers in Dallas, had them installed, and had employees drive the cars to the public parking in the infield.

After that SCCA approved the spoilers for racing. Round #2 was a rain out.

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Thats some great stuff. Way to cool, I wonder how much (if any) of that kind of stuff goes on today in NASCAR. Bet not much, it must have been a total gas to be involved in racing back in the day (I was 8 years old then)Im sure it made for some great competition and inovation. If you want a high res photo I can email it to you but its a huge file (Halls Car).

Thanks for the history its priceless. I noticed the front spoiler on Hall's car looks diff than the production fronts. Was that technicaly against the rules??

Great stuff

Thanks a Million

Carl

[70 copo]

No. The front air dam could vary in design for racing as a factory production piece had to accomidate potholes, Snow ect...

FS trivia...They were shipped loose from the factory and were put on at the dealer as part of new vehicle prep.

They were a "no fit" on the car transporter from the factory, (too low in the front)

[CamarosRus]

Phil,

1)What is your statement about 70 COPO Spoiler Z-28's coming with or NOT coming with front spoilers.......AND there after did the 71 Z's having the tall spoiler standard, did ALL come with a front spoiler standard.

2)Did any/all of the front spoiles ALWAYS come loose for dealer install, due to possible shipping damage.

3)How do you suggest that alledged 70 COPO Z's be judged, that do not have documentation(build sheet,dealer invoice) stating so ?????

4)What can you add about lower front valances being punched for spoiler install and those that were not punched????

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

I have been told that there MAY be a few copos (early) that MAY NOT have come with a front spoiler im not an expert but I have also been told that you could not load on on a transport with the spoiler mounted (they would hit and break) so they would be put inside the car. This is what I have read (some of it on this site). I have a LA car which has builds with it but I have read that the Norwood cars did not come with builds ????????? I do now that some of the cars listed the "9796AA Rear Comaprtment Lid Extension" on the window sticker so maybe if a Norwood car had a window sticker It would list it??????

Again Im not an expert I do have a 70 COPO and love to hear all the history surrounding them and the information I can find out from others its all very interesting and fun to me.

Thanks

Carl

[69LM1]

[ QUOTE ]
Ruse #2 was where Piggins and Pierce Hand carried 6 sets of Spoilers and end caps to Chevy dealers in Dallas, had them installed, and had employees drive the cars to the public parking in the infield.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard that story as well. Something along the lines of "Sure, there in production, just check the parking lot"
Also have heard that a lot less than the required 500 were ever made..

Anyone know where the gold COPOZ on ebay recently wound up?