The most "significant" Chevrolet performance car.

[RamAirDave]

Very broad question, which opens up a lot of discussion and opinion.

One particular car, or one particular model? And what exactly is "significance"? Significant in the collector realm today, or how it affected the automotive industry decades ago?

The Z11 and Z16 cars really opened the gates to the cars that would follow. I think the Penske Sunoco 69 is probably the most iconic of the early Camaros.

Particular Camaros, the LMB RS ZL1 and the <2000mi. (I grew up knowing it as 1400, think its around 1800 now) Black RS Z are at the top IMO. Just not sure if they have the historical "significance", i.e. race history, prototypes, one-offs, first/last of production, test car, etc.

The LMB 68 Z X-ram Vert pictured above was built by a guy on TC, he may be on here as well. Stamped and repo-papered, but there shouldnt be any confusion as it being #2 of 1.

[Late BrakeU2]

This question was bandied around on LS1 tech and the responses ran into the thousands. Since the term significant was chosen I think the Estes car stands alone. Had it not been built,you might have seen about five consecutive years of Manufacturers championships for ford in the T/A series. Five decades of the RPO..how many others lasted more than one?. From a valuation standpoint which would fetch more at say BJ,that(or any) ZL1 or the Estes car?. Don't get me wrong I love the ZL1's but all 69 don't add up to the influence that vert had in changing chevy history in both production and racing.

(Ken,i'm with ya brother)

[markjohnson]

If we're talking specific cars, a favorite of mine would have to be the #3 Berger ZL-1 Camaro. It may not have those precious, over-rated hide-away headlights, but that Daytona Yellow #3 car DOES happen to be a double COPO with the Sports Car Package, Berger Chevrolet heritage, great colors, Endura bumper and be an M-22 car (rare, even for a ZL-1). Probably the most photographed and documented ZL-1 of all. It is simply the ULTIMATE '69 Camaro and just to stand next to it is awe-inspiring.

[hvychev]

Mark, I too thought of the #3 ZL1. But it was NOT the most photo documented. #1 BLOWS it away with vintage and modern photos.

[markjohnson]

Can't stop staring at that black '62 Bel Air. A 1962 409 Bel Air is my all-time favorite car. The list of racers that used those cars is like a who's who list of stock-bodied drag racing. Prettiest car ever made, arguably!

[leach]

What about a 1965 Chevelle Z-16 unrestored survivor car in pristine condition I think that is a Chevrolet performance car.

[1railman]

For me the most significant would be the Z-11's. The pinicle would be the ZL-1's.

[mrrec]

I'm glad the Z16 has been brought up a few times in relation to "the most significant Chev performance car". It is the father of all big blocks to follow. The ZL1 is certainly more popular and desirable, though.

Funny, sometimes in conversation I'll say Z16 and you get this

Doesn't happen with ZL1.

Dave

[66 L78 ragtop]

The most "significant" Chevrolet performance car?
Sounds like a rhetorical qustions...everyone knows it was the 1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 4spd Indianapolis 500 Pacecar!!!

[JChlupsa]

significant car or shall i say cars would be any 55 Chevy with a V-8. had that V-8 not been introduced in 55, none of the others would have been where they are today