1969 (COPO?) Camaro Information Search!

[William]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: twertsy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hear that William. Only started the in-depth search yesterday. I'm trying to speak to Mr. Casey himself to see if he remembers actually having one, and selling it. I'll get the insurance info (if he remembers) and determine the tranny type / blue paint shade.

Believe it or not, I really hope it's not sitting in someone's collection. I'd hate to find the car for him and have it taken away from someone who acquired it honestly, especially given what they cost to add to a collection. </div></div>

There are several Dusk Blue and Le Mans Blue ZL1s that have not been located. I guarantee you that all the VINs have been and continue to be checked for title and registration. In those days cars were not always titled or registered, race cars in particular. So a few could still exist on old open titles or even MSO.

If your uncle was paid off on the insurance claim he has no rights to the car-he effectively sold it. If it was later recovered and the remains sold or junked he would not be aware of it. A few stolen ZL1s were later recovered and still exist. Cars sold at auction are thoroughly vetted and have to have current title and registration. Buying a collector car privately on an old or open title is asking for trouble.

[69PACE]

Go to the Town Hall or County Records dept (maybe the land office in some places)where your Uncle lived when he owned the vehicle and search the property tax records. The vin number will be in the books as part of the grand list if he paid taxes on her. If you are lucky the records have been converted to digital format, if not microfiche, or a very large heavy handwritten book.

[twertsy]

Ok, got to speak with my uncle. It was dark blue and standard 4 speed. As he recalls, his insurance had dropped him before he bought the car because he wrecked his 'Cuda. He says there were drag marks where they must have winched it into / onto a trailor. It was locked and he says you had to put it in reverse to get the key out of the ignition and that would lock up the tranny. That sound right?

[PxTx]

The lack of insurance has me scratching my head. This car was purchased without a loan? Who did he notify when the car was stolen, police etc?

That was one of the most expensive Camaros in 1969. Any insight on why he chose to spend so much over a regular BB Camaro? I love the story Ken Barnheart tells about how he chose to buy his ZL1.

[William]

There were six Dusk Blue 4-speed ZL1 Camaros.

Of those, three still exist. One of them, #18, was sold new in VA. The original owner had engine problems resulting in warranty cancellation. GMAC repossessed the car. The second owner repaired the engine and retained the car for some time, 10-15 years. The other two have histories that rule them out.

Three cars are not known to exist. #19 124379N609530 no records, #21 124379N609651 no records but the original engine block was located in AZ. #24 124379N609838 was transferred to Merollis Chev in Detroit with four others. All five were stolen. None of them were registered to insurance companies when I inquired and were likely recovered. #24 was last registered in MA in 1973 but recorded as junked.

#43 is a Le Mans Blue 4-speed and is registered to an insurance company. Sold new at Hauser Chevrolet, Bethlehem PA. Stolen in 1972.

[twertsy]

So, do you think I'm on a wild goose chase? Or, is it possibly not a true COPO but rather one the dealer modified by purchasing one of the 427s from GM?

[William]

When it comes to ZL1 Camaros it is not only a wild goose chase but and old one. The VINs have been public knowledge for over 30 years. At one time it was easy to get registration info-send $3 and they sent it. Not so easy these days.

It is possible he had a dealer modified car but by '69 Chevrolet had strongly advised dealers to discontinue the practice. He may have had an L72 [iron 427] COPO Camaro.

It is also possible that he had a real ZL1 but the memory of how it was lost are a bit fuzzy.

[twertsy]

Just spoke to him again. Little clarification, hi &quot;thinks&quot; he remembers losing his insurance while he owned the car. After 7 tickets for speeding.

He says he recalls two of them on the showroom floor, the other one silver. The window sticker said &quot;all aluminum 427/435 horse.&quot;. It also had 1/4 mi specs, something like 10.6@135mph. Says it said that right on the sticker. He doesn't remember exactly but is pretty sure it was $4700 for the car, financed by Casey so I'd assume GMAC.

[John]

Did he race it at any local dragstrips?

.... after all.. that's why they built them.....

The old Suffolk Raceway is only about 30 miles from Newport News, Va. .....
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[twertsy]

Next time I speak with him I will inquire. I KNOW he raced it on the street.