Rare 1969 COPO Camaro 427 L72 Emerges For Sale

This remarkable 1969 Chevrolet Camaro coupe, originally delivered to Ray Bryant Chevrolet Company in Dayton, Ohio, stands as a rare example of the coveted Central Office Production Order (COPO) program. It is one of fewer than 1,000 units believed to have been equipped with the potent COPO 427ci L72 V8 engine for the model year. For enthusiasts seeking a specific 69 Camaro Copo 427 For Sale, this vehicle represents a significant find, boasting both historical racing pedigree and a comprehensive recent restoration.

The car has a storied past, having been campaigned in NHRA Super Stock SS/D competition during the 1970s under the name “Rat’s Nest.” A meticulous rotisserie refurbishment, commenced in 2018 and completed in time for the 2021 Camaro Nationals, brought this muscle car icon back to stunning condition. The restoration included a repaint in its original LeMans Blue, and the interior was refinished in correct black vinyl. Power is derived from a replacement #512-block 427ci V8, paired with a replacement Muncie M22 four-speed transmission driving a 12-bolt rear axle with a Positraction differential.

Additional notable equipment includes a Hurst shifter, power front disc brakes, 14″ XT steel wheels fitted with Goodyear Wide Tread F70-14 tires, a Gardner dual exhaust system, a Holley carburetor, a Winters high-rise intake manifold, and a ducted ZL2 cowl-induction hood. The car was acquired by the selling dealer in April 2024. Following the acquisition, service work encompassed resealing the transmission front shaft, flushing the coolant, tuning the carburetor, adjusting the valves, and replacing various engine components such as pushrods, rocker arms, rocker studs, and poly locks, along with spark plugs, wires, and the thermostat. This COPO Camaro is now offered in Massachusetts, presenting a unique opportunity for a collector seeking a documented [classic camaro].

Side view of restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO 427 in LeMans Blue

Racing History and Refurbishment Details

The car’s racing career in the early to mid-1970s saw it sport a distinctive blue, white, and red “Rat’s Nest” livery. Photos from that era showcase the vehicle in its competitive form. During the late 1970s, the front fenders and trunk lid were reportedly replaced. The windshield has also been replaced at some point.

Front corner view of 1969 COPO Camaro showing LeMans Blue paint and hood scoop

The extensive refurbishment involved replicating assembly markings and overspray on the inner panels, firewall, and subframe to ensure factory-correct authenticity. Exterior details include chrome bumpers, bright rocker-panel trim, and a driver-side mirror. These elements combine to present a highly accurate representation of this rare [camaro car old model].

Wheels, Brakes, and Interior Features

The car rides on body-color 14″ XT-code steel wheels adorned with branded chrome hubcaps. The Goodyear Wide Tread F70-14 white-letter tires contribute to the period-correct look. A reproduction spare is located in the trunk. Factory equipment included power-assisted front disc brakes paired with rear drums, providing reliable stopping power suitable for a performance vehicle of this vintage.

Interior view of 1969 COPO Camaro featuring black vinyl bucket seats and floor shifter

Inside, the cabin features standard black vinyl upholstery covering the front bucket and rear bench seats. According to the MacNeish report, the headliner and carpeting are matching replacements installed during the refurbishment. Interior amenities include a rebuilt floor-mounted Hurst shifter, a push-button Delco AM radio, a heater/defroster, and lap belts. The two-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a 120-mph speedometer and a fuel-level gauge. The five-digit odometer currently displays 16k miles.

Dash view of 1969 COPO Camaro with speedometer and fuel gauge

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications

The heart of this COPO Camaro is the rebuilt 427ci L72 V8 engine, factory rated at a formidable 425 horsepower. This engine was exclusively available in the 1969 Camaro through the special COPO program, bypassing the standard order forms. It features a high-lift camshaft, solid valve lifters, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a Winters aluminum high-rise intake manifold, and a Gardner reproduction dual exhaust system, all contributing to its powerful performance. The MacNeish report confirms that the #512 engine block is a correctly dated replacement unit.

Close-up of the 427ci L72 V8 engine in the 1969 COPO Camaro

Power is delivered via a Muncie M22 four-speed manual transmission, noted as a replacement unit in the MacNeish report. This gearbox is linked to a BE-coded 12-bolt rear axle equipped with a Positraction differential and a 4.10:1 final gear ratio, a combination designed for optimal acceleration and performance characteristic of cars like the [69 yenko camaro for sale]. This drivetrain setup was highly desirable for drag racing and high-performance street use.

Overview of the drivetrain showing the Muncie M22 transmission and rear axle

Documentation and Extras

Comprehensive documentation accompanies the sale of this 1969 COPO Camaro 427. Included are pre- and post-refurbishment Certificates of Authenticity from Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance LLC, along with detailed MacNeish reports outlining the car’s build information, factory options, and component assessment. A page from the May 2024 report is provided as evidence of this thorough analysis.

First page of the Jerry MacNeish report for the 1969 COPO Camaro

Additionally, the sale includes a hardcover book printed by Shutterfly that chronicles the car’s history and refurbishment process through photos and text. Copies of Hemmings Muscle Machines and All Chevy Performance magazines in which the car was featured are also part of the package. An owner’s manual, touch-up paint, uninstalled chrome front and rear bumpers, a National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) shipping data report, and a Day 2 Concours Gold Certificate and trophy from the 2021 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals are included, adding further value and provenance to this exceptional [1967 camaro ss 396] era classic. Previous owner history and interview notes also contribute to the detailed background documentation.

Hardcover book documenting the history and restoration of the 1969 COPO Camaro

Conclusion

This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO 427 L72, with its documented racing history and recent, high-quality rotisserie refurbishment, stands out as a significant piece of muscle car history. Its rarity, powerful L72 engine, and extensive documentation make it a highly desirable vehicle for collectors. For anyone specifically searching for a pristine and authenticated example of a [1969 chevelle ss price] type era performance vehicle, particularly a genuine 69 Camaro Copo 427 For Sale, this offering presents a compelling opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic and sought-after Camaros ever produced.