The very last unit of the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro rolled off the production line late last year, marking what will likely be the end of the road for ICE-based variants of the iconic Camaro nameplate. Over the years, the Camaro has spawned innumerable variants and special editions, but for some enthusiasts, the COPO Camaro is the most desirable of the bunch. Now, what’s likely to be the very last ICE-based COPO Camaro has hit social media.
Images of the final COPO Camaro were recently posted online by the Chevrolet Performance Instagram account (@chevroletperformance).
“This one-of-a-kind COPO closes out a legacy with a story to tell under the hood,” the post reads.
The COPO Camaro has a lineage stretching back to the late 1960s. Originally classified under the Central Office Production Order (COPO) system, which was intended for fleet and special-purpose vehicles, Fredd Gibb, a Chevy dealer / drag racer, cleverly used the COPO program to create a high-performance variant that bypassed GM’s internal restrictions on engine size. The result was the COPO 9560, giving birth to nothing less than a drag racing legend.
The final 2023 COPO Camaro, numbered 69 for the original model year, marks the end of an era for this high-octane icon. Notably, this particular car won’t be available for purchase. COPO Camaros have become one of the most sought-after models among collectors, celebrated for their limited production runs, unmatched drag capabilities, and direct ties to Chevrolet’s performance heritage, and indeed, if this is the final ICE-based COPO, it’s likely to remain among the most desirable examples ever made. GM did not produce a COPO model for the 2024 model year.
The final model is covered in Radiant Red Tintcoat paint (paint code GNT), and cradles a “one-off” all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch Mark IV Big Block engine. COPO branding is seen throughout, including in the engine bay, while a roll cage, Autometer tachometer, and racing seats are seen inside the cabin.
The massive rear wheels are shod in Hoosier drag tires, matched to Hoosier skinnies up front. The rear end is also equipped with a parachute and wheelie bar.
Looking ahead, the future of the Chevy Camaro nameplate remains in question, although all signs point to a possible resurrection as an EV. GM even tried its hand at creating an all-electric COPO Camaro dragster back in 2018. However, for many fans, no ICE means no dice.
Comments
Doesn’t look very good imo. Tires scream 1960s. its 2024 now enough with the big wheels. No need for camaro anyway now that we have corvette
It’s for “drag racing”. 🙄
So where did this COPO go?
I don’t really have any comments about this particular car. What I’m tired of is GM committing themselves to eventually be EV only. Besides the climate change being a hoax, as a car man his entire life, you’d literally have to kill before I ever bought those soulless mega hair dryer’s. It’s actually the government’s fault. Yet, other car makers are starting to allocate their resources to what’s in demand. But not GM for some reason.
Only snooty hipsters actually want those nightmare abominations.
I will never understand why GM wants ev vehicles!!! I love my CTS-V Coupe and C8 Corvette!!! I will never purchase or want an electric vehicle!!! GM , time to change your direction, or lose customers.
You have to remember that Barra is a GM lifer and a disciple of Roger Smith school of thought. Under that mantra, GM is about two years behind everyone else in spotting trends, and it takes another year to acknowledge that there is a problem, and three more years to fix the original problem while the rest of the industry moved on and new issues arose that needed to be dealt with. This is how a company loses almost 3/4 of their market share over 40 years.
Mary Barra has some kind of idea that she will go down in history as saving the world.
She just loves the fact she’s a celebrity CEO
It’s a TRAVESTY that Chevrolet has terminated the Camaro!!
It is one of the most iconic cars in history, and all to appeaze the Biden administration.
Shame on GM for not using common sense and turning into a bunch of liberal, cool-aid drinking SISSY’s.
At least there DEI scores are through the roof! That I cannot understand how many people they fire on a regular basis.
Way to go GM. Your so predictable. A day late and 5 million over budget again! You can only live off the sbc & LS for so long. Sell what we want to buy not what you want to sell. Fire all your marketing dept listen to your POTENTIAL customers
History is going to show how many current auto manufacturers demise was due to jumping on the EV bandwagon much too prematurely. Very unfortunate that the boneheads that captained these ships did not care to check with the American public first. As they always do these no nothings lined their own pockets before jumping ship and leading to massive unnecessary unemployment.
And their CEOs will be lauded as brilliant. Go figure.