For a handful of selected individuals the next few weeks have been highly anticipated as the 2013 Chevrolet COPO Camaro’s are scheduled to begin delivery. Reportedly, May 3rd will mark the beginning of the drag-strip-ready Chevrolet’s being handed over to the eagerly awaiting buyers.
The COPO Camaro, or “Central Office Production Order”, is not one a buyer can run to the local dealership and roll off the lot with. Stamped with a handsome starting price of$86,000, the race ready Camaro is not street legal, has no VIN, and cannot be registered. Individuals that were selected for one of the COPO’s must make the trek to Michigan to pick up the new toy.
For those who are not familiar with the COPO, 69 units were announced for production in 2012. Why 69? In homage to the original 1969 COPO Camaro.
The pricey Camaro is built race-ready and designed to compete at NHRA events. It rolls out already equipped with a full chrome-moly roll cage, safety restraints, solid rear axle, and the list goes on. Interested buyers are selected at random from a lottery, and if selected, the interested party then has the option to purchase the car and decide on the drivetrain and color. There are five different colors that buyers can chose from when designing their new ride: Black, Summit White, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic. A little different from 2012, there are three engine choices and two transmission options. Engine options start with a 350-cubic-inch V8, a 396-cubic-inch V8, and a 427-cubic-inch V8. The three are rated at 325 horsepower, 375 horsepower, and 425 horsepower respectively. In addition to the Powerglide trans, another option for the current year is a four speed manual.
For the few lucky buyers that were selected for the opportunity to purchase the elite COPO Camaro, the excitement will be bubbling as the new Chevrolet begins rolling out of Michigan and into the hands of their proud new owners in the weeks to come.