Chevrolet’s Camaro was literally all things to all people. By checking the right order blanks, one could purchase anything from a “grocery getter” to a tire-shredding SS 396. While GM policy limited engine size for the A-Body and F-Body lines to 400 cubic inches, a few performance-oriented Chevrolet dealers, including Don Yenko and Fred Gibbs, knew that it was possible to build almost anything. With the Central Office Production Order (COPO) process usually reserved for fleets, a request could be made for a unique and specially built car. Since the 396 big-block was already available, the 427-cid, 425-hp L72 engine would be a drop-in fit for the Camaro. The resulting COPO Camaros quickly reclaimed Chevrolet’s honor in Super Stock drag racing and on the street. Despite limited traction, they were capable of quarter-mile times in the low 13-second range. With simple tuning and slicks, times dipped into the 11-second range.

COPO – arguably some of the most revered letters for aficionados of the musclecar. COPO 9561, a special high performance package, was quite the bargain at $489.75 and included the L72 427-cid, 425-hp V-8 engine, special ducted hood, dual exhaust system, increased cooling capacity, heavy-duty suspension and the special 4.10:1 special Posi-traction unit with a heat-treated ring and pinion. Power front discs and an optional transmission were mandatory, but the 9561 Camaro actually listed for around $130 less than a 396-cid, 375-hp Camaro SS. The package was specifically engineered for drag race competition.

This particular and rare COPO Camaro is presented in uncommon Azure Turquoise and is a 15,000 actual mile, unrestored car with many features not normally seen on the COPO cars. Unlike many, this example retains its factory-original engine and comes complete with paperwork from new. In addition, the Camaro features the Rally Sport package, Muncie M22 four-speed manual transmission with Special Instrumentation, center console, air spoilers, AM/FM radio with rear seat speaker, F70x14 raised white letter tires, color-coded 14x7 steel wheels; power steering and brakes with front discs. The standard interior is black and has a fold-down rear seat. The roof line displays the optional vinyl covering in black.

The Camaro was originally sold out of Malcolm Konner Chevrolet in Paramus, New Jersey to Robert Hatkins in nearby Bergenfield, New Jersey in July 1969. It was out the door for $4,130.52, with a $315 deposit used to initiate the deal. This rare and desirable machine is well-documented with its original Protect-O-Plate, body broadcast sheet, original dealer invoice, new vehicle warranty, along with Western Union telegrams from Chevrolet concerning the order and delivery status of this rare beast. Further certification is provided by The COPO Connection, dated December 2002 in which the 9561 order status of this car is confirmed, as is the dealer of record. This must surely be one of the most desirable first generation Camaros available.