Double-COPO Camaro & Why It's So Rare

The First-gen Camaros through the COPO Lens

If you're a fan of the first-gen Camaros, mentioning performance will likely have you thinking of the SS or perhaps the Z/28 for those who have a penchant for high-speed cornering. Why, you ask? Essentially, these were the packages that came with additional performance parts. But if style was more your avenue, the RPO Z22 or the RS package was your go-to, though it was purely aesthetic. Interestingly, it was possible to combine the RS with the SS or Z/28 options to get a machine that had both looks and power. However, drag racers usually skipped the RS to save some quid. 

The COPO Loophole Explained

In the remarkable year of 1969, over 240,000 Camaros rolled off the production line, a staggering figure given that the body style was only around for a year. Despite its short-lived production, it's not uncommon to spot them, testimony to their massive production volume. Yet amidst this, some versions stand a class apart, crafted through the astute use of the Central Office Production Order (COPO) system, a loophole leveraged by a handful of dealers to create models that were not listed in Chevrolet's official offerings.

Image/s Source: Motortrend

In the normal run of things, the largest engine available was the 396 big-block, but the COPO programme opened doors to even bigger beasts like the L72 427. While it wasn't initially designed to create race cars, the Chevrolet heads of that era were not bound by legalities, giving a nod to such customisations with a knowing smile and open hands to receive the dealer's money. If would like more action check our our article titled: Street Monster 427ci 'Buckl Up' LC Torana.

Decoding the COPO Code 9562

A name synonymous with the COPO revolution is Berger Chevrolet, stationed in Grand Rapids, Michigan since the roaring twenties. Masters of the COPO game, they facilitated the installation of the L72 427 big-block for the seemingly nominal sum of $489.75, a dream come true for performance enthusiasts.

The L72 427

This powerhouse was a treasure trove of performance-enhancing components, housing rectangular port iron cylinder heads, forged pistons and crank, coupled with a high 11:1 compression ratio. Topping this was an aluminium intake manifold working in harmony with a Holley 780-cfm carb, empowering the L72 to churn out a staggering 317 kW and 624 Nm of torque. The only contenders in the vicinity were the aluminium head variant or the famed aluminium ZL1.

The Double-COPO Phenomenon

Enter the COPO 9737, the Sports Car Conversion Package, a rare sighting that coined the term Double-COPO when paired with code 9562. This package was the epitome of performance, focusing on cars sans the SS option, bringing in heavy-duty springs, power front disc brakes, larger sway bars, 38.1 cm rally wheels, and a 12-bolt posi rear with 4.10 gears, thus offering enhanced power and handling, a marriage of the best of both worlds.

Transmission Options and Rarity

A significant share of Berger's COPO creations harboured the Turbo 400 (TH400) automatic transmission, yet for those preferring manual control, the Muncie four-speed was at their disposal. An intriguing fact is the rarity of these RS COPOs, with just about 58 gracing the planet.

A Collector's Dream: The 1969 RS Double-COPO Berger Camaro

As we step into 2023, a pristine specimen is set to grace the Dallas Mecum auction, a 1969 RS Double-COPO Berger Camaro, a sight to behold in its Fathom Green hue matched with a green interior. Bearing both the 9561 and the 9732, it embodies the zenith of performance and style, complete with a ZL2 cowl-induction hood. The car has been meticulously brought back to its original glory, featuring period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tyres and a chambered exhaust system, promising to be the star of the show, a true testimony to a remarkable era of automotive excellence.