I just finished watching the Mecum Auction from Indianapolis this past Friday and Saturday. Prices still respectable considering the economic conditions.
What I am most impressed about is the price that COPO Camaros and Chevelles command at these auctions. These cars are powered by the L-72 427 Corvette engine which was introduced for the 1966 model year, and then in 1967 it acquired a triple 2bbl Holley carb setup (tripower) and was re-coded as an L-71. In 1968 and 1969, a lower profile intake manifold was used to clear the hood of the new C3 Corvette.
If you wanted to lighten the car or improve the handling, the L-88 aluminum heads were available as an option. The L-71 engine would then become an L-89. The L-89 was available on Corvettes in 1967 only. In 1968 and 1969, the L-89 was available on the tripower L-71 427 Corvette, but in the Camaro and Chevelles, the L-89 was available on top of the L-78 396/375 engine and was fueled by a single 780 cfm Holley carb.
I’m going to feature and discuss the COPO Camaros and Chevelles in my companion book to Corvette Racing Legends. The 1969 COPOs were factory 427 cars, that led to the release of the 1970 LS6 454 SS Chevelle. I made brief mention of that in my book, but you really have to look hard to find it. That’s why I’m working on the companion book.
But anyway, there were more Corvettes with the L-71 tripower 427 built in 1969 than all the COPO Camaros and COPO Chevelles combined. That’s why the COPOs command more money at auctions. There were over 4000 LS6 Chevelles built in 1970. That’s a lot. Must not be too many of them remaining.
I saw one L-88 Corvette at the auction, but it was a no-sale. The reserve price was not met. If you want to see more authentic L-88 Corvettes, take a look here: www.TheL88Corvette.com That site will always have new photos each year after the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show.
While you are waiting for my new Corvette and COPO book, you will have to settle for my current book at: www.CorvetteRacingLegends.com
I also have a new forum at: www.TheChevroletCorvette.com Its for everyone and it contains free classified ads for Corvettes and Corvette parts for all of its members. Join up now!
Long Live The Corvette!
Pete