COPO
BY MATT AVERY
PUBLISHED BY CARTECH BOOKS & MANUALS - 2018 ©
ISBN-13: 978-1613253915
The COPO Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas of the 1960s and early 1970s represent the pinnacle of high-performance GM muscle cars. Although few recognized this back channel program at the time, it has since emerged as the origin of some of GM's top muscle cars.
Don Yenko and other innovative individuals exploited a loophole in the COPO (Central Office Production Order) system, initially designed for fleet vehicles like taxicabs. During the peak of the muscle car wars, this program was cleverly repurposed to build the ultimate high-performance Chevy models.
Through these discreet channels, GM ran a thriving racing and performance program, with COPO at its heart. Yenko, the chief architect of the COPO muscle car program, ordered the Corvair through COPO and created the Corvair Stinger for SCCA road racing. This laid the foundation for producing legendary Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas.
At the factory, Camaro V-8s were equipped with either the 350 small-block or 396 big-block engines to compete with rivals like the Mustang Cobra Jets and Mopar Wedge and Hemi cars. By utilizing the COPO program, GM enabled dealers to fit the powerful 427 engines into Camaros post-production. Between 1967 and 1969, eight different 427 engines were installed, including the iconic all-aluminum ZL1 427. This blueprint was later adopted for COPO Novas and Chevelles with similar results.
The COPO performance program extended beyond muscle cars; Yenko even ordered hundreds of Vegas through COPO to equip them with turbochargers for SCCA racing.
In his book, author and automotive historian Matt Avery retraces the captivating history of the COPO program and these premier muscle cars. He meticulously scoured archives and interviewed key personnel to provide a comprehensive account, featuring original and never-before-seen photography of these legendary vehicles.
With a storied journey, the COPO muscle car and racing program is explored in this entertaining and insightful history, which won a 2019 Silver Journalism Award from the Automotive Heritage Awards.
204 PAGES | HARD COVER | RELEASE DATE: SEPT 2018
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matt's dedication to capturing the essence of these iconic cars is evident in the high-quality, detailed photographs featured in the book. He has carefully selected and photographed the best examples of each COPO muscle vehicle, showcasing the beauty and power of these legendary classic cars.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Hear Matt's interview with Midlife Classic Cars discussing how he assemebled the COPO book and a tease of what's in store his latest project, Camaro Special Editions.
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