The Camaro ZL1 boasts a rich history, with this F-body version being one of the lesser-known iterations. Just like the original, it began life as a factory COPO (Central Office Production Order) car, later receiving further enhancements from GMMG for increased performance. Now, it’s available for purchase for a icy cool $149,998.
The original ZL1 nomenclature came from a V8 engine developed for racing. In 1969, a man named Fred Gibb ordered 50 Camaros through the COPO program with the ZL1, and to make a long story short, a legend was born. The car you see here, a fourth-generation 2002 Camaro, drove down a similar path. It was ordered through the same COPO program and then sent to GMMG for additional modification.
GMMG is long since out of business but before their swang song, the corporation churned out some incredible performance machines such as the Dale Earnhardt “Intimidator” SS and this 4th gen Camaro.
More: Chevys Don’t Get More Menacing Than The Last 2024 Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition
The 2000s Chevy muscle car was built in three distinct “Phases,” a nod to the nomenclature of the swinging sixties, with the engine specification as the primary differentiator. Phases I and II featured 400 hp and 475 hp versions of the 350ci (5.7-liter) LS6 V8, respectively.
The crown model of the series was the car you see here with the Phase III package, which took performance to a whole new level with a 427ci (7.0-liter) LS6 V8 engine. It delivered an impressive 600 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, all channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Out of the 69 GMMG-built ZL-1 Camaros, thirty-seven appear to be Phase III models (although it’s worth noting that other sources indicate that number to be 31). Only twelve Chevrolet dealerships committed to accepting the batch of 69 cars announced by GMMG.
Supercar levels of power
To put the numbers of the Camaro ZL-1 Phase III into perspective, consider that in 2002, the Corvette Z06, a very formidable machine itself, made just 405 horsepower. In fact, the Lamborghini Gallardo of the same year made just 570 horsepower. That, in part, explains why GMMG called this the ZL1 Supercar.
And don’t be fooled into thinking it’s merely a run-of-the-mill fourth-gen Camaro with a hefty engine under the hood. No, sir! This beast boast a range of upgrades that include 1LE control arms, a pan hard bar, adjustable Penske shocks, unique sway bars, and to top it off, brakes and a clutch assembly swiped straight from a Z06 Corvette from the same era.
The exterior boasts a GM SS hood with SS spoiler, along with hood, roof, and decklid stripes adorned with 600hp decals. Adding to its retro charm, the Charcoal Metallic grille sports a 1969-style Bowtie emblem. The rear panel is painted black and features high-polished stainless Camaro letters. Inside, you’ll find a Hurst shift ball paired with a short-throw shift stick, along with a cloisonne HP/TQ dash plaque. Special emblems adorn the exterior, interior, and engine bay, complemented by a GMMG bronze tag inside the door jamb.
GMMG is perhaps somewhat obscure in the everyday car world, but Chevrolet fans know it well for its patented exhaust system. This car has it too and the video below proves that it still sounds amazing. Of course, it sort of should for a car with only 417 miles (671 kilometers) on the odometer all these years later.
It’s available right now at VoloCars after what appears to be a successful auction sale at Barrett Jackson back in 2022. At the time it sold for $115,500. Is it worth the additional cash today? Maybe, or maybe not, but its value doesn’t seem likely to diminish much in the coming years, , especially if you intend to keep it as a garage queen. Though, that would be a pity, wouldn’t it?