Massive Power UnderneathA few COPO Camaros were equipped with huge 427 cubic-inch V8 engines that were only used in larger Chevrolet models. These engines had to be seen to be believed and their horsepower and getaway got the better of many muscle cars that were available at the time and American factory muscle cars were the subject of an era's horsepower wars. The Dealers Were Not Always InformedSince COPO vehicles were not ordered through the usual dealership channels, many Chevrolet dealerships were not aware of the existence of these special vehicles. These hidden performance packages were only known by selected dealers, and would make these cars seem almost magical for the time when they were released. The Mystery BeginsThe muscle car craze was in full swing during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The automakers worked hard to raise standards and to not be in the spotlight. Chevrolet has even taken the route of having some of its high power engines built under the radar, earning an underground reputation among the hardcore performance crowd and racers. Designed For The Hardcore CompetitorThe majority of COPO Camaros were basically factory racer street cars! They were very competitive in drag racing due to their light weight construction, updated drivetrains and powerful engines. These cars were more about performance than luxury, and were certainly popular with the hardcore speed freaks and racers. Limited Numbers SurvivedThe relatively small number of COPO Camaros made today makes them extremely valuable. Others were raced intensely, altered or lost over the years and are particularly rare. The limited availability and captivating history behind them, continue to spark collector interest all over the world. The Mythology Of Muscle Cars GrewOver the years, these cars sparked numerous rumors and tales. Production volumes were discussed, hidden factory options, and undocumented performance improvements were discussed. The mystery made COPO Camaros even more popular, and they were some of the most famous "muscle" cars ever produced. A True Automotive LegendThe COPO Camaro is one of the most daring periods in American muscle car history today. It's hidden, incredibly powerful, and underground, all the things that make the muscle car era so great. Yenko Became LegendaryOne of the most popular names associated with COPO Camaros became the name of performance dealer Don Yenko. His dealership popularized these low profile high performance cars that eventually became the muscle car icons of the 70's and 80's for the automotive historians and muscle car collectors.Insurance Rules Had An Impact On SecrecyIn the late 1960s, insurance companies directed their policies at the high-performance muscle car, which brought on high quotes. The automakers were also given internal restrictions on how much bigger the engines could be in smaller cars. Some of the limitations of the corporate and insurance markets were narrowly avoided by hidden programs such as COPO for performance-oriented purchasers. Enter The COPO CamaroThe COPO Camaro was one of the most popular secret chevy muscle cars. Central Office Production Order (COPO) was the original term for fleet/commercial vehicle requests. Clever dealers exploited the system to secure special high performance Camaros not offered from the dealership.