November 2009 Feature Car

[Chevy454]

<u>Grady Burch's 1969 COPO 427 Chevelle!</u>


In the early part of 1987 I started looking for a 1969 Chevelle SS396. I was looking to find one similar to what I had after I had graduated from high school in 1969. I happened to stop into an acquaintance store who sold Corvette parts and mentioned what I was looking for. As we talked he said he had a friend who had a 69 Chevelle but it was not a 396 it was a 427. He was not sure if the car was for sale but would contact the party and find out. I don't remember how long it was, maybe a day or two and he got back to me and confirmed that the car was for sale. At this point he told me what the asking price was, which for the time was pretty hefty, and asked if I was still interested. I did not hesitate and said yes I would like to see the car. at this point the contact info was given to me.

I called the party who owned the car and made arrangements to see it, turns out that the car was less than three miles from my home.

At some point before I went to look at the car I contacted a few people to help me identify what this car was. The parts I was told to check were carb, block, distributor, rearend, trans and more. In looking at the car everything checked out except the car had headers and an aftermarket distributor in it. The original distributor however was in a box and included with the car. Exhaust manifolds and smog system were missing though. The car at that time had 28,155 miles and the majority of the paint appeared to be original as well as the interior. The complete drivetrain also was what had been installed when the car was new.


After looking over everything and being satisfied with what I saw I then made an offer to purchase the car. The owner told me he would have to think about the offer and get back to me. I am not positive but I think he called me the very next day and accepted my offer. This took place On April 2, 1987.After purchasing the car I eventually replaced the headers with the correct exhaust manifolds and smog system, installed the original distributor, and removed the radial tires that were on the car. Other than that the car is today pretty much as it was when I got it in 1987.

I took the car to Super Chevy a few times in the late 80's and early 90's and also a couple of Chevelle shows. After that I just parked it and did not do much with the car until the summer of 2007. I am now finally starting to enjoy it.

Grady


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos030.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos005.jpg


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos006.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos008.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos010.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos012.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos013.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos015.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos016.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos025.jpg


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos023.jpg


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos034.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/Copo011.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/Copo012.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos018.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/2ndCOPOPhotos017.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/Copo022.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn180/1969grb/Copo018.jpg

[Chevy454]

A big "THANK YOU" to Bruce and Grady for doing the heavy lifing on the latest Feature Car!

This car is one of my *favorite cars of all time* on the planet... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Xplantdad]

Way cool Chevelle Grady...it's one of my favorites as well!
It doesn't hurt that Grady is a really nice guy, too!

Thanks to Grady for sending the pics and write up so that I could put it together for Rob! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hawkeye]

This is by far my favorite COPO Chevelle. Dusk Blue, bench seat with 4 speed and born with engine/tranny/rear. Original paint, interior, and patina. WOW. More pics please.

[1969l78]

Great Car

[L72Chevelle]

My #1 COPO 427 chevelle also, thanks Grady and Bruce! Phil

[CC Rider]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

What a beauty!

[GenOne]

Grats Grady! Amazing car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Berger RS Copo]

Great story, stunning car, Grady! When a car like this is found in such original condition, I am always amazed. It seems only a tiny percent of them were left this way. You said you found it only three miles away, had you ever seen the car before?

[olredalert]

------I first saw Gradys COPO at Quaker City at the "Supercar Showdown" (circa 92/93 ?). I was there with Red Alert, but pretty much forgot what I was there for that weekend because all I could think of was Gradys 69. My favorite color combo on my favorite Chevelle year. Could it get any better??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif ........Bill S

[1969grb]

Dana, Yes I had seen the car once before in the early 80's I believe. At that time did not pay much attention. It was parked in a hotel parking lot at a car event in Strongsville Ohio. Car was not part of the event, just driven to the show and parked in regular parking. I confirmed this with one of the previous owners years later who told me in fact he had driven the car there.

Grady http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[1969grb]

Bill, I remember that weekend well. I had actually driven the car to that event. I was also in envy of your car and what you were doing with it. Made a quite an impression on me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Grady

[1969grb]

Bruce and Rob, I would also like to thank you both for all your help. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Grady

[ORIGLS6]

I just spent three days sitting next to this car and, amazing as IT is, I gotta say Grady himself is the icing on the cake. He's another guy that 'Gets it'! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[L72COPO]

I too spent three days last weekend with Grady and his car. All i can say is that they both are a first class act.

[Steve Shauger]

The past weekend at the MCACN, the Vintage team had the privilege of certifying this car. This car is a real time capsule and was awarded our highest certification level LEGEND. To achieve this status it must be unrestored in all 5 areas. Grady it was a pleasure to spend time with you and old blue this weekend. Thanks again for participating in our program.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

So let me understand this...Cumby spent 3 days with Grady.. and Stowers spent three days with Grady. That's six days all together http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif That Grady guy sure gets around....good thing he only had one car there http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[COPO PETE]

That car is SEXY
Congrats on such a kool car!
Peter

[mockingbird812]

One sweet ride Grady! A very impressive http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif example of Chevrolet High Performance! Congrats on the Legend Certification award! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

[ QUOTE ]
...My favorite color combo on my favorite Chevelle year. Could it get any better???

[/ QUOTE ]

Only if the General had've built Copo Chevelles as Phttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifST cars!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete

[markjohnson]

Could you imagine a scenario in late-1969 where you would go new car shopping at your local Chevrolet dealership for a Big Block Chevelle and see on the lot this left-over 1969 COPO 427 Chevelle while new 1970 LS-6 454 Chevelles are coming in on new car transporters? Now bear in mind, you probably wouldn't realize how rare and valuble the '69 COPO would be back then 'til much later in life. My gosh, that really would have been a tough decision! If similarly priced, I don't know which one I would have picked!

[Postsedan]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...My favorite color combo on my favorite Chevelle year. Could it get any better???

[/ QUOTE ]

Only if the General had've built Copo Chevelles as Phttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifST cars!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete

[/ QUOTE ]

Pete,

Keep your fingers crossed, there may be one or two out there lurking! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Grady... Great Car and a Great Guy!

Dan.

[Blown Cylinder]

This I like!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now, if only I had the space---- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[sYc-427]

A very nice write up, and cool pic's of Grady's COPO Chevelle in current issue of &quot;Chevelle World&quot; ( Septemeber/October 2010 ) , Great Car , and Great owner , Congrats Grady ...
Ky Joe

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

This is by far one of my all-time favorite Chevelles, nice car Grady!

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Mr. Chevy]

Congrats on the ink Grady!! Not only is the car nice, but Grady is one of the nicest fellas you could meet!! I feel lucky to have him as a friend!!!!!

Rich