69 COPO White with Blue ** Pics**

[PATRICKJOINER]

I finally got my cars home from Vette Fest & was able to take current photos. I spoke with Lamar yesterday to get more background on the car. What a wealth of information. This COPO was given to him by Chevrolet after Lamar raced the ZL1 & it lost a valve, just like one of the Gibb cars. Lamar tells me it was Vince Piggins that wanted him to race the COPO (this car) along with the ZL1, since the cast iron motors did not have the problems like the aluminum block cars. That is how Lamar got this car, delivered through Brooks Chevy. Lamar & Houston Platt are the ones who raced this car, Lamar is the one who restored the car. This car is just great history. Interesting trades considered. Please send me a private message or my regular e mail address [email protected]. Thanks, Pat I have 9 photos & I can e mail them to those interested.

[PATRICKJOINER]

I am trying to figure out how to reduce the size of the photos so I can attach them to my post. I hope to have this figured out soon. If in the mean time someone is interested in seeing the photos I took yesterday, pls. send me a private message or a direct e mail to me, [email protected]. Older photos can be seen of the car on this site under "past feature cars", December of 2000. Thanks, Pat

[bbdon]

Here are The pictures of Patrick's Camaro.
Picture 1 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat03.jpg)
Picture 2 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat04.jpg)
Picture 3 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat08.jpg)
Picture 4 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat09.jpg)
Picture 5 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat14.jpg)

[L78Impala]

That yellow Fuelly looks pretty good too. /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[YenkoYS100]

Beautiful car!! The trim tag rivets are not what I'm used to seeing on any of the factory installed ones that I've owned/seen? Am I ignorant about these or missing something?

Thanks, Rick

[PATRICKJOINER]

This is the way I got the car & from the way I understand, the way Lamar restored the vehicle. I do know that Lamar did a lot of work modifying the engine (for racing) & was under the hood quite a bit. To the best of my knowledge, & from checking with previous owners, everything is the way it should be. I do have the original COPO certificate. I'll try & post that photo & others later. Pat

[resto4u]

The one rivet on the tag appears to be replaced, raised with a hole for the rivet pin. Other looks original. Who knows what happens during a restoration. could have got bumped and broke off one rivet.

[PATRICKJOINER]

I hope to have a couple more pics posted shortly. Thanks

[bbdon]

Here are some more pictures of Patrick's Camaro.
Picture 6 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat01.jpg)
Picture 7 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat02.jpg)
Picture 8 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat05.jpg)
Picture 9 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat06.jpg)
Picture 10 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat07.jpg)
Picture 11 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat10.jpg)
Picture 12 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat11.jpg)
Picture 13 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat12.jpg)
Picture 14 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat13.jpg)

[GRB]

Lamar is putting the C5R 427 in my 02 ZL1 (#51). The original would make a nice pair and I'm sure Lamar would love to tinker with the car again. I've got a MY 02 Z06 and a blk 02 SS, 1LE auto which (I think) is one of a kind. Maybe we should talk! Call (770-40-9476) or e-mail if you're interested. Each car has about 3,000 miles on them. Ray

[Unreal]

Just a curiosity, I see the battery ground is to the alternator bracket. I know small block is done that way, but I thought b/b was grounded to the block. The assembly manual supports that. Are both correct?

[GRB]

Middle 3 numbers should have read 740. Sorry. /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

[PATRICKJOINER]

For now, the car is off the market. Many thanks for those who inquired. Hard to replace a nice car with this kind of history.

[PATRICKJOINER]

I just spoke with Lamar again, he tells me he put new 1/4's on this car after he finished racing the car. The originals were cut to allow for the larger tire setup,(racing). Also, the trim tag was more than likely re attached to this, the ORIGINAL body. Again, as Lamar told me, the rivets were knocked off or taken off to allow for racing modifications/equipment in the engine compartment back in '69. He also offered to answer any questions about the history on this car, during the time he raced/owned & restored the car. I'm providing this info. to help the intergity/history of this car & stop some bad rumors that may be floating out there.

[PATRICKJOINER]

***FURTHER UPDATE***
due to the number of requests & interest & to satisify myself & put an end to the questions... I had the cowl panel pulled from my car and guess what... there they were in all their glory, the last 8 of the VIN...9N623763.. unaltered, clear & beautiful. Also checked by the heater box.. there they were again, same numbers! Also got some nice authentication from Lamar on the car. It just gets better!! I wanted to let everyone know. Pat

[bbdon]

Here are two more of Patrick's pictures.
Picture 1 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat51.jpg)
Picture 2 (http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/pat71.jpg)

[Belair62]

Nice car Patrick....

[YenkoYS100]

What's up with all the editing? I thought the car was $78,000. Is this the same one advertised at $115,000 elsewhere?? /ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Belair62]

Patrick...you make mention of rumors started on your car...do you know where they started ?Was it a low life ploy to try and get the value of your car diminished so it could be had cheap or just someone whispering ?

[PATRICKJOINER]

Could be a little of both, either way, the car is NOT what the rumors were proporting it to be. It is a FABULOUS car with lots of history & additional documentation & photos. Truly a one of a kind! I wanted to put an end to anything untrue that was being said. No one likes their kids to be picked on.

[Belair62]

Nice car...saw it in person when Mr Gasser had it a while back.

[PATRICKJOINER]

Thanks! Sure got a lot of attention at VF, like most of the cars.

[Belair62]

I missed VF again this year.Heard it was pretty good.Chicago police are still searching for a water truck with California plates involved in a morals offense.

[YenkoYS100]

What's up with all the editing? I thought the car was $78,000. Is this the same one advertised at $115,000 elsewhere?? /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

[JBB]

That is right, we DONT like the children being picked on. At this point, you have the history on the car, you talked with Lamar, and you keep on digging info, that is as good as it gets. VERY nice car. If anyone else badmouths the vehicle, (censored) $@#$ them! I just have a hard time with peoples attitudes with these cars. I went to a car show once, with the original window sticker in my hand,(69 TH400 L-78 SS Camaro) and a guy said my car was not an SS! Well turns out he pulled up to the show on a 10-speed bicycle, and went home convinced my car was a fraud. (The car has been verified by ED Cuneen-summer 2002). My point being you have a lot of brain trusts in this hobby, and if you are happy and know what you have is the real deal, let them talk. It doesn't make a difference...Joel-ILL. Camaro club

[shor]

Joel, thank you very much for the pictures, you are a real gentleman

[Stefano]

Joel, I am ready to take that clone SS off your hands and I'll even pay real L-78 money for it /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[PATRICKJOINER]

Joel;
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Through this site I have met lots of great people & have really enjoyed the enthusiam shown. The knowledge & respect most of the members have shown me & towards others is great! I, like you have run into others, or heard of others that are 'authorities' & 'experts' on everything to do with these wonderful cars we love to own & hear about. I am at a loss why anyone would knowingly put out unfounded rumors about a car, unless they really are not'experts' or unless they have 1st had knowledge about a car. Of course there are those who want to state their opinion or belief that a car has been 're stamped' or the VIN tampered with, etc. etc, on a car that someone else has for sale and that person putting out this information has no intention of buying this car. This is real frustrating. If someone asks your opinion, by all means, give it, if not, pls. keep it to yourself. I took my white COPO to VF last month in order to get it judged, show the public what the car was & enjoy meeting fellow members. I think anyone who took the time to look at my car & find out the story on the car would agree it is a nice car with lots of great history & NOT what some folks had rumored it to be. Sorry for the babling on, as I said in an earlier post, you hate for someone to pick on your kids.

[Stefano]

Pat is was great to see your Super Cars at the Chev/Vette Fest as well as the display of Documentation. Thanks for bringing the cars for all to enjoy /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[PATRICKJOINER]

Stefano;

Likewise, my family & myself enjoyed all the 'activities' some more than others.... if you know what I mean... Meeting you and the other members was great & the cars on display, that goes without sayin, where else can anyone see anything like that , except maybe the reunion, which we do plan on attending & maybe bring a suprise. Thanks for the nice words. Happy Holidays to you & yours, Pat

[ORIGLS6]

Joel, pull into a show in a plain Black '70 Chevelle, no cowl induction, no stripes, bench seat, column shift, Malibu door panel badges and SS 454 on the fenders. Talk about exciting the "experts"! You wouldn't believe some of the stories. Used to upset me a little.....now I just sit back and grin.
Like you, I know it's real but I've quit trying to defend it. Those in the know, know........and the rest probably never will.

[TimG]

I too had a great time at the VF. Pat, it was great to see you again. Loved seeing your cars, thank you again for dinner. You have a great family.

[JBB]

Hi Pat. I wanted to go to the Chevy Vette fest, but couldn't make it. (Stefano, sorry for driving you nuts about going, then I didn't show!). There sure was not a definitive answer for so many cars being built, and who knows what hapened on the assembly line. (case in point- a 69 Z/28 in restoration found two marijuana cigarettes under the jute padding of the original carpet). You also have to deal with the jealous parties in this hobby, who are generally pissed at anyone who has something they don't. Pat, keep the faith! Chris, how did #38 pan out? call me or let me know. Stefano, what is the new car listed on you post? call me and let me know....Merry Christmas....Joel

[Belair62]

Joel,that 69 Z /28 with the joints in it was being built for Charley...he has been looking for it 33 years...

[PATRICKJOINER]

Joel;

Thanks again for the kind words. My faith in the 'hobby' is steady. I agree, some folks are either jealous or ignorant. The folks that are not jealous or who do know what they are talking about are very pleasant to talk with & get to know. Great story about the joints. On one of my other Camaros during the resto. process a suspected build sheet was discovered, turned out to be a twinkee wraper! You never know. Bottom line, I've got a great car with history that is almost impossible to replace. I understand that the ZL1 that Lamar raced, (now owned by Reggie) is going to the Barrett Jackson next month. It will be interesting to see what that car sells or gets bid up to, looks like Reggie has a reserve on it. When Lamar sold these cars some years back, he got 250K for the ZL1 & 110K for the COPO.

[JBB]

Yeah that is about it. If it is the real deal, the sky is the limit on the price. I myself like cars with original documentation, as you can verify all kinds of dealer codes and manifests with dealers that are still in existence or contact Chevrolet themselves for help. The big thing that I think people forget about in this hobby and specifically with High Perf Muscle cars of any make is that these cars were driven to thier limits, more so if they were drag raced professionally or not. Does anyone here think the young man in 69 who would soon be going over to Viet Nam would be concerned with number matching authenticity? Hell no, he ran the car because he might not come back. All this concern with number matching and such is nonsense, but if you want to bring the car back to its assembly line state that is cool, but we can't be sure even then because they wouldn't shut down the assembly line because I didn't get the right alternator or you didn't get the right radiator some 33 years later when we go over the car. I will not tolerate a clone/fraud, as that is willful misrepresentation of a car, and who is to know about a clone 150 years from now. That is a beautiful COPO keep digging for info.........Happy New Year....Joel/ILCamaroClub

[PATRICKJOINER]

Joel;

I agree, most of these cars were defintely raced, that's what they were made for. Discovering the history & putting it together for everyone to see is half the story of these cars. This car has very well know history but to hear Lamar tell of how the car(s) were sold is just great! This white COPO was raced professionally by one of the great names of the day & he's still with us today to tell about it! Not only that but the car was GIVEN to him by Chevy with the help of Vince Piggins!! How much better can it get? That, plus it is restored by the man who raced the car. That being said, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase an even rarer piece of Chevy muscle car history, & the sellers of that car recognized this COPO as a unique opportunity, so we made a deal.

[JBB]

Thanks for the reply Pat, E-mail me your phone # and we will bench race after the Holiday.........Joel