ZL-1 Camaro
 

George Eaton had a race car for the Can Am series. He was also on the General Motors support list. GM of Canada arranged for a 1969 ZL-1 Camaro to be used for Mr Eaton's race program. The Camaro was sent to Nurse Chev Olds (dealer #95580) in Whitby Ontario. At the dealership the aluminum motor was removed from the Camaro and given to Mr Eaton's race team. Which one, of the Camaro models gave up it's motor is unknown.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I have one of the aluminum blocks from George Eaton in my 69 camaro that Entec Racing Services has told me that they worked on his cars back in the day, too cool these stories.

mike

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
Which one, of the Camaro models gave up it's motor is unknown.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats not entirely true. The car was the second of two ZL1 cars shipped into Canada and it is still in Canada today. A few have tried to locate the car to no avail, and I can tell you that it is not for sale. The car has another motor in it now and other than that, the car is pretty much unmolested. I call it an original survivor as it still retains much of its original parts and wears its original laquer paint. The grease pencil marks are still visable on the car and there is a cool story behind the car and how the owner came about purchasing it. It resides in Manitoba and I am not at liberty to share anything more than hat. I can tell you that the current owner has had it since 1974 and he is the second owner.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

No [censored], A ZL 1 car here in manitoba of all places. Cool.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Which one, of the Camaro models gave up it's motor is unknown.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats not entirely true. The car was the second of two ZL1 cars shipped into Canada and it is still in Canada today. A few have tried to locate the car to no avail, and I can tell you that it is not for sale. The car has another motor in it now and other than that, the car is pretty much unmolested. I call it an original survivor as it still retains much of its original parts and wears its original laquer paint. The grease pencil marks are still visable on the car and there is a cool story behind the car and how the owner came about purchasing it. It resides in Manitoba and I am not at liberty to share anything more than hat. I can tell you that the current owner has had it since 1974 and he is the second owner.

[/ QUOTE ]

Any more clues as to which car it is? What color, 4 spd or auto?

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

i looked at both zl1 lists and only see 1 car going to canada, was this car bought from a u.s. dealer then shipped to canada??? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]


It resides in Manitoba and I am not at liberty to share anything more than hat. I can tell you that the current owner has had it since 1974 and he is the second owner.

[/ QUOTE ]Just wondering if this car is in Winnipeg and is actually driven.Cool to think there is a real ZL-1 in Manitoba.But then again there are lots of rare muscle in Winnipeg.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

The M40 Canadian Sold ZL1 is here in the Chicago Burbs.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

A second ZL1 car sent to Canada?Thats news to me.With all the ZL1 cars VIN's and dealer destinations being public knowledge, where did this Manitoba car come from?.As my friends in Missouri say "show me".The only Canadian car I know of came to Alberta(Bistal motors in Three Hills I think) Le Mans Blue,White Houndstooth,Endura bumper,Tach/gauges,auto,vinyl,#124379N635720.I actually held the original block in my hands back in 1977.While researching our L72 car back in 1990 my business partner saw the car (unrestored and rough cond.)reunited with the OE motor in Lombard Illinois.I still have the guys address and phone # but have never heard what happened to it(like to know).This alleadged Manitoba car had to come from somewhere(if its real),What color,what trans,what vin(all 69#s are public knowledge).I'm talking to a guy whose dad "alleadgedly" owned the blue car at one time and he is seaching his old photos for proof.If it's true I'll display them.I beleive the car and it's motor were separated at an early age.CAR #54 WHERE ARE YOU?

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Just a dumb Schmuk whose seen a few things.Steve

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I'm guessing the guy in Lombard was Ed Cuneen...

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Cuneens brother or brother in law.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Ray....he's a good guy too...

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I believe it was Ray who may have actually gotten Ed interested in Camaros, many moons ago. He is a true enthusiast and a wealth of knowledge regarding ZL1s, COPOs, Yenkos as well as many other makes and models of muscle cars https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Yes you are correct it's Ray Behrends of Lombard IL.I'm sure he's Ed's brother in law.This documented ZL1 has to be the rarest of the rare(only car to come with delux interor,in fact white houndstooth)also endura bumper tach/gauges,vinyl top etc.I was just talking to Chris Bristol (original Owner)to get the low down on how this car came about.Apparently he says a GM rep approched George Stedlebauer"STEDLEBAUER CHEVROLET EDMONTON ALBERTA"(excuse spelling)and informed him that GM was making a low production of under 70 aluminum block 427 Camaro's.George who liked anything neat said he was in, not knowing what the engine option cost(I mean how much could it be? sound famillar?)he ordered the car.When the car and its invoice showed up he S##T his pants.He claimed the thing ran like a bag of S##T under 3000rpm due to a very restrictive exhaust system.After messing with the car and its $8500 price tag he told GM to take it back.The GM rep called Chis Bristol"BRISTOL MOTORS THREE HILLS ALBERTA" and told him the car was available.Bristol Motors was known around Alberta as a "performance dealership" doing things like 427 novas, camaros etc.(Kinda like a Don Yenko).Chris was interested in the car but not the price as he wanted the motor for his up and coming 1970.5 race car.The rep who was stuck for a customer said "make us an offer" to which Chris said $5500.Well they took it.Chris hooked up the race car trailer and drove the 150 miles north to Edmonton.Getting back to Three Hills without driving it or even starting it the motor was removed and replaced with a new b/b crate engine.The car was next sold to a guy from Saskatchewan who drove away not realizing the rare gem he was about to beat into the ground.As far as the motor, it was put into a brand new 1970.5 camaro race car and raced for several years by Chris Bristol and Rollie Johnston.Chris was asked and complied to bring the drag race car to EDMONTON INTERNATIONL SPEEDWAY to sit as a standby for Eatons CAN-AM racer at the CAN-AM race(though never needed).I saw the short block in GILMORE AUTOMOTIVE CALGARY AB. in 1977 and remembering carrying the block around to the astonishment of the customers(they didn't know it was aluminum and Im not that musculer).Well thats what I know for sure.As far as I know Ray Behrends purchased the motor first and then found the car in B.C.later.Whats happened after that is unknown.Can anyone Ellaberate?And where did this second Canadian ZL1 come from? Sorry my tying finger is about to give out.Later,Steve

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Steve,
I'm sure Ray would like to talk to the original owner of the car if possible. Do any pictures of the car exist from the original owner? It would be great to put the history together on such a rare car. I picked up the ZL1 with Ray years ago after it was painted locally. I hope to see this rare ZL1 finished in the future.
Mark

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I asked Chris if he had any pictures of the car and he said no as the car was in and out of his dealership within days.While it's an ultrarare car now, back then it was just an expensive "engine stand" for an all aluminum motor he wanted for his race car.The crate motor was installed and the car was sold just like any car on his lot at the time.Either Chris or Rollie "might" have pictures of the race car the ZL1 was in (if thats of any interest)but thats about it.Steve

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

This is the car I was seeking up here in Canada.
Although I was apparently 3 weeks or so too slow in finding it before it went south.

I still have an original set of the GM of Canada docs you get from restoration services.

The drag race story is the same story I had heard about it, although I had been told it had been a dragster which recieved the engine.

That car is no doubt the highest optioned ZL-1.
Mark.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

any chance those docs can be posted??

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

It might have been in a dragster later in its life but the First car it was in was the 1970.5 Camaro.Drag raced motors saw numerous installations but the first one was the camaro named"RAT PATROL"(Chris Bristol/Rollie Johnston)and raced mostly at EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY and CALGARY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY.It probably was installed in a dragster later.Steve

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I suppose I could post copies if I can remember how to do it.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif
Its basically a listed copy of the options and delivery info and dates for the car on GM letterhead.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I can post them if you need some help getting them posted https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I don't have a scanner that is hooked up right now..I'll see if I can work on it tonite... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

My scanner cable doesn't reach my computer in order to fit on my desk so, this will have to wait for now....

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
Where did this Manitoba car come from?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hello Steve L. After reading the added posts in this thread and realizing I may have spoken out of cheek, I have spoken with the owner of the car in question and as no surprise to you, I was incorrect as to the cars origin.

Last time I was at his home he showed me through a few of his cars and I mixed up the origins of two Camaros he owns. His yellow Copo car is from Canada, while the ZL1 (Dusk Blue) originates from the US. I was also off on the ownership as he reports he is the fourth and not the second as I had mistakingly posted.

I was correct that the car had the Non OE motor in it but he informs me that the engine is a warranty piece replaced early in the cars life. He has toyed with the idea of selling it a couple times in recent years and I have tried to secure first right but to no avail. Thats likely because he will never sell it. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

I spoke to him on Sunday Morning and told him of Jim Stubbings car being for sale at such a price, and he didn't seem too surprised by the amount being asked for. I will have to hound him when I see him at Christmas as I have always wanted a ZL1, but cannot afford the 1.2M on eBay.

Steve, how are you making out with that Big Fat Chevy you bought. Have you got any paint on it yet? Triple Black out of Illinois isn't it?

Tom

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[/ QUOTE ]
I will have to hound him when I see him at Christmas as I have always wanted a ZL1, but cannot afford the 1.2M on eBay.
Tom

[/ QUOTE ]

Not everyone thinks their ZL1 is a million-dollar [US] car.

PM me to learn more.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

That car has to be one of the original Gibb ordered cars(9 dusk blue, 4-auto's, 5-4 speeds).As far as my Caprice goes, no paint yet(I'm somewhat defiecent in the $$$$$$$$ department)Right now I'm just rebuilding and detailing components.It's an original CA car so I,m trying to find an original "smog" set up for a 1967 big block full size chev(If anybody has one for a resonable price)I still have the correct exhaust manifolds and smog tubes but finding anything else around here is impossible.Thats about it.Steve

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]

Not everyone thinks their ZL1 is a million-dollar [US] car.

PM me to learn more.

[/ QUOTE ]

You have a PM. Is there such a thing as an unrestored, or project ZL1 out there anymore... or even an L72 COPO for that matter?

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
any chance those docs can be posted??

[/ QUOTE ]

I still have the GM of Canada doc's for the Alberta ZL1 back around 1990... I'll dig them out and try to figure out how to post them.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Sounds great! .
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
~ Pete

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
any chance those docs can be posted??

[/ QUOTE ]

I still have the GM of Canada doc's for the Alberta ZL1 back around 1990... I'll dig them out and try to figure out how to post them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Ok, I had to compress it to make it fit. Can anyone help me out to attach a larger scan of it?
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

send them my way ill see what i can do to get them to fit
[email protected]

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Helmut,

Send the build sheet to me [email protected] and I will post it in higher resolution for you. Did you and George chase this car before it was sold into the US? I see your name is on the docs from Oshawa. I have a deal put together to flip the Dusk Blue ZL1 car that now resides in MB, and I'm bringing it out West after Christmas. I'll watch for that build sheet.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

[ QUOTE ]
send them my way ill see what i can do to get them to fit

[/ QUOTE ]

I just emailed it to you... I hope you can post it better than I did.
Helmut

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

OK, I have been reading these posts and thought i would clarify a few things that i know first hand about this ZL1.
1. First off it was CLIFF BRISTOW MOTORS in Three Hills Alberta, who did end up with the car as sssteve noted.
2. The ZL1 block sat at GILMOUR ENTERPRISES where i worked from 1974 to 1979. At that time i was told that it was owned by a Mr. Ron Prisnee who worked at Airport Welding in Calgary. The block had a lot of Tig welding on the sides of the block as well as the intake valley if memory serves me correctly. I was told by Ken Gilmour that it had been frozen up in the # 2 Rat Patrol Race Car.
3. I think that the Rat Patrol 70 Camaro did not recieve this engine until around late 1970 to 71. Rollie Johnson was involved with this car, but the first Rat Patrol was a 68 Camaro. I do not know if the ZL1 block ever was in the 68 Rat Patrol, but i dont think so.
When i saw # 2 Rat Patrol it had a Crower Injector and i think the car was run in B/G or B/A with the ZL1.
3. I was told that the 69 ZL1 car sat at Cliff Bristow Motors until early to middle 1970, because everyone who looked at the car near had a coronary when they looked at the window sticker. It was also rumoured that Cliff Bristow Motors then put a 396/375HP complete engine assembly into the car so they could sell it before the 71 models came out and also because they wanted to use the engine in the Rat Patrol # 2.
# 4. I also was told that the block was at the Spokane Swap meet where either Ed Cunnen or Ray Behrend saw it and realized what it was, probably buying it instantly.
# 5. I had 2 curved oil pan windage trays from Gilmours, 1 of them was rumoured to be off this ZL1, it has since been sold to a well known ZL1 collector in San Fransico.
# 6. I had this block in my Dads garage in 1976 or 77, i was going to buy it off either Ken Gilmour or Ron Prisnee, but the amount of welding scared me and i just plain did not know what i had at that time. STUPID!!!!!!!
# 7. I never heard about this engine block ever being in a dragster, When i saw it, there was still welding left to be done, to close off cracks.

Hope this post might add some new insights regarding this rare piece of GM Muscle Car History. Thanks to sssteve for jogging my memory.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Just checking back and wondering whatever happened to the GM Canada documents that were gonna' be posted here? .
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif
~ Pete

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

I could probably answer these questions if I asked my Dad, he is Rollie Johnston and raced the rat patrol in the early 70's

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

Just a correction: His name is not Chris Bristol it is Cliff Bristol - My Dad is Rollie. Thx.

Re: ZL-1 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Racerskid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just a correction: His name is not Chris Bristol it is Cliff Bristol - My Dad is Rollie. Thx. </div></div>

How is Rollie? Still involved with cars at all? I have not seen him since he ran the old Calgary Car Mart 67 Chevelle many years ago @ Sheperd International Raceway, it had one of his Killer Big Blocks in it. I had heard the Chevelle was destroyed in a towing accident, maybe you can confirm this with your Dad?

Anyway As I said in my previous post I believe it is CLIFF BRISTOW, not Chris Bristol, or Cliff Bristol. Correct me if I am wrong with this but I also have 2 GM of Canada Documents for cars delivered in Canada to Cliff Bristow Motors Ltd, Three Hills AB.