COPO Convertible

AutoInsane · #1 01-08-2002, 01:21 AM

This was a question asked on Kevin's web site (http://corvettes-musclecars.com):

Does anyone know anything about a "one-of-a-kind" 1968 COPO Camaro Convertible??

REDZ · #2 01-08-2002, 04:03 AM

There was a '68 Z-28 convertible built for Pete Estes. I think it was actually a completed car which was sent to the engineering dept. and converted to a Z-28. I don't know if it carried a COPO designation or not. Milt Robson bought the car from the Mecom Auction in Chicago about eight years ago, and then resold it about three years later. A couple of years ago it was purchased by Al Maynard in Detroit.

[Edited by REDZ (01-07-2002 at 11:03 PM).]

SuperCars · #3 01-08-2002, 04:24 AM

REDZ has the story down pretty good. I saw it at Milton's quite some time ago. It was the real deal. Not sure if you would call it a COPO though; what COPO number would it be? More of a situation where one of the Bosses, Pete Estes walks in the plant and tells the boys: "I want this type of car built".

Milton got it at the auction as said above. Later Milton sold it to Rich Steele in Chicago. Rich had it for a year or so; tried to get me to trade a 70 Hemi-Cuda Convertible I had. He eventually traded it to Al Maynard for a 69 Z28, a Hemi motor, and a 63 Z06 Big Tank Vette with set of GM Gear Drive Hub Knock-offs. I did end up buying the 63 Z06 Big Tank Vette from Rich Steele after that. The Z28 Convertible was always priced higher than I thought it should've been. I knew it was one-of-kind, but it just didn't do much for me, especially with the price tag that was on it.

Jeff H · #4 01-08-2002, 12:19 PM

Was that the crossram, JL8 Z28 conv that was in the magazines? I know hi-po big blocks are awesome, but how can you not like that 68 with the combination that you couldn't order?

JoeC · #5 01-08-2002, 01:53 PM

It is difficult to put a price on it but it has to be one of the most valuable and historical Chevrolets ever built. It is a well documented prototype that escaped from the factory and was Estes personal car. Not only a convertible Z but, if the Internet buzz is true, it has four-wheel disc brakes Œ69 prototype fiberglass hood, factory headers, and a bunch of other options. They also list "cross-ram air"? Does this mean it has a 2x4bbl cross-ram and AC? There is a web page on it at

http://stdev.scc.spokane.cc.wa.us/rv...h/68cv_z28.htm

SuperCars · #6 01-08-2002, 01:54 PM

I don't know which magazines you're referencing; I'd have to assume it was though, since there is only one. When I first saw it I was at Milton's and he had just received it. The Cross Ram was in the trunk. He was quite excited about it, and my mind was thinking: "Z28 Convertible???-Milton, they never made one???". Lo and behold, this car is a perfect example for the phrase "never say never".

I wouldn't say that I would be against owning it, as it is a rare piece of history; just not at the top of my personal priority list. The first time I could've bought it, I was focused on other rare Big Block cars, and couldn't do both. The second time it was offered to me by Rich Steele; he was suggesting a trade with my 70 Hemi-Cuda Convertible which was, and still is bringing a lot more money; I was not willing to take a loss in trading.

The answer to the specific question of why someone wouldn't own this one-of-a-kind isn't just because of financial reasons; but one's personal preferences. I realize that to an avid Z28 guy, this car must be the ultimate car; whereas I still predominantly prefer Big Block cars. My personal opinion for collecting cars is as the phrase says: "there is no substitute for cubic inches".

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.