This is one of only 37 examples ever built and the seller is hoping for big money with an asking price of $149,998
The Camaro ZL1 boasts a rich history, with this F-body version being one of the lesser-known iterations. Like the original, it started life as a COPO (Central Office Production Order) factory car, but later received further improvements from GMMG for better performance. Now it’s on sale for a frigid $149,998.
The original ZL1 nomenclature came from a V8 engine developed for racing. In 1969, a man named Fred Gibb ordered 50 Camaros through the COPO program with the ZL1, and long story short, a legend was born. The car you see here, a fourth-generation 2002 Camaro, took a similar path. It was ordered through the same COPO program and then sent to GMMG for additional modifications.
GMMG has long been out of business, but before their swinging song, the company released some incredible performance machines like the Dale Earnhardt “Intimidator” SS and this 4th generation Camaro.
More: Chevys don’t get more menacing than the latest 2024 Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition
The 2000s Chevy muscle car was built in three distinct “phases,” a nod to 1960s nomenclature, with engine specification as the main differentiator. Phases I and II feature 400 hp and 475 hp versions of the 350ci (5.7 liter) LS6 V8, respectively.
The crowning model of the series was the car you see here with the Phase III package, which took performance to a whole new level with a 427ci (7.0-liter) LS6 V8 engine. It delivered an impressive 600 hp and 575 Nm of torque, all delivered through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels.
Of the 69 ZL-1 Camaros built by GMMG, thirty-seven appear to be Phase III models (although it’s worth noting that other sources indicate this number is 31). Only twelve Chevrolet dealers committed to accepting the batch of 69 cars announced by GMMG.
Power levels of supercars
To put the Camaro ZL-1 Phase III’s numbers into perspective, consider that the Corvette Z06, itself a very formidable machine, produced just 405 horsepower in 2002. In fact, the Lamborghini Gallardo of the same year only produced 570 horsepower. That partly explains why GMMG called this the ZL1 Supercar.
And don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a run-of-the-mill fourth-generation Camaro with a big engine under the hood. No sir! This beast features a host of upgrades including 1LE control arms, a hard pan bar, adjustable Penske shocks, unique sway bars, and to top it all off, brakes and a clutch assembly straight out of a Z06 Corvette from the same era.
The exterior features a GM SS hood with SS spoiler, along with stripes on the hood, roof and tailgate adorned with 600 HP decals. Complementing the retro charm, the Charcoal Metallic grille features a 1969-style Bowtie emblem. The rear panel is painted black and features highly polished stainless steel Camaro lettering. Inside you’ll find a Hurst shift ball paired with a short shift lever, along with a cloisonne HP/TQ dash. Special decals adorn the exterior, interior and engine compartment, complemented by a bronze GMMG tag in the door pillar.
GMMG may be a bit obscure in the everyday car world, but Chevrolet fans know it well for its patented exhaust system. This car has it too and the video below proves it still sounds great. Of course, that should also be the case for a car with only 417 miles (671 kilometers) on the odometer all these years later.
It is now available from VoloCars after what appears to be a successful auction at Barrett Jackson in 2022. At the time it sold for $115,500. Is it worth the extra money today? Maybe, or maybe not, but it doesn’t seem like its value will decrease much in the next few years, especially if you plan to keep it as a garage queen. But that would be a shame, wouldn’t it?