At their inception in the early '60s, muscle cars were presented as lightweight vehicles with powerful engines that were nevertheless affordable for the average consumer. The first-ever-produced muscle car was arguably the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 back in 1949, while others dub the 1964 Pontiac GTO as the true first muscle car. However, it wasn't until the late '60s and early '70s that the segment reached its peak, with companies such as Dodge making powerful machines designed to tear up the drag strip.
Chevrolet brought their muscle cars on the market in the early '60s with the Impala Super Sport 409. Since then, Chevy has been one of the staple brands when it comes to American performance cars, especially with the Corvette, Camaro, and Chevelle models, all of which packed powerful and massive V8 engines that produced just as much power as their Mopar counterparts.
Today, collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny for these early examples of American engineering perfection. So here are 10 Chevrolet muscle cars that fetched the most insane sums at auctions.
10 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Z16: $154,000
The Chevelle is still a popular model, and the low-number produced has made this stunning example a collectible. Only 201 of them were produced, including the prototype version made at the Baltimore plant, while 200 models were made at the Kansas City plant.
Powered by the big-block V8 engine, the uniqueness of this model was recognized by the rear panel, which had a unique black and chrome trim that framed Chevelle 300-style taillights. Today, only around 75 models have remained and one of them sold for $154,000, which is pretty impressive.
9 Yenko Camaro 427: $230,000
Don Yenko, the famous racecar driver and car dealer is responsible for creating at least 201 Camaro 427s. The number 427 refers to the big block 427-cid (7.0-liter) V-8 engine. General Motors forbade engines larger than 400-cid (6.5-liter) to be installed at the factory into the Camaro SS, and Don Yenko decided to do a bit of tuning.
Nowadays, these Yenko Camaros are rather pricey and desirable, and one of them sold for a stunning $230,000. Don Yenko did everything to promote these vehicles, even offering a five-year warranty, which today made them a rarity and highly collectible.
8 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: $379,500
Chevrolet's Bel Air model from 1957 is considered to be the icon of its age; one of the most recognizable cars to come from America. Powered by the 4.6-liter V8 small-block engine, shared with the Corvette, it produced 283 hp, propelling this beauty to the stunning 128 mph, which is amazing for its time.
Because of their recognizable look, powerful engine, and cult status, they are now highly sought-after models, and those in pristine condition sell for six-figure prices. One such model reached the price tag of $379,500.
7 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: $650,000
The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 from 2014 is the fifth generation of the Chevrolet muscle car model and comes with some great performance. It’s powered by the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine that delivers 505 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque, connected to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The sporty look and high performance make this vehicle rather desirable and Rick Hendrick added it to his collection of GM cars when he bought this beauty for $650,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.
6 2014 Chevrolet Camaro COPO: $700,000
Just 69 of the Chevrolet Camaro COPOs were made and the #1 model sold for an exorbitant price of $700,000 at the charity auction. For many, this is a crazy number, but one fan is lucky enough to own the unique Chevrolet Camaro COPO.
The General Motors policy of limiting engine size in the Chevrolet Camaro COPO (Central Office Production Order) was reintroduced in 2014. Nevertheless, racecar drivers and car dealers found another way around the policy, which gave birth to this unique Camaro COPO. It comes with the naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 engine, icy blue metallic color, new racing seats, and an updated front and rear fascias.
5 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: $715,000
Muscle cars were made to be bought at a cheap price; however, some of the most popular models from the '60s and '70s have become classics with their values skyrocketing. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 from 1969 reached the price of $715,000 at Worldwide Houston in 2015.
The ZL1 model rarely comes up for sale, and if it does, the price doesn't go over $100,000; however, this one stunned the world as no one expected it to reach this figure. Nevertheless, it became one of the most expensive Chevrolet muscle cars ever sold at auction.
4 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: $848,000
This Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes from the infamous COPO program and is powered by the big-block 7.0-liter V8 engine, which only increased its price, and has made it the rarest muscle car of all time. The all-aluminum, hand-built engine that originates in Can-Am racing, made the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 very popular.
Sold in unrestored condition with only 7,700 original miles, and the one out of two ZL1 equipped with the Rally Sport package, the price was unbelievable when it sold for $848,000 at the Mecum auction in 2008.
3 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Penske Trans Am Racer: $990,000
The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Penske Trans Am Racer, owned by Roger Penske and the team, was used in the 24 Hours Daytona race back in '68. Behind the wheel, Mark Donohue finished second in the race, and for the rest of the season, the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was used by Sam Posey, who had a few podium finishes over the course of the year.
The success and the popularity of the Chevrolet sports cars in the SCCA Trans-Am series only made this car more collectible. Auctioned at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island in 2016, it was sold for a staggering figure of $990,000.
2 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: $1,094,500
The Number 59 of 69 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s was sold for just over $1 million at the Barret-Jackson Scottsdale auction in January this year. One of the last to be built it only increased in price and the perfect condition added a couple of zeros.
This one also comes with the huge 7.0-liter V8 engine with open-chamber cylinder heads and a rectangular port, producing 430 hp. It is not just the power, performance, and rarity that has attracted the buyer, but also the aggressive styling. Who wouldn't want to own this special Chevrolet Camaro?
1 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6: $1,242,000
Around 20 units were made of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6, and one of them was sold for an astonishing price of $1,242,000 in 2006. Powered by the big-block 454 LS6 V8 engine that produced 450 hp helped make this Chevelle a desirable model. However, used in NHRA Super Stock racing, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 waited for years to be sold and the price it reached was unimaginable for a Chevelle.
Sadly, the price depreciated over the years and three years after it was sold for over $1.2 million, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 sold for just over $260,000. What a disappointment. There are a few modified Chevelle models that you can look into.