The sixties were the glory days for muscle cars, and automakers were all trying to outdo each other and manufacture the best muscle cars on the market.
In 1969, Chevrolet was actually already banned by General Motors from loading a Camaro with engines bigger than 400 cubic inches. However, they still managed to slip in two sub-models with larger engines. One of these sub-models was the Camaro ZL1, with an all-aluminum block 427 engine. The ZL1 V8 engine was intended for the Corvette race cars but it fitted perfectly in the Camaro.
Even though it was never declared as an official model name, the ZL1 was one of the highest performing and most high-tech cars throughout its existence. This muscle car delivers precise handling, an absorbent ride, and a long list of user-friendly features.
Scroll ahead while enjoying these 15 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 photos we cannot get enough of.
15 COPO
Chevrolet found a way through the COPO or the Central Office Production Order, which a special kind of order system that allows dealers to install the banned engine. Another advantage of The ZL1 engine, aside from being a great racing engine, is that it has weight-saving features and helps in balancing out the car.
14 The First ZL1
The collectible 1969 Camaro ZL1 was rated to produce 430 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, and can push the car to a quarter of a mile in 11 seconds. It has a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds.
13 1969 Camaro ZL1 Price
The first Camaro ZL1 models were priced around $7,200 that includes the $4,200 just for the engine package... but did not make a big hit instantly. 69 cars were built of this model, and are considered very valuable. The 1969 ZL1 has a 108.1 inches wheelbase, and weighs around 3,300 pounds.
12 2012 Camaro ZL1
The Camaro ZL1 was brought back to life in 2012, more than 40 years after the original, and it had a 6.2 liter supercharged LSA engine with 550 horsepower. It is also equipped with the quick-responding suspension system - Magnetic Ride Control.
11 2020 Camaro ZL1
The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 can produce blistering performance from the supercharged LT4 small-block V8 engine with an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Now it can remarkably reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds.
10 Base Price Of The 2020 Camaro ZL1
It is priced reasonably at $62,000, and it comes with a three-year or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. Adding the ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package will cost more than $70,000. For that price, the 2020 Camaro ZL1 is an exceptional performing car, and can very well compete with supercars worth six figures or more.
9 Exterior Design
When you first glance at the Chevy Camaro ZL1, the first thing you would notice is its fierce and angry exterior design. It features an exclusive ZL1 rear spoiler, and the side mirrors are actually heated. This race car runs on Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires and forged 20-inch alloy wheels.
8 Lively Color Paints
Camaros are known to have vibrant color schemes for their paint. Its color palette includes Red Hot; Crush, which is an intense orange color; Shock, a yellowish lime color; Garnet red Tintcoat; and Black metallic, which costs $470. The 2020 model year now comes with a fresh exterior color, Rally Green Metallic.
7 Dimensions
The 2020 ZL1 has a 110.7-inch wheelbase, which uncommon with the Camaro lineup. Its structure is 52.9 inches tall and 190.2 inches long. Basically it is lower and longer than most of the Camaros. Including side mirrors, it is 75 inches wide and weighs 3,907 pounds, which is heavier than the rest.
6 1LE Extreme Track Performance
The 1LE Extreme Track Performance package includes enhanced aerodynamic elements, special air deflectors, a new carbon fiber rear wing and lots more. During testing, it could reach a maximum speed of more than 200 miles per hour. Its lap times are faster than the iconic Ferrari 488 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo S.
5 Aerodynamic Supercar
The engineers behind the ZL1 meticulously shaped its bodywork in a wind tunnel, with one thing in mind, to produce the ultimate aerodynamic car. It gets the best upgrade in every latest edition. This rear-wheel-drive supercar has two options for its transmission, a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic.
4 Sporty Cabin
The interior of the ZL1 feels like a race car, with its sporty aluminum details and flat-bottom steering wheel. There is an advanced eight-inch touchscreen display that shows safety features such as blind-spot warning and imminent forward collision alert.
3 Plain And Simple
Its racy cabin is kept simple with hard plastic and basic colors, and the sole color scheme is Jet Black with Red accents. However, upgrades and customization options are endless, from the center console to the side trims, and to the knee pads. Its four seats are wrapped with attractive microfiber and leather.
2 Top Of The Line
The ZL1 fits perfectly right at the top of the wide range of Camaro Coupe. It remains unmatched even against the mighty Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Its engine is great enough to do the work, but the aggressive styling backs it up. It even has a Track mode that brings more dynamics to the table.
1 Collectible
Its trunk space may be limited to 9.1 cubic feet, but the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo space. Today, only a few cars remain in great condition and with original engines, making them more valuable in the eyes of a collector. If this marvellous machine exists, what else can Chevy bring?