One of the rarest muscle cars of the late ’60s, a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu COPO 427, is hitting the auction block. Restored to factory glory in Fathom Green, this limited-production legend combines raw power with historical significance, making it a dream find for serious collectors.
The restoration was a frame-off style job: the body was removed from the frame, fully disassembled, stripped, and repainted in factory-correct Fathom Green.
The shop replaced the glass, repaired and replated brightwork, and fitted a black vinyl roof cover to match the car's original factory options.
This level of meticulous restoration work mirrors the approach taken with projects like the 1950s Corvette restomod by Pogea Classics, where attention to period-correct details defines excellence.
Work performed (high level):
- Full disassembly and body-off restoration
- Engine, alternator, and distributor rebuilt
- Transmission rebuilt and mechanical overhaul
- Wiring harness replaced
- Exterior refinished in Fathom Green; glass replaced
Powertrain & Performance
This Chevelle carries the rare 427-ci L72 V8, a COPO-only factory option in 1969 originally rated at 425 horsepower. Power is sent through a stout Muncie heavy-duty M22 four-speed manual transmission to a PosiTraction rear axle with 4.10:1 gears for aggressive acceleration.
The performance credentials of this classic rival those found in modern, strangest performance cars that defy logic and speed.
Factory options included J52 power-assisted front disc brakes and (notably for many COPO cars) unassisted steering to save weight. The car rolls on period Sport wheels wrapped with F70-14" Firestone Wide Oval white-letter tires; a matching spare is stored in the trunk.
Interior & Condition
The cabin retains correct, simple appointments: front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in black vinyl, color-matched carpeting, a Malibu steering wheel, and factory instrumentation. The five-digit odometer reads 28,000 miles, and the seller notes roughly 25 miles have been added since the restoration was completed in 2007.
Convenience items from the factory include an AM radio, a rear speaker, and a dash-mounted Muncie shifter. Overall, the interior presents as a well-recommissioned, period-correct example.
Documentation & Title
The car is offered with its original build sheet, a Camaro Hi-Performance LLC Certificate and Appraisal, and a clean Texas title in the seller's name. The seller also provided a list of service items completed to prepare the car for sale a useful detail for prospective buyers and collectors. This comprehensive documentation approach is similar to what's seen with premium auction cars like the 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS with Classiche Certification.
Why This COPO Matters
In 1969, the 427/L72 was only available via Chevrolet's Central Office Production Order (COPO) system, making true factory 427 Chevelles rare and desirable. With a low production count (commonly cited at 323 examples for the model year) and a ground-up restoration by a respected shop, this Fathom Green Chevelle combines authenticity with turn-key condition, a compelling package for collectors.
The rarity factor puts it in similar territory as limited-production modern supercars like the McLaren Senna GTR #73 heading to auction.
Car News Bring a Trailer Classic Muscle Cars 1969 Chevelle COPO 427 Chevrolet Chevelle Chevy COPO
Related posts
In Concept Cars
Honda Prelude Returns as Hybrid Coupe with Type R Performance DNA
Honda has officially revived the Prelude, debuting a production-ready hybrid coupe that blends Civic Type R hardware with modern efficiency. Launching first in the U.S. and arriving in Europe in 2026, the Prelude proves Honda still knows how to make cars that excite enthusiasts.
Add a comment