1969 Chevrolet Camaro Flaunts Rare Z11 Package and Flashy Orange Interior

The COPO 427 twins are the rarest and most desirable. Offered in 1969, the COPO Camaro was created following dealer requests for a pony equipped with the Corvette's 427-cubic-inch solid-lifter L72. About 1,000 units were eventually produced and shipped to performance-oriented dealers like Yenko, Baldwin-Motion, Nickey, and Dana.

The COPO run also spawned the ZL-1, powered by an all-aluminum, race-spec 427 V8 developed for the drag strip. Ordered through Fred Gibb Chevrolet, the COPO ZL-1 left the factory in just 69 units, and it's now a million-dollar classic.

The first-generation Z/28 is also a desirable gem. The badge appeared on the Camaro as early as 1967 when Chevrolet sold 602 examples. The nameplate became notably more popular in 1968 with 7,199 units sold. In 1969, one in 12 Camaros were ordered with the Z/28 package. That's a whopping 20,302 units.

Finally, the first-gen Camaro spawned a couple of Indy 500 Pace Cars. Chevrolet rolled the first pace-setter in 1967. It was the very first bowtie-badged car to pace the iconic Indianapolis 500 and the second pony after the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang. The Camaro was selected again to lead the pack in 1969.

The 1967 version is arguably the rarest, with only 500 units built. The 1969 version was a lot more successful. In addition to the 133 cars supplied to Indy officials, Chevrolet sold more than 3,675 replicas to the public. These cars were equipped with a package called Z11 and were almost identical to the rigs used during the 1969 Indy 500.

Granted, the 1969 Pace Car is nowhere near as hot-looking and powerful as the COPO, but it stands out thanks to a few features you won't see on a different Camaro. And this nicely restored example is the perfect proof that some pace cars scream for attention.

Restored to original specifications, this Camaro Pace Car rocks the same colors that adorned the vehicles used during the 1969 Indy 500 race. That's Dover White with dual Hugger Orange stripes across the hood and trunk lid. The exact hue was used for the "Official Pace Car" lettering on the doors.

But it's the interior that turns this Chevy into a flashy rig. That's because the entire upholstery almost matches the Hugger Orange stripes, including the houndstooth inserts on the front seats and rear bench. It's arguably the flashiest interior Chevrolet offered at the time.

The Z11 bundle also included the air induction hood and Rallye wheels, both essential in turning the road car into an accurate Pace Car replica. And as you might have already guessed from the front grille, the Z11 package was only available with SS/RS cars. This Camaro has them all, including the optional rear spoiler and the sports steering wheel.

A spotless 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) engine lurks under the hood, ready to send 300 horsepower to the rear wheels. This mill was the base Camaro SS unit in 1969. All Pace Cars were fitted with this unit save for the two vehicles used to start the race and lead the field under caution at Indianapolis. These Camaros got the larger 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 rated at 375 horsepower.

This one may not be as powerful, but boy, is it a gorgeous summer ride! And it's probably one of fewer than 100 1969 Pace Cars in such stunning condition. Check it out in the video below.