There is currently a thread here about '69 COPO F41 suspensions. The discussion got into the COPO 427 production total, so I'm starting a new thread specifically about that.
The total number of "COPO" '69 427 Chevelles built is a mystery. A figure of 323 has been quoted numerous times. It was noted that Fran Preve (who worked at the Tonawanda engine plant) claimed that there were 323.
I've looked at the data he compiled, but his figure of 323 does not come from Tonawanda records. The '69 Chevrolet A-body option totals report shows that there were 323 more cars built with 396 engines than with SS options. In other words, there were 323 cars with a big-block but no SS option. Technically, the COPO 427 cars did not have an SS option, and since they often started out life designated as 396 cars, most people have concluded that the 323 discrepancy must be the 427 cars.
However, I have come across one documented case of a '69 Chevelle with a 396, but no SS option (this according to the build sheet).
So I believe that the COPO 427 total is actually lower than 323. After researching all the data I could find, I have concluded that there were actually 210 COPO 427 cars and 113 396 cars that had no SS option.
So this is what I plan to show on my production totals poster.
BTW, I talked to one Chevrolet expert who does not think much of Fran Preve. Personally, after looking over his work I don't have any problem with it, other than a couple of typos and that parts of it are not all that complete.
[This message has been edited by dcarr (edited 10-13-99).]
The total number of "COPO" '69 427 Chevelles built is a mystery. A figure of 323 has been quoted numerous times. It was noted that Fran Preve (who worked at the Tonawanda engine plant) claimed that there were 323.
I've looked at the data he compiled, but his figure of 323 does not come from Tonawanda records. The '69 Chevrolet A-body option totals report shows that there were 323 more cars built with 396 engines than with SS options. In other words, there were 323 cars with a big-block but no SS option. Technically, the COPO 427 cars did not have an SS option, and since they often started out life designated as 396 cars, most people have concluded that the 323 discrepancy must be the 427 cars.
However, I have come across one documented case of a '69 Chevelle with a 396, but no SS option (this according to the build sheet).
So I believe that the COPO 427 total is actually lower than 323. After researching all the data I could find, I have concluded that there were actually 210 COPO 427 cars and 113 396 cars that had no SS option.
So this is what I plan to show on my production totals poster.
BTW, I talked to one Chevrolet expert who does not think much of Fran Preve. Personally, after looking over his work I don't have any problem with it, other than a couple of typos and that parts of it are not all that complete.
[This message has been edited by dcarr (edited 10-13-99).]