Chevrolet Unveils 2014 COPO Camaro Drag Racer at SEMA
Limited to 69 units, the 2014 Chevrolet COPO Camaro debuted at the 2013 SEMA Show with updated styling, five V8 engine options and NHRA Stock and Super Stock eligibility.
Chevrolet has officially unveiled the 2014 COPO Camaro at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest version of its purpose-built drag racing machine. This unveiling continues a tradition that connects the modern COPO programme to its legendary roots, with production again strictly limited to just 69 units. This number is a direct homage to the original 1969 COPO Camaro, which has become a highly prized collector’s item among muscle car enthusiasts.
2014 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Debuts at SEMA
Design and Styling Updates
For 2014, the COPO Camaro receives a series of styling and functional updates. Chevrolet has revised both the front and rear bumpers, as well as the grille, headlamps, and taillights. These changes bring the drag car’s appearance in line with the refreshed look of the production Camaro, while also optimising it for the drag strip. The model is further distinguished by new graphics, redesigned wheels, and the inclusion of racing seats, all of which are intended to maximise both visual impact and on-track performance.
The interior is purpose-built for racing, featuring lightweight materials and equipment designed to meet the demands of competitive drag racing. Chevrolet has focused on reducing weight where possible, while ensuring the car meets the stringent requirements of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes. The COPO Camaro is delivered without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), making it a track-only machine and not legal for road use.
Engine Options and NHRA Eligibility
The 2014 COPO Camaro offers buyers a choice of five V8 engines, all developed to comply with NHRA regulations. The engine lineup includes two supercharged 5.3-litre V8s, a naturally aspirated 7.0-litre V8, a naturally aspirated 350-cubic inch V8, and a naturally aspirated 396-cubic inch V8. Each engine is engineered to deliver the power and reliability needed for competitive drag racing. The range of options allows racers to select the powertrain best suited to their chosen NHRA class, whether Stock Eliminator or Super Stock.
- Two supercharged 5.3-litre V8s
- Naturally aspirated 7.0-litre V8
- Naturally aspirated 350-cubic inch V8
- Naturally aspirated 396-cubic inch V8
All COPO Camaros are built with racing in mind, featuring competition-spec components throughout. The cars are assembled at General Motors’ facility, where attention to detail ensures each unit meets the expectations of privateer racers and collectors alike. The COPO name itself stands for Central Office Production Order, a nod to the original process Chevrolet used to build special-order high-performance vehicles for drag racing in the late 1960s.
Production and Allocation Process
Production of the 2014 COPO Camaro is strictly capped at 69 units, continuing the tradition established by the original 1969 run. This limited number makes the car highly sought after by both racers and collectors. Chevrolet has confirmed that, as with previous COPO Camaros, the allocation of cars will be handled through a random selection process. Prospective buyers must submit their interest, and those selected will be offered the opportunity to purchase one of the 69 cars.
This approach ensures fairness and reflects the high demand for these specialised vehicles. The exclusivity of the COPO Camaro has made it a fixture at the SEMA Show since the programme was revived in 2012, and it continues to attract attention from enthusiasts and competitors across the United States.
First Car to be Auctioned for Charity
Chevrolet has announced that the very first 2014 COPO Camaro will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event in January 2014. This tradition of auctioning the initial car from each COPO production run has helped raise significant funds for charity in previous years. The event is expected to draw considerable interest from collectors, with the unique status of the first car likely to command a premium.
The remaining 68 cars will be delivered to customers throughout 2014, with each car built to the buyer’s chosen specifications from the available engine options. This ensures that each COPO Camaro is tailored for its intended use on the drag strip, whether for amateur competition or more serious racing efforts.
Legacy of the COPO Camaro
The COPO Camaro programme, originally launched in 1969, was created to give drag racers access to factory-built high-performance cars capable of competing at the highest levels. The revival of the COPO name in 2012 signalled Chevrolet’s renewed commitment to grassroots motorsport and its support for privateer racers. Since then, the COPO Camaro has become a regular feature at SEMA and a symbol of Chevrolet’s performance heritage.
With the 2014 COPO Camaro, Chevrolet continues to honour its history while providing racers with a modern, competitive platform. The combination of exclusivity, performance, and direct factory support ensures that the COPO Camaro remains one of the most desirable drag racing cars available today. The car’s limited production and connection to the original 1969 models further enhance its appeal for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
