| The ZL1 Camaro project was originally intended to compliment the ZL1 Corvette, but became much more. In 1996 I found an article about Bill Porterfield's original Berger ZL1 Camaro. The car was the same Daytona Yellow as the ZL1 Corvette and had a unique history so I planned to start a replica as the Corvette was being finished. The 1st ZL1 Camaro replica was finished in 2000 and was my first magazine car. It appeared in Scale Auto AND Model Cars magazine! |
| 1969 Camaro ZL1 |
 |
 |
| (1st model) 3/6/2000 |
| Some of the scratch-built items for the car |
 |
| In the summer of 2000, with the ZL1 Camaro done, I planned to begin another ZL1 project, the Gibb/Harrell Drag Camaro in period condition. While researching this car and looking for original photos I chanced upon someone who took a great interest in the yellow ZL1 Camaro, Charlie Lillard. Charlie had purchased the Berger ZL1 Camaro from Bill Porterfield and showed interest in buying the model I had just finished. Well, it was my first magazine car and I wasn't that interested in parting with it so I offered to build a 2nd ZL1 for him. He wasn't too interested but I promised him it would far eclipse the 1st car, and boy did it! The Gibb/Harrell Dragster would be put on the shelf as I dove into another Berger Camaro ZL1. |
 |
|
| In order to satisfy my first paying customer I stretched my capabilities to the limit without opening the doors and trunk. The car would feature items not used on the 1st car like a complete smog system, vacuum lines, brake lines, wire looms, assembly markings, side windows, and additional decals. The same basic kits were used but I made additional parts to correct certain areas like the fan shroud, water pump, pulleys, hoses, exaust manifolds, and the battery. |
| Early test fitting. Coming along nicely! |
| The kit engine is comprised of 19 parts. When done adding the details I felt the car needed the engine had 98 parts in total. The machined pulleys and real fan belt really stand out and the smog system was perfect. The brackets were made from the aluminum of a Coke can (actually several were made) and the kit valve covers were thinned, had looms attached, and were sent to the "Little Motor Kar Co." along with the rear bumper for replating. 16 accurate decals complete the engine. Once the engine was installed into the chassis the electrical parts were all accurately wired, the vacuum lines were attached, and heater hoses were attached using accurate clamps and straps. The radiator is see-through when viewed head-on and the fuel system is complete front to rear. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Oh, and the dipstick is REAL and WORKS! |
 |
 |
 |
| The tricks didn't all go under the hood as the wheelbase was corrected, a complete exaust system was scratch bulit from brass and copper, Photo-etched insignia from the Model Car Garage was polished and nickel plated, the windows were made from acetate, custom license plates were made, the grill was "opened", the spoiler was shortened to 1968 length (like the prototype), the wheels and rear bumper were rechromed, and the body was meticulously block sanded, primed with Vari-prime, and treated to 8 coats of MCW Daytona Yellow. |
|
| The 2nd model was shown once while still incomplete (missing some badges, decals, engine details, and fine details like hood gaskets and bumpers) yet took 1st in class, Best Paint, Best Detail, and Best of Show awards in a decently contested show! The Best Engine Detail award eluded it when a Top Fuel car built by Master Builder Doug Montgomery snatched it, but the ZL1 wasn't complete anyway. I told Charlie that this car would eclipse the first car but neither of us had any clue as to how far I would take it! I hope Charlie likes it as it took me over 2 years to get it to him! Thanks Charlie. I know you will take good care of it!! |
| Now, on to the Gibb-Harrell Drag Car!! These are the basic components I've collected for this replica and I've done the body surgery already. Beyond this, I have done very little beyond collect research materials. Don't bother asking about the decals, the company that did them (about 60 copies) is out-of-business. This car will be "opened-up" but with drag car hinges and lift-off parts. Bill, if you want a copy NOW is the time to ask!! |
 |
 |
|
 |