It’s been known for some time that Chevrolet included COPOs in L78 data. COPO build records for cars shipped to Canada list L78 but not Z27 [Camaro SS]. The same records for SS350s list L48 and Z27.
Many years ago Len Williamson gained access to production data at Chevrolet. He compiled a book “Tailfins and Bowties” that listed production quantities for virtually everything. 1969 Camaro build totals by engine do not list either 427 engine but still total 243,085. Len noted L78 totals likely included COPOs.
“There are significant disconnects in engine production versus vehicle production involving Z28 in 67 and ZL1/L72 in 69. It is possible that 67 Z28 was recorded by the factory as 327 production, and ZL1/L72 as L78 production.”
I had seen some of the numbers but not the complete book. Rich Fields, one of the CRG Founders, recently provided a copy. Some digging required, but the L72 total may have been there all along.
Camaro SS production is shown as 34,932. Total L48 300hp 350 [std on Camaro SS] production is shown as 22,339. 396 engine [required Camaro SS] totals are 13,659. 22,339 + 13,659 = 35,998.
That’s 1,066 more than Camaro SS.
There were 69 COPO 9560 ZL1s; interpolating the data leaves 997 COPO 9561 L72s. Actual L78 production total would be 3,823.
