ZL-1 #1 Mecum May 15 - 17

[William]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kim_Howie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bruce, I don't know if Bill P bought the paper work from the Gibbs. I also don't know if Bill P charges for the paper work ,but I do know he has made a lot of money indirectly from the paper work. </div></div>

Let’s step into the time machine and travel back to 1981. I was there so I know the full story, not the 5% being related here.

Due solely to the persistence of Bill Porterfield all 69 1969 Camaro ZL-1 VINs were published in Super Chevy magazine, not just the 50 that were supposedly built. A certain individual [not BP] wisely saw a business opportunity and ran with it. With an investment of time, money and effort over a period of 15 years he was able to acquire a dozen [or more] ZL-1 Camaros. These were all very profitably resold. To him it was a business, not a hobby-so be it. Many of those cars went on to be restored and again very profitably resold many times over. Once the market was established, other ZL-1s were located, some in excellent original condition. Some of those have been also been very profitably resold. ZL-1s that have been under the radar for many years will undoubtedly prove to be a wise investment when they reach the market.

BP first acquired the #3 ZL-1 early in 1981, prompting a call to Vince Piggins. That set events in motion that were in large part responsible for the ZL-1 body of knowledge as we know it today. In 1988 BP acquired the #1 ZL-1 Camaro. With a large investment of time and money the car was returned to racing trim. This was done with the approval and blessing of Fred Gibb. There are many photos of them with the restored car. Fred had been approached by others seeking documents over the years but chose to retain them. Recognizing that BP was an enthusiast and not a profiteer that was just going to flip his old dealership race car, Fred gave him much of the factory documentation for the 50 ZL-1 Camaros he ordered. Fred Gibb knew the value of these documents and understood they would be sold to help offset the costs of the restoration and maintenance of the #1 car. For the next 18 years BP campaigned and displayed the #1 car, promoting the Gibb name. The car has been featured in several magazines. Today Fred Gibb Chevrolet is known to virtually every Chevy enthusiast and BP deserves much of the credit. He no longer owns either; #3 has been re-sold a few times since and #1 is at Mecum Indy this week.

The ZL-1 Camaro VIN list has been public knowledge for over 30 years. ZL-1 Camaro ownership is an exclusive group; exclusivity is never cheap and no one needs the documents. If you chose to buy them to perhaps enhance the value of the car that’s your choice. It must work; the #9 car just sold at B-J for an astonishing $451,000. The small amount of money paid for the documents pales in comparison.

Several people, not just the few names we all know, have made lots of money dealing in ZL-1 Camaros.