1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 FIA 'Group 2'

As the 1960s roared on, so too did the introduction of a new generation of powerful, big block V8 saloon cars in the United States that came to be known as 'Muscle Cars'. Ford claimed 'bragging rights' with its dramatic new Mustang, destined to become one of the all-time greats, whilst other 'Motor City' favourites included the Dodge Charger, Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Barracuda and the Chevrolet Camaro. Introduced in 1966, the Camaro was offered in two-door form with both coupe and convertible body styles to choose from, as well as a range of different engine sizes and trim and styling packages. Top of the pile at Chevrolet was the macho Z28 powered by a rumbling 302 cubic inches 5-litre small-block V8 and this was their chosen contender for the battles that lay ahead. Whilst salesmen in car dealerships across the States fought it out for units sold, Chevrolet decided that it wanted to take the fight to Ford on the race tracks of America, and prepared cars that complied with the 'Group 2' regulations drafted for the Sports Car Club of America Trans-American Series, allowing cars with up to 5.7-litre engines to compete. Famous Camaro drivers included Mark Donohue, ex-F1 pilot Ronny Bucknum and Jerry Thompson. It was Donohue though, who took the spoils in the 1968 and '69 seasons, driving a Penske-prepared Camaro with utter domination in the Trans-Am series. Naturally, it wasn't long before European teams and drivers spotted the successes of their American counterparts, and these cars soon appeared at race circuits across Europe.

Coming from many years of Camaro race-preparation, this freshly/prepared FIA Group 2 Camaro ZL-1 was built with engineering by Nigel Garrett. It was conceived to challenge BMW CSLs and Capri GAs, both adversaries in period, but at a realistic running budget today. Pulling on credentials as a long-time Goodwood front-runner in a Camaro, the 1974 Frank Gardner SCA Camaro European Touring Car specification template was used to gain FIA/HTP papers valid until 31st December 2033.

It has a 7-litre, all-aluminium, ZL-1 big block, dry sump engine, built by Ken Coleman and dyno’ed by Knight Racing Services. The dyno read-out shows 550Ib/ft of torque and 580bhp at 6250rpm. It has a dog box with oil cooler. The suspension is period-correct with integrated modular front bearing hubs and uprights. The rear axle is multi-linked with a 12-bolt casting and LSD. The clutch is multi-plate sintered. Discs are fitted all round and have the correct homologated AP calipers. It comes with two sets of 16'' split-rims, one set fitted with fresh Avons and the other set with fresh mounted wets. The exhaust system can be run open or silenced.

With exceptional paintwork that offers a nod to the iconic Faberge Brut Camaro’s liveries, it has twice been invited to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and would be welcome at the most Blue Riband events including Peter Auto throughout Europe, Motor Racing Legends, American Speedfest in the UK and various categories in the US for an American owner.