Dealer Specials are nothing new to the automotive world, with many typically being little more than cosmetic packages. However, some are exceptions to that rule, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 GMMG Phase III. It is 1-of-3 produced in this paint shade, and has a genuine 261 miles showing on its odometer. However, it is what hides below the skin that makes it genuinely special, with its 427ci V8 placing an incredible 600hp at the driver’s disposal. It recently crossed the auction blocks but failed to sell. Therefore, it is now the subject of an online auction here at Mecum Auctions. The bidding currently sits at $87,000.

The story behind the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 GMMG is an interesting one, and one of determination. Matt Murphy of GMMG in Marietta, Georgia, approached Chevrolet in 1999 to produce an Anniversary Special commemorating the production of the 1969 Camaro ZL1. However, Chevrolet declined, and Murphy took matters into his own hands. He collaborated with Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to produce a Special Edition Camaro in 2000 to celebrate the dealership’s 75th Anniversary. From little things, big things grow, and the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 GMMG emerged as a genuine high-performance model that is more desirable today than when it was new. The duo produced sixty-nine examples during that model year, available in three states of tune. The range-topping model was the Phase III, of which only around thirty-one left the workshop. We will delve below the surface shortly to discover what made these cars special, but it is worth looking at this vehicle’s exterior to see what the package brought cosmetically. Only three examples of the Phase III were ordered in Onyx Black, with the company adding unique graphics, 18″ Z06 wheels, an SS hood and spoiler, and a painted rear panel with high-gloss stainless Camaro letters. The presentation is all you might expect from a car of this caliber that has a three-figure odometer reading. There are no cosmetic imperfections, the panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence of rust. Overall, this Camaro wouldn’t look out of place back on the showroom floor. However, the appearance is only the entree, because we’re about to delve below the surface to discover the main course.

The Fourth Generation Camaro was reaching the end of its production life in 2002, and it would be nearly eight years before a successor would emerge. American manufacturers had rediscovered their performance mojo following The Malaise Era, and some pretty respectable cars emerged at this time. However, GMMG and Berger Chevrolet felt that the badge deserved something better. It produced the Camaro ZL1 GMMG in 2002, offering buyers three states of tune. The Phase I delivered 400hp, while the Phase II brought 475hp to the table. However, even that wasn’t enough to pay an appropriate tribute to the 1969 Camaro ZL1, so the company unveiled the Phase III. The original drivetrain was consigned to history, and something pretty awesome took its place. Starting with the LS6 version of the 427ci engine with a compression ratio of 12:1 and a range of internal upgrades, GMMG added a six-speed manual transmission, a 4.10 rear end, Eibach springs, Penske Racing shocks, the braking system from the Corvette Z06, and other components to provide a total package. Did the results justify the effort and expense? Many readers will believe that with the Camaro now generating 600hp, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” This Camaro is in as-new condition, with its odometer showing a genuine 261 miles. The seller provides no specific information surrounding its service history or mechanical health, but I would expect nothing but positive news if the listing images are an accurate guide.

The Camaro emerged from the factory loaded with plenty of options, but the GMMG Package added a few extra. These included a Hurst short-throw shifter, silver-faced gauges with ZL1 Supercar logos, special floor mats, a unique key fob, dash and numbered door jamb plates, and ZL1 Supercar numbers on the glass and mirror. Factory features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium stereo system with a 12-disc CD stacker and eight speakers. The interior condition is consistent with the rest of the vehicle, with some surfaces retaining their factory protective plastic. The leather and houndstooth cloth trim is in as-new condition, and this interior needs nothing.

While most Dealer Specials add little to a vehicle’s potential value, there are exceptions to that rule. The 1970s brought the world the Pontiac Macho T/A, and those cars are now highly sought as they provided a significant performance improvement over a standard Trans Am. I believe that the story will be the same with the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 GMMG Phase III, especially considering the rarity of this particular car. That begs the question of what the winning bidder will do once it is safely parked in their garage. Would its rarity and odometer reading motivate you to protect and preserve this classic? Or would the performance potential it possesses prove irresistible, convincing you to drive and enjoy this Camaro as its creators intended? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject.