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50k Original Miles: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro by Berger

While most new car dealerships are created equal, some utilized special ordering systems to park something special in their showroom to entice potential buyers through the door. Some of these dealerships are instantly recognizable throughout the classic world, but others tended to slip under the radar except for enthusiasts in the know. One of those is Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They utilized Chevrolet’s COPO system to order vehicles that often featured desirable performance enhancements or stunning paint and trim combinations. This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro falls into the latter category and is guaranteed to command as much attention today as it did when it sat on Berger’s showroom floor. The owner feels that the time is right for this gem to head to a new home, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Camaro is located in Gallatin, Tennessee, and while bidding has hit $29,899, this falls short of the reserve. The seller also offers a BIN option at $35,000.

It appears that Berger’s aim with this Camaro was to create something visually stunning that would act as a buyer magnet. Therefore, the dealership ordered the vehicle wearing gorgeous Tuxedo Black paint. It makes a bold visual statement but remains subtle enough to appeal to individuals across a broad spectrum. The owner doesn’t indicate whether it has ever received any restoration work, but its paint still holds an impressive shine. Closer examination reveals the usual swirls that can accumulate with time, but I believe these could be polished out with care. Black paint is also excellent for revealing any panel imperfections, but these look as straight as an arrow. The owner indicates one small bad spot at the bottom of the passenger side front fender, but this is difficult to spot in the supplied photos. Otherwise, it appears that this classic is rust-free. The trim and chrome sparkle in the light and provide an excellent contrast to that black paint, while the glass and Rally wheels appear perfect. The ideal finishing touch to this exterior is the redline tires, which add a further air of class to this Camaro.

Berger ordered this Camaro equipped with a 327ci V8, but it is unclear which version. That means that the driver could have anywhere between 195hp and 275hp available under their right foot. It seems that the dealership wished to appeal to a broad audience with this car, so they equipped it with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, a 12-bolt Posi rear end, and power steering to create an effortless driving experience. That may not be the most potent package that Chevrolet offered in 1967, but it would still have been appealing for many people. The owner states that this car has 50,000 genuine miles on the clock, and he holds a significant collection of documentation that should support this. Included is the original Berger dealership paperwork that confirms the authenticity of this vehicle. The seller only uses the car for weekend cruises and shows, but it is in excellent mechanical health and ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. He suggests that the successful bidder could fly in and drive this classic home.

Adding to this Camaro’s visual appeal was the dealership’s decision to order the car with Parchment Deluxe interior trim with bucket seats, a console, and a tilt wheel. It contrasts spectacularly with the Tuxedo Black paint, and it’s easy to see how it drew people in through the door. Today, it remains in excellent condition with no significant wear or other problems. Upholstery of this shade can be prone to stains or developing a yellowish tinge over time, but this car has avoided that fate. The carpet appears spotless, as do the dash and pad. Somebody has fitted a wrap to the wheel, which should offer protection, while a radio/cassette player occupies the space previously reserved for the factory radio. Thankfully, they haven’t cut the dash to install this, so swapping back to a factory setup would not be difficult or expensive. Otherwise, this interior looks as it would have back in 1967.

Vehicles like the Yenko Camaros have achieved legendary status today, but those that rolled out of Berger Chevrolet are no less significant. They were so readily recognized in their heyday that they were receiving mail orders from across the country for vehicles that were a cut above the rest. That description suits this 1967 Camaro, and its next owner will be slipping behind the wheel of a car that will command attention wherever it goes. The bidding indicates people like what they see because it has already received an impressive forty-four since the owner listed it for sale. It will be interesting to see how high the bidding goes or whether somebody hits the BIN button to guarantee parking this in their garage. Sometimes temptation is too hard to resist, which could be the case with this classic.

Comments

  1. Avatar flmikey

    A close look at the engine compartment reveals it has a 2 barrel carb…I think the weirdest combo on this car is having a 12 bolt rear end with a low power 327 and a powerglide…absolutely beautiful find!

    Like 11
  2. Avatar CCFisher

    Am I missing something? This looks like a fairly ordinary Camaro that just happens to have been sold by Berger Chevrolet. I don’t see any COPO equipment.

    Like 18
    • Avatar Kim Margosein

      Thank you. Exactly what I was going to say. Black paint, white interior. That’s special? Mid range small blockl and effing Powerglide? POWEFGLIDE? My ’66 Corvair 500 had powerglide. Did Berger make this for his grandmother?

      Like 6
  3. Avatar Evan

    Berger Chevrolet, like Yenko Chevrolet, or Baldwin-Motion Chevrolet, was (and still is, when I lived in GR) a Chevrolet dealer. Anything from a Chevette to a 1-ton dually could be purchased there.

    I have no doubt that this car was sold at Berger. But I don’t think that makes it a “Berger Chevrolet”, any more than a 1969 Chevy Nova with a 4-cylinder and a Powerglide that happened to be sold at Don Yenko’s dealership is a “Yenko Nova”.

    Like 19
    • Avatar Michael Berkemeier

      Now a 4-cylinder ’69 Nova would be a reeeeally rare one.

      Like 7
  4. Avatar A.G.

    The seller indicates there is documentation the car was sold by Berger. Nothing is mentioned about documentation of the claimed 50k miles on the car. The car might have been shipped from CA but it was assembled in Norwood OH and not Los Angeles.

    It’s unexpected to see the pot metal dealer badge held in place with Phillips head screws.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Claudio

      Move along , nothing to see here

      Dont get me wrong , its a nice camaro but the hype is un needed

      As for the berger logo, what else but philips screws should be holding it

      Like 2
      • Avatar Michael Berkemeier

        They were rivited on. If you will, notice the rivit in the “b”.

        Like 0
      • Avatar A.G.

        The same way every other dealer badge was applied in the pre-sticker era. Dealer badges were bulk order (different bulks depending upon volume sales). Badges were cast with studs and held in place with pressed sheet metal ‘nuts’. The attachment should be like the the callouts on the front fenders which have zero external fasteners visible

        Like 2
  5. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    I’m pretty certain the “By Berger” badges were in fact attached with phillips head screws. The few Berger cars and emblems I have seen were attached with screws. The emblems appear to be cast with a beveled area for the screws to fit flush or nearly flush.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Doug Walters

    gone

    Like 1

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