241 mile Berger copo
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Hey guys! I wanted to share my 69 Berger copo.hopefully this isn’t to long of a read.
This has been a very special car for us. I’ve met some awesome people along the way, which I can consider friends now. Here is the story I’ve leaned over the time having it.... The car was bought by a gentleman (larry)who was a salesman at Harry may Chevrolet. He wanted the car that Berger had, (he really wanted the yellow zl1 next to it, but couldn’t afford it at the time) so he made a deal to dealer trade a 70’ nova for the glacier blue copo. Larry drove the copo home, this was the last time the car had street miles put on it. Larry raced the car for a few years, being very competitive and even beating some big names. Larry sold the car to Friends that continued to team race it. From the team that raced the car, the new driver was named Rick. Rick was a hell of a good driver. This car did a lot of winning, and from the people I’ve talked to, said you didn’t want to be in the other lane against it. Rick raced the car a lot at Milan dragway, which is miles from where that car spent most of its life. The car was retired from racing after wining a big race in Norwalk Ohio and Rick was awarded a race car chassis. He built a new race car and the copo sat from there on. Rick always had plans to get the car back on the road, and unfortunately ended up getting sick and passing away before he could make his dream happen. I purchased this car last winter and started to get it back together. I wanted to put the car together as it was back in the day. My goal was to have it together for the Berger all Gm show. I had the car running and moving two nights before we had to load up. First time this car has moved under its own power since the 80’s! We went to the show, a great turnout. The Berger guys LOVED the car. After the show we loaded up and headed to see Ricks wife (Marcie) This was very emotional for everyone. Hearing that radical 427 coming down the street brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Marcie had invited Larry (the original owner there, along with the engine builder from back in the day, and friends that used to help him race). They shared stories, photos and Marcie even gifted us the photo album she had for the car. WOW!! I’ve shared a few photos from the album and one pic of Larry the original owner standing in front of his old car with the engine builders. Like Rick had told Marcie... “it’s the story that makes the cars so special” Hopefully I didn’t ramble to much LOL thanks to everyone that helped along the way, and the parts this site helped me locate to get this very special car back together RIP Rick, I hope your smiling from above. Matt |
Wow, how cool! Thank you for sharing! :biggthumpup: :biggthumpup: :biggthumpup: :biggthumpup:
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Matt, thank you for sharing and bringing this car back to it's former glory. I'm sure it was a big hit to the Berger family/show and all who touched the car throughout its journey... Well done!!
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Yes, very cool!
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Matt, awesome story!
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Interesting story.
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Double WOW!! Car was not to far from me. Would love to know more of the story and how you came across it
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This car came available to me a few years ago from a wanted ad I had on here. It was recently found at that time. I was really hot on it, ready to buy and ended up passing. I bought my yenko instead. I never forgot about it, and really did regret not buying it.
I followed it to the next owner (which is a board member) stayed in contact and when I was ready for another car we made a deal. Not very often you get the chance to buy a car twice after passing it up the first time. I figured if I passed on it again it will go away. Matt |
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Few more photos
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Hi Matt
This is the one that Dave had, correct? :headbang: |
It is ! Dave bought it after I passed it up.
Matt |
Congrats on the COPO...it's beyond cool....And Dave is a great guy, too!:headbang:
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WoW car and story Matt also very cool how you've hooked up w/ Rick's family and friends. Love to see/hear more of the '67 Pickup in your shop pic also if you're sharing, is that a '71 Blizzard Triple Factory Racer I see on the shelf hiding behind your Berger car?:eek2: :beers: ~ Pete . |
I love love love that color!
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Priceless, thanks so much for sharing. I think most everyone here will agree that you are welcome to 'ramble on' about stuff like this any time here :worship:
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LOL Pete ! I thought I had a good eye for background searching. You spotted my 71 blizzard! It’s a 71 797. Just an nice unrestored sled.. I’ve got a small collection of the early ski doors, being half our season up here is cold with snow, it’s my winter hobby.
Matt |
Very Neat story, Thanks for sharing!
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Quote:
Bill |
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W:eek2:W again Matt also good to know I'm not the only one still hooked on old yellow racers! I had a bunch including a '71 645, sold most off 20+ years ago although saved a few w/ cool histories. Great to see the '70 Singles, they're my favourite and I still have a '70 292 here. What engine is your '72 also what year is your Tincab? :beers: ~ Pete ' |
The 72’s I did end up selling, I had two 340’s and a 293. My tin cab is a 61’ . I love the 70’s too.
I still have my first one .. a 70 Tnt 340 with 40 miles on it. Glad to see a few more guys on here liking old sleds too ! |
Nice sled collection Matt!!!
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... How cool is that story ! ... :cool2: ... |
very nice!!
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Great stuff Matt!
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WOW! I wish I could find some history on my car. According the the CRG, mine is the last known Berger COPO, delivered 6/2/60 according to the NICB. Also most likely a single order car.
On 10/24/21 I will have owned it 27 years. Still the strangest tale of ownership, ever. PM me if you want the story. It was a car of the month back when the Clary clan ran the site. PS you have an awesome collection. Color me green. However, I would be thrilled to line up next to you at the next SCR. Andy |
Very nice!
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Looking forward to seeing this car in person. I hope you can make it to SCR 25.
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What do you scr guys do with your precious “be” rear ends? That’s the only thing I’m worried about if i take it. I’d hate to hurt that
Matt |
Well...I can only speak for myself....if it breaks ...fix it . Lol. Moser Axles and I have seen tubes welded. Come have fun take easy passes and don’t hurt the car. Great track photo opportunity. Go around the water box and have a little fun. Some people just come to the track and display their cars.
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Matt. You will have a great time. Easy and laid back.
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I arrived at MCACN in 2019 and Dave Beem grabs me by the arm, hands me a stack of 4x6 photos and says lets go talk to this guy...
I was thumbing through the photos sitting next to and texting dave while the owner was across the table. I was amazed at the paper and the fact that it was Glacier over Dk Blue... there are VERY few COPO's with anything besides Black interiors, PLUS BERGERS are of the better optioned when it comes to L72's, Double COPO, D90, D80, Enduras. |
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