Tin Soldier COPO 9561 Camaro

[69LM1]

"Tin Soldier" - 1969 COPO 9561 Camaro

A Combat Veteran with Unmatched Pedigree

Presenting the legendary "Tin Soldier," an authentic COPO 9561 with an extraordinary racing heritage spanning over two decades. Originally ordered, built, and campaigned by renowned privateer Ron Terrell, this combat-tested veteran stands among the most historically significant supercars of any marque.

Racing Heritage & Provenance

The Tin Soldier earned its stripes in the “Super Stock” class, competing against iconic machines of the golden age including "Soul Survivor," "Herbies Hugger," and the "Ramcharger". While not always the fastest, this COPO consistently earned class placings and victories through 1985, proving its mettle on tracks across the nation.

Authentication & Documentation:

• Verified by original owner Ron Terrell (still racing!)
• MacNeish authenticated as original Tin Soldier COPO
• Confirmed original 4-speed X-44 car
• Certified by COPO Connection
• Listed on Yenko.net registry

Unique Factory Connection

Ron Terrell's GM career at the Norwood, Ohio plant makes this the only known COPO Camaro where the original owner participated in its assembly. During production at the plant, Ron installed a GM locomotive temperature gauge that he had "acquired" during a plant visit to the GM Electro-Motive plant - a gauge that remains with the car today, adding to its authentic character.

Originality & Condition

Exceptional Preservation:
• Only 4,XXX original miles (all quarter-mile passes)
• Retains 99% "born with" interior in show condition
• All original sheet metal sans tub - never any rust or rust repair
• Original firewall and all factory vin stamps intact
• Factory “427” chalk marks still visible under fender extensions
• Raced in Super Stock class, avoiding the extensive modifications that destroyed many period COPOs

Period-Correct Modifications:

• Minimal Rear tubbing (professional installation, no radius cuts)
• Subframe dropped and centered by Ron Terrell

Recent Accomplishments & Maintenance

Show Success:

• 2013: 1st Place, Camaro Nationals (national event)
• Multiple smaller show victories since

November 2024 Complete Refresh by Al Pitre: Working alongside John Duzac (current D Stock racer and MacNeish rival) and Greg, renowned Southern engine builder Al Pitre performed a comprehensive inspection and tune-up:

• Engine freshened and optimized
• New slicks installed
• Transmission rebuilt
• Valves adjusted and timing set for low altitude
• Fuel system inspection and certification
• Complete documentation binder provided with all specifications

Engine Heritage

While not the original powerplant, the current 427 carries its own distinguished pedigree, having been built by the legendary John Lingenfelter in the 1970s. Recent documentation revealed period-correct, state-of-the-art components throughout, including specialized double piston rings and premium camshaft with a moly crank.

Current Status

The Tin Soldier requires nothing and presents no known issues. Al Pitre's only suggestion for racing improvement would be a larger carburetor - testament to the car's excellent condition and tune.

This is what COPO Camaros were built for.

Investment Opportunity

For collectors seeking an authentically documented COPO with genuine racing provenance at a reasonable price point, the Tin Soldier represents an exceptional opportunity.

Asking Price: $150,000

Listed privately before consignment to Bring a Trailer
________________________________________

Contact Information: Rich: 504-913-3618

Available for inspection appointments, detailed photography sessions, or to answer any questions about this remarkable piece of American racing history.

At Show:




Mr. Ron seeing the Tin Solder for the first time since he sold it
Camaro Nationals 2013:


Same Car, Same Wife! 2013 Camaro Nationals:


Engine:


"The Gauge"


Trim Tag


Hold my Beer! The 70's


Signature


MacNeish Page 1


Copo Connection


Video from 2013 where Mr. Ron first saw the Tin Solder in many years!

[L_e_e]

Bad Azz COPO!!

[69LM1]

Mr. Ron is the true warrior. Still racing and had a class win in 2020!

Tin Soldier II

Scraping Air!


The man, the myth the legend!


Class Win 2020

[dykstra]

So cool!!! GLWTS

[69LM1]

Bring A Trailer video.
Came out pretty good.

[69LM1]

Updated video, with some suggestions added.
I like this version a lot more, especially the time receipts with the classic pics (I know they don't always match the track )

I had to push pretty hard to get Mr. Ron in the updated video, they were worried about a suit, but along with MacNeish's report I was successful in getting him added.

What do you think of the final product?

[Stefano]

I like it, nice job. Kool Copo!