Thursday afternoon a 2016 Central Office Production Order (COPO) Camaro was delivered to Kohls-Weelborg Chevrolet in New Ulm. The vehicle was purchased by Jerry Lamecker of New Ulm. In accepting the vehicle he has become a member of a rare group. Only 69 models of this Camaro were built by Chevrolet.

Owning this type of Camaro takes more than just money. It takes luck as well. With so few of these cars built the demand is high. Chevrolet offered a lottery for those who are interested in purchasing the cars. Several thousands entered the special lottery and Lamecker was one of the lucky winners.

Lamecker said he is not a huge car aficionado. A few months ago he was searching the website hosting the lottery and decided to enter on a whim. He was surprised to learn his name was the 60th draw out of 69.

Each of these Camaro’s were built by hand in Oxford, Michigan. The engine is a 350 SC that produces 1,300 horsepower. It has a a 3-speed automatic transmission. A set of wheelie bars are installed on the back of the vehicle to prevent the car from flipping backward during sudden acceleration. A drag chute is also positioned in the back to assist with slowing down. The driver seat looks more like the cockpit of a fighter jet.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt With the car safely in the showroom at Kohls-Weelborg Chevrolet in New Ulm, sales representative Dave Beranek and others take a look under the hood at the supercharged engine.

Lamecker said this Camaro is specifically designed for drag racing and can only be driven on special courses.

The car will be on display at Kohls-Weelborg for the next two weeks. Lamecker was able to back the vehicle into the showroom. Lamecker said backing up the vehicle was a challenge since the vehicle accelerates very quickly. The sound of the engine rattled windows through the dealership.

Kohls-Weelborg Sales Representative, Dave Beranek, was in charge of the vehicles sale and said it will be the most expensive car he has ever sold in his career. Beranek kept the total cost of the vehicle a secret, but hinted three regular Camaros could be purchased for the price of a single COPO model.

Beranek will be retiring next Friday and this a wonderful topper to his long career with the dealership. A special open house party for Beranek will be held on Wednesday in which people will be able to view this rare vehicle.