An exceptionally rare Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Supercar built by Georgia-based GMMG is set to cross the auction block later this month, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most powerful fourth-generation Camaros ever made.
The vehicle is a 2002 GMMG Phase III Camaro ZL1, a modern tribute to the original 1969 ZL-1 muscle car. Just 69 examples were produced as part of the limited-edition program spearheaded by GMMG founder Matt Murphy in partnership with Berger Chevrolet in Michigan. Among those, only 31—or possibly as few as 31, depending on sources—received the Phase III upgrade, which pushed output to a staggering 600 horsepower.
@theautowire ♬ original sound – ElizabethAW
Murphy’s project was born out of Chevrolet’s decision not to produce an official commemorative model for the 75th anniversary of the iconic 1969 ZL-1. Refusing to let the milestone go unnoticed, Murphy and his team developed their own high-performance homage using the contemporary Camaro SS as a base.
This Phase III version features an all-aluminum LS6 V8 engine with forged internals, high-compression pistons, and ported cylinder heads. The powertrain is complemented by extensive suspension and brake enhancements to ensure the car performs as well on the road as it does on paper.
The example heading to Mecum’s May auction is believed to be among the finest surviving GMMG ZL1s. With just 250 miles on the odometer and meticulous preservation, the car is expected to fetch between $140,000 and $160,000.
The original 1969 ZL-1, of which only 69 were produced, was a factory-built drag racing legend that used a hand-assembled 427-cubic-inch V8. Period dyno tests suggested those cars made closer to 550 horsepower—well above their advertised figures—securing their place in muscle car history.
Today, both generations of ZL1 cars represent the pinnacle of collectible American performance vehicles. As interest in rare analog-era muscle cars continues to rise, the GMMG Phase III ZL1 stands out as a formidable and faithful continuation of a legendary nameplate.