The original ZL1 Camaros were factory-built monsters. These cars came with aluminum 427 cubic-inch big block engines, had massive cams, sky-high compression, and were built to go fast. The 1969 ZL1s were expensive and didn’t sell well, so not many of them were made. As you can imagine the value of these cars is astronomical. Mark Hassett just happens to own one and he loves to show it to the world.
Mark didn’t go looking for his ZL1, it actually found him. Before buying the ZL1, Mark was a collector of Corvettes who happened to purchase a Yenko Camaro. It was at a Yenko event that he heard about a real ZL1 that was for sale and he decided to investigate a bit further.
“I got the guy’s name and tracked him down. Turns out, he was building a multi-million dollar home and was getting in over his head. The toys had to be sold to fund the build and the ZL1 happened to be one of them. I looked at the car and decided to make an offer. I went home, sold two of my Corvettes, and made a lowball offer because I figured he’d just tell me no. Well, he didn’t like that lowball offer and hung up on me,” Mark says.
Well, after the gentleman calmed down, he called Mark back and said he’d take a few thousand more for the car. His instructions were simple, go to the bank to get a certified check for $87,000, and come straight here. So, Mark did just that and that’s how he became the proud new owner of a 1969 ZL1 Camaro.
According to Mark, what makes his car so unique is the fact that it was never used as a race car. The Camaro isn’t just a trophy to Mark, he really enjoys owning the car and the history behind it.
“I really don’t drive the car on the street, just in and out of shows that I take it to. It’s a lot of fun taking this car to shows and seeing people’s reactions when they realize what it really is. I put the ZL1 badge on the hood, that’s not supposed to be there and I get chastised for it, but without it most people just walk on by not knowing the car is a real ZL1. The reaction people have to the car is great to see. It’s fun talking to people at shows about this car and the cars they own,” Mark explains.
Most people who could afford a 1969 ZL1 Camaro would squirrel it away and it would never really be shown to the public. Mark Hassett isn’t one of those people. So, if you’re at an event and happen to see this car on display, take the time to really look it over and enjoy a real piece of automotive history.
