One of an estimated 14 1967 Nickey 427 Camaros, this Nickey Camaro RS/SS Stage III is one of just three to receive the Corvette-sourced L71 427/435 HP, L89 aluminum head, Tri-Power engine, and it’s the only one finished in Code LL Tahoe Turquoise. The muscle car era was in high gear when Chevrolet introduced the all-new Camaro in September 1966 to great fanfare. Taking aim at the hugely successful Ford Mustang, Chevrolet soon announced powerful new optional engine packages that included the L78 396/375 Mark IV big block V-8, but for renowned performance dealer Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago, even that was not enough, so it turned to famed Chevrolet specialists Bill Thomas in California and Dick Harrell in Kansas City to develop a comprehensive conversion to 427 power. The first prototype resulting from this unique alliance generated an historic level of publicity with sizzling low-11 second ETs at 124 MPH, while remaining completely stock in appearance. Nickey conversions were renowned for professional execution that combined comprehensive suspension, driveline and cooling upgrades to produce uncompromising speed and reliability, qualities that define this rare Nickey supercar. It began life in RS/SS form with power brakes, optional front and rear spoilers, tinted glass, a black standard interior with center console and U17 Special Instruments. In addition to the L71 427/435 HP big-block V-8, Hurst-shifted Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt Positraction differential, the Nickey conversion featured traction bars and tube headers, a stinger-style, cowl-induction hood with chromed hold-down pins, Firestone redline F70- 14 Super Sport tires on gold-painted, five-spoke wheels with “Nickey Camaro” spinners, and Nickey fender badges. Restored to its Stage III specification in the late 1990s and diligently preserved, the car is well documented by the accompanying N.I.C.B. (National Insurance Crime Bureau) report showing it was delivered new to Nickey Chevrolet, as well as a Nickey Chicago Certificate of Authenticity and verification of authenticity by the late Don Swiatek, who was Nickey’s Manager of High Performance Cars and Parts and who was intimately involved in the building of each of the conversion cars. This Nickey Stage III Camaro was first submitted for judging at the 1997 Camaro Nationals, where it earned both Best in Show and Top Gun Awards. In 2007, it was included in the Chevy Vettefest Chevrolet and Corvette Showcase, and in 2008 it won the Supercar Class at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance. It was also chosen as the cover car for the Year One Restoration Parts & Accessories catalog, and in 2013 it was displayed at the prestigious Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s. Renowned automotive photographer David Newhardt has showcased this car in several books, including “Chevy SS: 50 Years of Super Sport,” “Camaro, Forty Years” and “American Muscle Supercars.” Considered by many to be the best known and most desirable 1967 Nickey Camaro in existence, this unique, first-year Nickey Camaro RS/SS Stage III is eminently qualified to serve as the cornerstone of any great collection.
