Chevrolet Z28 Camaro 1982 Bathurst #9

Kevin Bartlett and co-driver Colin Bond were strong contenders after qualifying in fourth for the 1982 Bathurst race. Bartlett achieving pole position in 1980 and 1981 only added to the expectation. The car too received a lot of attention, even if only for its stunning looks. Originally brought in from America it was a 78-79 Z28, but CAM's regulations meant it had to be adapted for Australia. So the 78-79 Z28 received the retro panel work of a 75-77 Z28 Camaro. Other adaptions included fibre glass rear leaf springs to reduce weight, racing suspension and M22 Mucie gearbox to name but a few.
Practice was not without incident with Colin Bond crashing - proving to be an ominous start to the event.

But this car has gone down in Australian motorsport folklore as one of the more spectacular crashes. While battling for third place with John Harvey and Dick Johnson on lap 27 Bartlett dropped the left rear wheel in the dirt, splitting the three piece rim causing an instant flat tyre. He slammed into the wall, pitching the Z28 Camaro onto its roof. On its roof it slid across the track and finally came to rest, Bartlett emerged from the wreck amazingly unhurt, so unhurt he went about signing autographs with fans on the mountain and legend has it that he enjoyed a cigarette from a spectator while doing so.
The 1982 Bathurst was won by Peter Brock and Larry Perkins driving a VH Holden Commodore. In fact the first four cars across the finish line were Commodores, such was their dominance.
It was an inglorious exit from Bathurst for the Camaro recording a DNF, and from a start that promised so much. The much televised accident was dubbed the ‘Channel 9 Camaro’ and was a boon for Bartlett and his sponsors the Nine Network, since the telecast rights belonged to Channel 7.
We think the ‘Channel 9 Camaro’ has made an indelible mark on Australian Motorsport history and will always be remembered.

Item includes certificate and production number plate, mounted to the chassis.