The 63 anti-racing ban, along with the 10 hp per 1 pound rule, the 400 cid limit rule had a big affect on GM's products of the period. Yea there were cars like the COPO Camaros and Hurst Oldsmobiles but you are talking about a handful of cars. Most dealers had no idea how to order a COPO car or they just didn't want do. Thay would rather sale you a car of the lot. John DeLorean took a major risk just allowing the GTO to be built because it broke the 10 to 1 rule. GM allowed him to build 5000. Pontiac sold 30000+ plus. GM then changed the rules again. The new rule was midsize (and later pony cars) could have an engine no larger than 400 CID. DeLorean tryed to get 421 and later the 428 into his cars but GM would not allow it. It wasn't until the midsize and pony cars gained enough weight that GM lifted the rule. I sure the Chevy guys were doing the samething. Could you imange if Pontiac built a 428 cube ram air II motor or Chevy allowed the L88-427 to be a reqular production option in the Camaro. Those would have been some seriosly fast hardware. You may ask yourself, We did GM have all these bans in place? The answer is simple. GM had 50+ percent of the market share in the 60's and were facing anti-trust law suits. Their goal was to minimize "needless" or "bad" product recognition. While Chryler and Ford (esp with their Total Performance campain - Ford spent millions to win championships in every form of racing) went racing, GM wanted to look like church quire boys. GM got "officially" out of racing and tryed to limit bad or negative press. GM baned advertising that showed racing or displays of power. While Chrysler used the Hemi heavily in there print ads, GM never advertised any of the COPO cars or the L-88 Corvette. GM did not mind that these cars existed, they just didn't want the general population to know about them. You also have to remember that GM was also dealing with bad press from the safety problems with the Corvair. Ralph Nader was already starting his next witch hunt by stating the Big 3 were building cars that were to fast. This is another reason for GM advertising ban on power and racing.
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Matt Luster
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