History in the Making: GMMG Camaro Legends To Make Their MCACN Debut

Get ready for the largest anniversary gathering of Berger Supercar Dick Harrell Edition Camaros since they were new.

• 'Modern Muscle: GMMG Legends' invitational display to debut at this year’s 2022 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals

• The assembly highlights the top-tier Camaro built by GMMG - the 2002 Berger Supercar: Dick Harrell Edition Camaro

• The curated group of Dick Harrell Edition vehicles will be the largest show gathering since they were new

• These are the newest model year vehicles to be shown at MCACN in a dedicated display and the first time GMMG vehicles have ever been spotlighted at this level

• The display will be hosted by author and Camaro historian, Matt Avery

• Educational seminars will provide insight into the cars’ full origins and story.

For 2022, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals is racing into the millennium era of modern muscle, debuting an invitational gallery of ultimate Camaros assembled by the powerhouse duo of Berger Chevrolet and GMMG.

The pair charged hard, redefining the availability of showroom speed in the early 2000s and serving as the leading provider of bespoke 4th-generation Camaro programs.

DHE #23 is the only example to fitted with 5-spoke FIKSE wheels. It also features a Phase 3X engine upgrade.

While GMMG created hundreds of Camaros, this dazzling one-of-a-kind display will highlight the utmost echelon: the 2002 Berger Supercar Dick Harrell Edition Camaro. The limited run featured extensive modifications including the availability of a Corvette-sourced 427ci C5R V8 race engine and a striking wide body design that included carbon fiber components.

When new, many of these wild vehicles carried prices well over $100,000 and boasted upwards of 630 horsepower.

Even more remarkable is the historic Berger Chevrolet selling the entire production run, offering leadfoot customers a new-car experience truly unlike any other.

Vehicles Related to the Program (COUPES)	TOTAL
MOLD CAR*	1
PROTOTYPES	3
PRODUCTION RUN	30
TOTAL	34

*Vehicle used for clay mock-up of body panels. Later given the wide-body panels.

DHE cars #01 and #30, known as the Historical Bookends of the run, will be on display together.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration

Now, in celebration of the speciality vehicles’ 20th anniversary, a curated assembly will make their official debut at MCACN, marking the newest model year muscle cars to ever be presented at the highly esteemed event.

The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals is considered the premiere indoor showing of vintage and classic muscle cars.

Called ‘Modern Muscle: GMMG Legends’, the display will be the largest gathering of Berger Supercar: Dick Harrell Edition Camaros since they were new, with a special emphasis showcasing the premier Phase 3 variants.

It will also mark the first time a dedicated display of GMMG vehicles has been showcased at this level at the MCACN.

“What Berger Chevrolet and GMMG accomplished with this run is the closest we’ll likely ever come to recapturing the magic of the go-fast dealer programs of the 1960s,’ said Matt Avery, host of the display. “Given the quantity, the consistent uniformity and their truly over-the-top capabilities, these special Camaros were in a league of their own.”

DHE #04 is the only one of the run equipped with a Phase 5 454ci engine upgrade. The car was used for a period promotional photoshoot.

DHE #15, the companion to DHE #04, will also be on display at the GMMG Legends, marking the first time these two have been reunited.

Showstopping Vehicles

Attendees and show-goers will get to see such rare examples as the bookend pair that started and ended the historic run: cars #01 and car #30.

Other display highlights include the reuniting of the Sunset Orange Metallic twins, cars #04 (one of just 2 equipped with the rare Phase 5 upgrade), and car #15. This will mark the first time these vehicles have appeared together at this level of event.

Car #06, the only example painted Corvette Electron Blue, and featured heavily in period media will also be in attendance along with car #23, the only example with FIKSE FM5 wheels and a custom houndstooth interior.

Sample the high-octane roar of these race-ready legends here.

DHE #20 is the only example of the run to be painted Light Pewter Metallic.

DHE #18, painted in a custom House of Kolor Organic Green, will be on display.

A New Educational Seminar

To give guests the inside track behind the creation of these radical Camaros, Avery will present a new seminar entitled ‘Berger’s Supercar: The Dick Harrell Edition Camaro’.

The hour-long educational lecture dives deep into the events leading up to this landmark Camaro program, spotlights the key players who made it all happen and thoroughly details the performance and cosmetic contents that were added to make these vehicles so legendary.

Matt will present a new seminar detailing the story of the Dick Harrell Camaros.

The research, photography and material showcased in the seminar is drawn from Avery’s newest book, Camaro Special Editions, which includes a close look at GMMG’s efforts.

It is also the first book to prominently showcase a Dick Harrell Edition Camaro on the cover.

To complete the iconic red, white and blue color scheme, DHE #25 is featured along with a 1967 Camaro Pace Car replica and a 2015 Nickey Camaro.

Official Video Announcement

The first news of the GMMG Legends display was made at a most appropriate place: the showroom floor at the historic Berger Chevrolet. As part of their 23rd Annual All-GM Show, Avery made the official announcement that these legendary cars would be taking part in this year’s MCACN.

The statement is made at 3:10 in the video.

About Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals

MCACN is the world's largest all-indoor car show devoted to muscle cars, dealer-built supercars, and Corvettes. MCACN’s annual show at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, attracts more than 500 of the nation’s finest examples of American Muscle for featured display.

The event is held annually in Rosemont, Illinois, minutes from the O'Hare airport.

It’s the ultimate gathering place for enthusiasts, young and old, who have a passion for horsepower. Read a preview of what's in store here.

Plan to attend MCACN on November 19-20, 2022. Learn more at MCACN.com.

About Matt Avery

Matt Avery is a veteran automotive journalist and avid Camaro historian. He was a technician for Mercedes-Benz and BMW before writing for the television show, MotorWeek.

He then joined the Cars.com editorial team as Senior Video Producer and now serves as the Executive Producer of Mecum Auctions ‘On the Move’ podcast which he co-hosts with Mecum’s TV commentator, John Kraman.

Each week the guys share their insight and the latest news on the collector car industry, the new car market and more.

Matt is an author & producer & host of the Mecum Auctions 'On the Move' podcast.

For ten years Matt wrote an automotive column in the Chicago Daily Herald and his career includes time on the board for the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

His book, COPO, is the authoritative guide for the legendary muscle cars processed through Chevrolet’s Central Office and the photography he captured has a permanent home in the General Motors Heritage Center archives.

In 2020 Matt was placed on SEMA's '35 Under 35’ List, recognizing rising young stars in the automotive industry, and in 2021 Matt became a member of SEMA’s Future Leaders Network.

He currently is documenting each Berger Supercar Dick Harrell Edition and is considered as the leading research authority on these specialty vehicles.

Matt has traveled far and wide in documenting numerous DHE Camaros.

Follow Matt Avery news & video on:

Official blog: www.themattavery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/themattavery Instagram: www.instagram.com/themattavery Twitter: www.twitter.com/themattavery

YouTube: www.youtube.com/themattavery

‘Camaro Special Editions’ Book: www.camarobook.com

Graphic resources provided by Vecteezy

UPDATE: November 2022 - MEDIA COVERAGE

All Chevy Performance FEATURE

16 of 36: Matt Avery Documents his 16th GMMG Widebody Camaro

A historic homecoming, a bookend pairing, and much more when capturing this legend.

In his quest to see, experience, and properly document each and every widebody 4th-generation Camaro built by GMMG, including the production run of 2002 Berger Supercar Dick Harrell Edition Camaros, journalist Matt Avery has checked another one off his list, this time encountering DH #01.

The vehicle's foundation is a 2002 Camaro Z28 coupe and is painted 2005 Cadillac Red. This example received a Phase 3X engine upgrade adding an all-aluminum 427ci C5R V8 (630hp/600lb-ft.). It was fitted with the optional Hurst line lock and carried a $123,141.00 price tag when new.

Matt's recent documentation of this 4th-gen legend was indeed monumental, starting with its location. The journalist's photoshoot took place onsite at Berger Chevrolet during the 23rd Annual All GM Show. This is where this Camaro was sold new years ago.

It was made even more special, being paired with the last car of the special Dick Harrell production run, car #30.

About Matt Avery's GWC Documentation Registry

After one GM show car (which served as the inspiration for the project), just 32 Berger Supercar - Dick Harrell Edition Camaros were built: 2 prototypes followed by 30 production vehicles. They were marked with a special signing event taking place at GMMG and involving over a dozen heritage personalities.

An additional three related vehicles are connected to the program: the 'clay car' used to create the molds for the widebody treatment, a third coupe prototype, and one widebody convertible.

All told, these special modern musclecars are arguably the ultimate 4th-generation Camaro, redefining the availability of showroom performance at the turn of the millennium.

PRODUCTION RUN*
CONCEPT (COUPE: PR1, PR2)	2
PRODUCTION RUN (#1-30)	30
RELATED VEHICLES
GM SHOW CAR**	1
CONCEPT (COUPE: PR3)	1
CLAY CAR (DC1)	1
CONVERTIBLE (DHEC: PRCV)	1
TOTAL	36

*Part of the heritage personality signing event taking place at GMMG

**Build completed by General Motors

Inspired to uncover and celebrate their full story, automotive historian Matt Avery has made it his mission to document each and every one, creating the most up-to-date Registry. This undertaking has taken him around the country as he captures new images along with close examinations of build practices and accompanying documentation.

This run of special Camaros was commissioned by Berger Chevrolet, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with modifications and conversion work taking place at the GMMG performance shop in Marietta, Georgia. Final assembly on three vehicles (#09, #18, and #21) was completed at Berger Chevrolet.

Matt's new book, Camaro: Special Editions, showcases these historic vehicles' stories and features one (car #25) prominently on the cover.

His research is ongoing with updates provided as they come to light.

GMMG's Covert Intimidator SS Camaro Convertible Resurfaces After Years In Hiding

After years of myths and speculation, the rumors are true: a single 2001 Intimidator SS Camaro convertible was surreptitiously created by Matt Murphy’s GMMG team.

The unauthorized droptop, identified by Murphy as car number 13, was unveiled at this year's 23rd Annual All GM Show, presented by Berger Chevrolet, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since being created at GMMG's facility over two decades ago, the Camaro has never been publicly displayed, instead being tucked away and far out of sight.

The car is part of the 2001 Intimidator SS Camaro program, initiated by the legendary NASCAR competitor, Dale Earnhardt. Following Berger Chevrolet's lead with their popular Berger SS Camaro program a year earlier, Earnhardt commissioned Matt Murphy and his crew to build 100 modified 2001 SS Camaros.

They would pick up after the cosmetic-focused Championship Series (1994-1995) and Signature Series (1996-2000) Camaros offered by Earnhardt's dealership.

Just like the others in the ISS run, car #13 was numbered on the rearview mirror and at the base of the windshield.

ISS: Package Contents - Exterior

All of the vehicles were to be black coupes and up-fitted with package contents like chambered exhaust mufflers with stainless tips, a carbon fiber air-box, ball-milled brake rotors, American Racing 200S alloy wheels with painted 'Magnetallic Grey' spokes and a front grille insert highlighted with a retro 'SS' badge.

A carbon fiber air box lid bearing the ISS logo was added to each of the Camaros in the run.

With the performance upgrades, horsepower was rated at 381, a numeral with special meaning to Earnhardt. The racecar he drove for Richard Childress Racing bore his iconic number 3 while his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Park who drove for Earnhardt’s team, piloted cars bearing numbers 8 and 1.

Each also received a painted matte black taillight panel with chromed Camaro lettering, program badges and a 'Magnetallic Grey' hood stinger and deck stripe graphic.

The ISS package included 17x9.5 American Racing 200S alloy wheels with painted 'Magnetallic Grey' spokes.

A central hood graphic with horsepower callouts was added, its gray color matching the painted wheels..

As typical with their Camaro programs, GMMG added their unique chambered exhaust.

ISS: Package Contents - Interior

Inside the cabin, embroidered floor mats were added along with items like a numbered cloisonné on the center console, an output badge on the center stack and a rearview mirror with compass and auto dimming functionality. A personalized touch was a Bright Argent silver gauge insert signed by Earnhardt himself.

The package also included a fitted car cover with the Intimidator SS logo. Each car was numbered with numeral graphics applied to the rearview mirror and on the base of the windshield, matching the number presented on the console cloisonné.

As was the norm per GMMG protocols, each received a numbered brass door tag identifying them as having passed through the speed shop.

Sales & Distribution

After the upgrades were added, the vehicles left GMMG's shop in Marietta, Georgia, and were transported and exclusively sold through Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet in Newton, North Carolina. The standard price was $40,381, another subtle reference to the horsepower callout.

During the development phase, Earnhardt instructed Murphy to intentionally skip car number 13. With it out, it remains unclear if the ISS run would have included 99 cars or expanded to 101 numbered cars to fit the expected 100 car total.

Sadly, Earnhardt's tragic crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 on February 18th brought things to a screeching halt. As such, only 85 Camaros were officially created for the program with just 33 receiving a signed instrument panel insert. It's likely due to issues sourcing that quantity of coupes, T-Tops were also utilized.

COUPE	47
T-TOP	38
CONVERTIBLE	1
TOTAL	86

Exterior ISS badges were mounted on the rear panel and on the front fenders.

Car #13 Origins

Car #13's story begins in December 2001. Sometime in the month, Murphy reached out to Berger sales associate, Dennis Barker, in search of a new SS Camaro convertible. One (equipped with a six-speed manual transmission) was located at nearby Feldman Chevrolet, in Novi, Michigan. They received the car in September. It was transferred to Berger with 69 miles on the odometer where on December 28th Murphy bought it for $28,500.54.

Murphy brought the car to Georgia where he likely drove it occasionally or used it to log test miles. When he sold it years later, the Camaro's odometer showed 2,844 miles.

According to GMMG records, in August of 2002 it was logged in the shop's system and given the Intimidator SS treatment. It was also identified as car #13 and given the accompanying numeral graphics and console badge.

Matt also gave it a brass door tag bearing '16003': 1 for its model year as a 2001, 6 for its LS6 upgrade and 003 likely a reference to Earnhardt's iconic race number.

A brass door tag was mounted in the drivers' door jamb, the 003 likely a reference to Earnhardt's iconic number 3.

It also received a unique powertrain upgrade, having its stock LS1 V8 engine exchanged for an LS6 V8 engine, likely sourced from a surplus of GMMG's ZL1 Supercar Camaro program. The 381 horsepower callout on the hood graphic was not updated to reflect the bump in output.

The vehicle did receive a signed gauge insert. It's been said Matt discovered it years after the program had ended, stuck behind another unsigned insert. He then added to his convertible.

Another bespoke touch was a 'by Berger' badge on the rear panel.

Car #13 receives the ISS package contents along with its powertrain upgrades at the GMMG speed shop..

An LS6 V8 engine was added, likely sourced from surplus related to GMMG's ZL1 Supercar Camaro program.

Murphy signed the car in silver ink in February of 2008, likely when he sold it to an outside customer.

Recent Timeline

From there, the next known timeline milestone is an underhood signature by Murphy in February of 2008. He signed his name and date in silver ink on the passenger side strut tower. It's presumed this was around when he sold it to an outside customer as part of an effort to raise funds for his then struggling business.

By then the 4th-generation Camaro was long out of production (ending in 2002). Facing mounting financial woes and with numerous unfinished projects, GMMG later closed in 2011.

The car shortly after it emerged in the winter of 2022. It had been stored for over a decade.

Other than a heavy layer of dust and dirt, the car was well preserved.

The car quietly resurfaced in the winter of 2022 when it was acquired by its present owner on Valentine's Day before making its official public debut this weekend at the Camaro-focused car show in the Wolverine State.

Status & Legacy

With true 1 of 1 status, this Camaro remains as the sole convertible from the entire 86 car run of 2001 Earnhardt Intimidator SS Camaros built by GMMG and sold through Earnhardt Chevrolet, in Newton, NC.

It was not commissioned or authorized by Dale Earnhardt, sold through his dealership, or its existence known about, with the rogue droptop highlighting the fast and loose protocols employed by the GMMG team in their all-out pursuit to build any modified Camaro, sometimes bending, breaking, or overlooking rules along the way.

As it sits today, there is no denying its status as a GMMG-built Camaro nor its inclusion in the EISS story.

While rogue, car #13 stands apart as being the sole convertible from the entire run of 2001 Intimidator SS Camaros.

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The research into car #13 and its origins is ongoing and updates will be made as new information and details surface.

Official Public Unveiling & Debut

The car made its official public debut at Berger Chevrolet on August 27th at 10:30 am during a morning presentation in the historic locale's lower delivery showroom. Its arrival was kept hidden with the vehicle remaining covered.

The mystery vehicle was covered in Berger's delivery showroom until the big reveal. (Image: Matt Shaw)

Surrounded by a crowd of eager Camaro and Chevrolet enthusiasts, I shared several announcements related to the GMMG community. This included the upcoming Invitational Gallery at this year's Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, a word from the GMMG Registry, and an update regarding my new book, Camaro Special Editions. The project heavily profiles their work and features a Berger Supercar Dick Harrell Edition Camaro on the cover.

All that led up to the unveiling of car #13. After sharing a brief overview of the vehicle, the car cover was pulled back and the droptop shown off. Guests then had the chance to see up close and take pictures of the rogue GMMG build.

The story's author presenting the origins of car #13. (Image: Matt Shaw)

In front of an eager crowd of Camaro enthusiasts, the cover was pulled off. (Image: Matt Shaw)

Click the video below to watch the unveiling.

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