The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission was officially offered as an option (RPO) in 1969. But in 1968, Chevrolet used the COPO system to create a Turbo Hydra-matic 350 transmission test fleet before the new transmission was released. COPO 9665 was engineered to allow the use of the TH350 transmission in the 1968 model year cars. The intent was to get real-world test miles on the vehicles before production began in 1969 model year.
The test fleet included full-size Chevrolets, Chevelles, Novas, and Camaros. The vehicles were initially assigned as Chevrolet company cars, for use at both at the assembly plants and at the division level. Afterwards, they were sold as used company cars.
The cars were built with several different engine models and over a range of build dates. For the Camaro test vehicles, the TH350 was available with the base 327 (210 hp), the L30 (327/275hp), and the L48 (350/295hp). All three engines have been observed in 68 Camaros, though the L30 appears to be the most common. The engines will have unique engine suffix codes of MI, EN, and MF. The cars were built at both LOS and NOR assembly plants, but most were built at Norwood. Production was from May through the end of 68 production in July.
