Chevy sells stripped-out Camaros for racing

The body in white packages, available from the first quarter of 2009, sell from $USS7000 and include complete floorpans and chassis rails, front fenders, bonnet, front valance/grille header panel, roof, doors, rear quarters, bootlid, and rear valance.

The bodies don’t have vehicle identification numbers, so can only be used for racing and can’t be built up into road cars.

They’ll allow racers to get into the latest car without having to spend retail prices and then strip out standard running gear and interior. Racers add their own powertrain, fuel system, suspension, interior components, glass, and safety equipment.

To buy the bodies, they fill out an online application. Chevy isn’t talking numbers of shells available, but says it will sell on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is putting no limit on the number each approved team can buy.

“This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a race-ready new Camaro,” says GM Performance Parts boss, Dr. Jamie Meyer. “We envision racers using these bodies for all types of competition, from Pro Street and Competition drag racing to road racing.

“For racers who would strip down the entire car and replace most of the components with racing-spec parts, the body in white saves time and money. Drag racers, for example, won’t have to worry about swapping out for a solid axle – they can just bolt one up and go.”