If you think “Z/28” simply means “a sportier Camaro,” sit back and relax while we turn the clock back to 1969. Chevrolet had some catching up to do after the popular new-for-’65 Ford Mustang created a class of vehicles still known as the pony car, a relatively compact two-door with a long hood, short deck, and 2+2 seating (two adults plus two children or two very unhappy adults). Chevrolet’s pony car, the Camaro, came in model year 1967, and its Trans Am model, the Z/28, captured the series title in 1968. In short, this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 outside St. Maries, Idaho is no mere “tape and badge” sporty car. Despite the rough appearance, this primer-spattered coupe is claimed to be an original Z/28 with a (presumably non-original but correct) “DZ” 302 cid (5.0L) V8 that has been completely rebuilt. You may also notice that the primer covers new sheet metal in places, and the seller assures potential buyers that the “metalwork” is finished. Furthermore, powder-coated “front end” parts simply need to be installed. In short, after assembly, glass, interior, and paint, the buyer will have a proper 1969 Z/28 Camaro! The asking price of $25,000 here on craigslist could give you a respectable and road-worthy ride in a matter of months.
The X77 indicates a true Z/28 that is *not* combined with the RS package. Potential buyers should do their homework to validate that this tag came from the car being sold. The “711” indicates a black standard vinyl interior. In the road racing world, the Trans-American or “Trans Am” road-racing series became the scene of numerous Camaro vs. Mustang battles. Thanks to camaroworld.macswebs for some details. Chevrolet cleverly created the DZ 302 from existing parts to slot in just below the Trans Am series’ 305 cid maximum. Officially rated at 290 HP, a stock-spec DZ 302 made 365 HP on the Hot Rod dyno. That will get you around VIR in short order
The final year of the first-generation Camaro boasted unique body stampings with more muscular rear fenders and a new mid-line detail extending from the back edge of both wheel openings. For many enthusiasts, the quintessential rendition of a ’69 Trans Am comes in the Sunoco livery, though this car’s Cortez Silver with a black stripe is hard to beat.
In addition to the DZ 302, all Z/28 Camaros came as hardtops with a road-racing appropriate four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty suspension, and other goodies. Many buyers will take one glance at the missing glass and primer on this listing and move along, which may equal good news for attentive buyers who don’t mind traveling to Idaho. We’d love to get an update in due time when this car hits the road again. Would you take a chance on this partially rebuilt Z/28?
Don’t claim go be an expert on these but $25k seems somewhat high for a non numbers matching car in so-so shape that’s needs assembly. And the pics the owner provides aren’t much help. Many similar survivor type cars are for sale online for $60-80k.
Please, Barn Finds writers, don’t perpetuate the bad grammar found in ads these days! “Needs Finished” should be either “needs to be finished”, or “needs finishing”. (Also on the list: RPM’s and MPG’s: Revolution per minute & miles per gallon). Okay, mild rant over. :-)
Moparman, while we are ranting, why does everyone, especially TV cars guys, insist on calling every 1963 Corvette coupe a “split window”? Anyone with any knowledge of Corvettes knows that a 1963 coupe had the split window. Can we please start calling them 1963 Corvette coupes?
That should have been Revolutions per minute.
We all make mistakes once in a while. Thanks!
Though I’m not crazy about the engine stamp pictured, the trim tag does appear legit. This car’s VIN indicates it was built in January 69, and the trim tag’s body build date is 01B, mid January 69.
I’m not sure I agree with the writer, that this car could be “road-worthy ride in a matter of months”. Who knows how many parts are missing, or how well the body work was done. Any real first generation Z/28, is worth saving, including this one, but from what I see this one has a long way to go before it will be “road-worthy”.
if you get on it and do waist time it can bee done in months
If you buy a car that someone has claimed the body work is done might be a crap shoot primer can hide a lot of bad work.
Owner say original car had a black vinyl top. I ordered my 69 Z/28 from the factory. I had my check from Uncle Sam and I curled up with the RPO books at the Chevy dealer for days. I could not convince anyone to put a vinyl top on my Z/28. I wanted A/C and P/S. Nope. Mine was even Cortez Silver. Caveat Emptor.
Wow. A basket case that is not original and the ask is 25k. Laughable.
So if i bought that 74 Maverick for 15k amd put in a period correct big block would i then have an 80k Maverick?
Shakes head walks away rapidly.
I build cars, and there is no way that car will be ready anytime soon. 25k plus all the restoration? Just go buy one–done!