26k Original Miles? Two Owner 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS

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Some seller claims are easier to prove than others. Take this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS as a prime example. Confirming that the seller is its second owner should be a piece of cake. However, verifying that the odometer reading of 26,000 is genuine may be hard to verify without documentary evidence. It means that in the absence of paperwork, such claims must be taken at face value. It also means that potential buyers may need to do their homework before committing their hard-earned cash to this classic. The desirability of this Camaro is cemented by the auction action since the seller listed it for sale here on eBay in Maidens, Virginia. Thirty-nine bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $17,100, and when we start delving deeper, the indications are that things could intensify as the end draws near.

The seller claims to be this Camaro’s second owner. It is unclear when they took possession, but they confirm that the first owner ordered the car from a dealership in Richmond, Virginia. That means that it hasn’t strayed far during its life, and is probably something of a fixture among local Bow-Tie enthusiasts. It is claimed to be a genuine survivor, although it is begging for TLC if the winning bidder opts for restoration over preservation. The tired Dover White paint is merely the beginning. There is evidence of developing rust stains in a couple of spots, and the trunk pan has a few holes. These might be patchable, although anyone considering a high-end restoration will undoubtedly opt for replacement. I can’t spot any cowl issues that might cause nightmares, but the seller isn’t forthcoming about the state of the car’s underside. However, the use of the word “solid” in their description provides cause for optimism. The distinctive RS headlamp covers are intact and, like the remaining trim and the glass, appear to be in good condition.

It appears that the first owner craved some comfort to team with the performance potential provided by this Camaro. That explains why they ordered it with Black cloth “Houndstooth” trim, a console, air conditioning, power windows, a sports tilt wheel, and a radio. These items remain intact, and there is no evidence of aftermarket additions. The driver’s seat exhibits rot that is beyond repair, while there are a couple of seam separations on the back seat. It is unclear whether the problems are repairable, meaning the buyer may need to splash around $1,100 on a complete set of seatcovers to achieve a uniform look. A new carpet set will add approximately $220 to the tally, but with the rest of the interior exhibiting no evidence of significant problems or abuse, that might be all that is required to lift the inside of this RS to a far higher level.

Proof of the first owner’s desire for above-average performance is revealed when we lift this Camaro’s hood. We discover a 350ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The small-block should produce at least 250hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Although very early ’69 models produced by the end of December 1968 could be ordered with the LM1 version developing 255hp and 365 ft/lbs, the VIN for this car confirms that it rolled off the Norwood line in January 1969. Therefore, it missed out on the slightly more potent powerplant by only a few weeks. This is the point in the Camaro’s story where the waters become cloudy. The seller claims that it has a genuine 26,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. They also don’t mention a numbers-matching status, which many potential buyers view as crucial. The car doesn’t see regular action but is appropriately maintained. It runs and drives well, appearing to be a turnkey proposition.

If the bid tally of thirty-nine at the time of writing sounds impressive, the 130 people who have placed this 1969 Camaro RS on their Watch List seemingly cements its desirability. However, both figures pale into insignificance when we learn that the listing has received over 1,200 views in the last day alone. It seems that people like what they see, and are willing to let their wallet do the talking. How high will the bidding climb? That question is difficult to answer, but the intensity of the interest to this point suggests it could go considerably higher. It is undoubtedly beyond my financial means, and if you aren’t in a position to join the auction frenzy, perhaps you will join me as a fascinated spectator.

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Comments

  1. Steve R

    The use of the word “solid” in this ad is not reassuring. It’s used because it allows each party to interpret the item of interest as the want it to be. It’s generally used in lieu of a real description for a reason. The word solid, that is not used in conjunction with a clear and concise description accompanied backed up by pictures should be considered a red flag. This seller has a lift in his garage, which is kept out of view in the pictures used for this ad, but appears in the ad for another car he currently has listed. Does anyone believe that’s an accident, pictures of the undercarriage would take any doubt away as to this cars true condition and increase the amount potential buyers would be willing to bid.

    Steve R

    Like 34
    • Curt

      That lift is a good catch on your part.

      Like 13
    • john atanasio

      I still didn’t see the lift but I did notice that the mileage numbers didn’t line up which means that they either where reset or they went around at least once.also by the looks of the engine I would have to say the later because it is way too dirty. nothing but lies in the ad me thinks.

      Like 1
  2. Terry M

    hmmmm, could this be a don’t disclose and ignore the facts?

    Like 7
  3. SchuFitz

    Looks like they forgot the 1 in front of the 26k.

    Like 16
  4. TorinoSCJ69

    26k ? Look at that filthy power barn.

    Watch out for that rust. This is a nice looker until you start looking.

    I once flew to Texas from Ga. to look at a Torino that the owner’s pics showed a clean car. Upon inspection I was stunned to see penetrating, jagged rust holes I could put 4 fingers through. Was sent 15 yr old pics.
    Not saying the case here, just: Always, Beware.

    Like 12
  5. djhuff@zoominternet.net

    Wow . . . . . it’s bid to $20K. It’s a good project at (maybe) $7 or 8K, but by the time you fix the rust, install an interior, fix whatever is wrong with it at 126,000 or 226,000 miles, and paint it you’re way underwater unless you’re able to do it all yourself. $20K + in this condition is approaching the neighborhood of big block or Z/28 money.

    Take a look at the trunk picture and the trunk lip area, they’re a problem. The picture of the left front fender ahead of the front tire gives me reason for concern. There’s likely something bad going on there. Add those to the fact that Steve figured out that the owner has a lift in that garage and didn’t take pictures of the underside (for an obvious reason) and it’s a hard pass.

    Like 9
    • Mark

      I agree with all your comments and also noticed the trunk rust which is why the gas tank was replaced!! Even the rust under the hood is bad especially on the brake master clyinder and valve covers!! Just anther unrestored but complete used Camaro that someone wants to much money for it. Less that $10 grand is where the money stops!

      Like 0
  6. Jay E.Member

    26k miles and a seat like that? I don’t think so. Are people not seeing the rust? The replaced gas tank etc? I don’t think a 26k car, rarely driven and probably not in the winter, indoor kept car is possible to even have that much rust.
    To be fair, just one word is missing, “Original ” mileage.

    Like 11
  7. George Shoffstall

    Buyer BEWARE

    Like 7
  8. Oldcarfanatic

    Agree that the buyer should be beware here, I think there is a reason it was parked all these years, and the rust worm has obviously not been dormant (check those subframe rails). A car from a state with salty roads can mean that even low mileage examples can be rendered too far gone or just not financially feasible to restore. However, bidding seems brisk at this point and will surely end up very high. Definitely would want to see in person before bidding.

    Like 5
  9. lee robersonMember

    After seeing the rust under the hood,close the hood and run away.This could be the same thought from the seller after a detailed inspection which is not soon here. Prospective bidders should step away from the WOW 69 Camaro and let reality set in.

    Like 9
  10. JC

    I think we can put the 26k mile fantasy to rest. That car is eaten up with rust, the interior is trashed, the engine bay is hideous. That being said, someone thinks its worth over $21k at this point… smdh.

    Like 8
  11. Mike's57

    It amazes me that people still don’t realize the cost of restorations today. As stated earlier, unless you can do EVERYTHING yourself, this car still needs $40-50K in work. You’d be very lucky to not be upside down in this one.

    Like 7
  12. Ron

    Those were 26k hard miles…

    Like 6
  13. Mountainwoodie

    Certainly appears to be a tired Camaro in addition to its interesting combination of add on like the power windows and the interior. The auto leaves me cold and yes there’s a fair amount of rust. Looks like the gas tank was replaced too.Nonetheless its been bid to 23 large so that says theres a mighty high floor for a tired RS.

    Back in the Eighties I had a friend who owned a tire place.As a sideline he used to take stripper ’67’-‘ 669 Camaros and make them into RS’s etc…..never understood the impulse. Of course back then you could buy them for literally nothing.

    I hope these bidders go to the trouble of physically inspecting the car.

    Like 7
    • Oldcarfanatic

      Good point, I thought RS trim had a specific “X” code , not just “X11” (which denotes Style trim) as this car has? I could be wrong there.

      Like 2
      • Dave

        Can’t really tell from the pictures, but doesn’t look like correct tail lights for an RS,and wouldn’t there be a rear spoiler?

        Like 3
    • Steve R

      The power windows are likely factory, there is no evidence the car was t it ended into an RS after it left the factory.

      To answer Dave’s question about a rear spoiler, the rear spoiler was not part of the RS option package.

      Steve R

      Like 4
  14. Nelson C

    Love the car but not the condition.

    Like 4
  15. Rjonec

    No way this car has 26K original miles. At least with 17digit VIN cars it is easier to tell via a car fax report. I was looking at a ’86 GT Mustang a while back and the owner indicated he was the second owner, and the car had less than 40K original miles on it. Well, the report indicated 3 prior owners and the last recorded maintenance on the vehicle was at 124K miles. That report saved me a trip. But I must say the pics showed a very clean and maintained car. Bottom line Buyer Beware.

    Like 4
  16. Kim

    I have a 1993 Toyota MR2 with 23,000 real miles and the engine compartment le as new. The tan interior looks new. The body looks almost new. If you believe this car has 26k miles I have a bridge I want to sell you.

    Like 4
  17. Al

    No way a 26k mile car, only a fool would buy that. Poor sap will wish he paid a personal inspection visit 1st. Owner have a Rottweiler that jumped ontop the decklid & nibbled as a hint to put a spoiler on to cover. Whites the sell-all color when previously wrecked, this appears as an older repaint, nice orange peel! Why no under pics especially when you own a lift. I see this going up on Craigslist in about 6-8 weeks after arrival.

    Like 2
  18. 59poncho

    Sick of the low mileage claims.

    Like 4
  19. David Cook

    When I was in high school in the early 70’s, my best friend bought a 1969 Camaro similar to this one. His was Hugger Orange with the custom interior with the houndstooth cloth. It was an RS too. It had the 350 engine. It was a real screamer! Oh how I loved that car!

    Like 2
  20. Courtney H.

    This is a rust bucket. Too bad.

    Like 3

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