If there are two qualities that will cement the value of a classic car, those could be a low odometer reading and complete originality. While this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Rally Sport scores well on the first front, it features a few changes that may compromise it in the eyes of purists. That isn’t to say it is a bad car, and the seller holds documentation verifying that it is the real deal. Potential buyers could retain the car as-is, but reversing the changes to return it to its original configuration would not be difficult. Located in Bremen, Georgia, the Z28 is listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set a BIN of $78,000, although there is the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet offered potential Camaro buyers a choice of eighteen colors in 1969, and while some of these were bold and very “in your face,” shades like Frost Green were more restrained and added an air of conservative class to a high-performance icon. This Z28 is said to wear its original paint with a Black vinyl top. This is where we are confronted with the first change made by a previous owner. When the car rolled off the production line, that vinyl top was Green. Somebody elected to change it, probably believing that it would improve the car’s appearance. Reversing this change would not be difficult, and given the inherent value of this classic, it would be tempting. Another change worth noting is the conversion of the RS headlamp doors from vacuum to electric operation. They work perfectly, but it is another modification that purists may choose to reverse. The paint shines beautifully, considering it has more than five decades under its belt. There are a few minor flaws and imperfections, but nothing that would justify a repaint that would further compromise the car’s originality. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the gaps look consistent. For potential buyers, the best news is that this car is rust-free. There is nothing visible in any of the supplied photos, and the seller mentions no issues in his listing. With the stripes looking crisp and clean and spotless trim and glass, this Z28 should turn heads wherever it goes.
The feature that defined the Camaro Z28 is visible when we lift the hood. While Chevrolet offered a wide selection of engines in 1969, the 302ci unit occupying this engine bay is pretty special. Designed as a race motor to fit below the capacity limit for the 5.0-liter class in the Trans-Am Series, it is an engine designed to rev its cylinder heads off. While Chevrolet claimed maximum output of 290hp at 5,300rpm, contemporary testing revealed an actual figure of 350hp at 6,500rpm. Bolted to that sweet little V8 is s four-speed M22 Rock Crusher manual transmission, while power steering and power front disc brakes were standard in the Z28. If Chevrolet’s power output figures seemed conservative, their acceleration figures continued that trend. The company listed a ¼-mile ET of 15.6 seconds, but many reputable publications had no problems eclipsing that number. However, it is worth noting that the Z28’s forte wasn’t straight-line acceleration from a standing start, which is why it was better suited to circuit racing than a stint at the local drag strip. The seller indicates that this Camaro is numbers-matching, although I can spot aftermarket headers. He says that it has a genuine 30,000 miles showing on its odometer but admits that he holds no verifying evidence. While that potentially leaves that claim in limbo, the fact that the motor still sports its original plugs could make it plausible. The car had been sitting for more than a year when it came into the seller’s possession, but it is now in a roadworthy state and drives well.
The interior of this Z28 presents nicely with all of the features and appointments you would expect in a car of this type. The dash cluster includes the factory speedometer, tachometer, and clock, while the console features the four-gauge selection for fuel, water temperature, oil pressure, and amps. There is a cover over the dash pad, but it isn’t clear whether this is a protective measure or if it conceals a problem. The Black vinyl on the driver’s seat is stretched, but there are no rips or other issues. That brings us to the last change worth noting with this Z28. The Trim Tag indicates that the interior originally sported Code 721 Medium Green Standard upholstery. As with the vinyl top, a previous owner changed this as they found Black more appealing. Once again, trim kits in the correct color and pattern would address this but will cost the buyer a cool $2,000.
If a potential buyer can verify the odometer reading on this 1969 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport, it makes it an extraordinary classic. It equates to the car covering a mere 566 miles per year. The BIN is hardly pocket change, but it could be justified considering its overall condition. If it were 100% original, that figure could balloon beyond $85,000 with ease. That raises a vexing question. If you were to buy this Camaro, would you reverse the changes, or would you continue to enjoy this classic as it currently stands?
Personally, I wouldn’t change a thing. Not knocking purists, but IF I had the $$ to spend $85k on this car, I could be satisfied w/ the enhanced operation of the headlight doors, rather than returning them to OEM and the colors as well. My reasoning: I’d buy the car because I LOVED it, rather than looking at it as an investment. This is the one of the main things (IMO) that has led to the average “Joe” being priced out of ownership. Just my $0.02 worth! :-)
I whole heartly agree…..What these prices do is make it that if the average ” Joe” could scrap the funds together to purchase a car like this, you would never dare to drive it like its original intent. I could not imagine having this car and not driving it every day possible and winding it thru the gears. Just like very low mileage cars, what do you do? drive it because you love the car and always wanted that specific model knowing every mile added to it takes value off it or just let it sit and never fully enjoy it?…..Idk, maybe I’m just nostalgic and somewhat sad knowing the days of anyone being able to have a car like this and just driving and enjoying it are long gone….
I have a restored 67 Cougar GT that I got with 78K miles. Not super low, but I drive the crap out of this car any chance I get. I tell people, who are you saving it for? In about 10 years for all you know, the govt. will not let us drive these anymore unless you are rich like Jay Leno.
Oh, and I might add, I too converted my Cougar headlights to electric. The vacuum system worked, but the electric is sooo much better and the change was non destructive. All the vacuum parts are in a box and will stay with the car.
Nice (if overpriced) Camaro – not a “Camaron”.
What is is with me with classic cars that have headlight doors. Would make an interesting collection for a museum. Beautiful car!
A driver’s car.
“CAMARON”….that’s “shrimp” in Spanish!
Suddenly I want a taco.
What would you rather have Camaro 302, or mustang side oiler?
2 very different beasts…. not close power wise…not really competitors.
However…. 302 Camaro z28 v Boss 302 vs 340 cuda ..
The Camaro 302 all the time.
Nice . I never see a 302 with the cross ram manifolds.I seen it once In person.
I fellow I worked with back in the 80’s had a 69 z28 with 10,000 miles on it was always in the garage.
He bought it after he returned from NAM. He drove this real piece of crap 69 Camaro hit on all corners and rusted.He said he had a 69 z28 also. When he brought it to work it was a time capsule. Beautiful dark green white stripes i believe maybe black vinyl roof 4 speed tach ,gauges hounds tooth interior. and the cross ram.Just perfect.
To this day i believe he still has this and low mileage over here long island NY…
My father owned a ’69 Z-28 with the 302 and dual 4bbls on a crossram intake.
Wish it was mine all mine!
super overpriced for a non original color combination. Needs smog system reinstalled. Questionable being a M-22 car. Very rare with that trans.
It seems that just about every GM 4 speed car these days is a M22!
If I had the cash and the room, I’d snap this beauty up…but I am not a nit-picker. This Camaro is destined to become a six-figure car!
Agree with comment to drive your car. A car that sits is like a house that isn’t lived in. I drive my 50 year old Corvette every chance I get. I have no problems with the mods to this beauty. I am old enough to remember the smog pumps going in the garbage. Today, $4,500 for a set up if you can find it.
Bought one new but memory not like it use to be but don’t believe ’69’s came with power steering as description suggests?
Power steering, along with disk brakes & 15” rims were some of the mandatory upgrades that came along with the Z/28 package.
Yea everybody ditched the smog back then. All of the other changes made I would have made without hindsight that we have now. The changes made make the car more attractive but take away from the originality. I would leave as is if it was mine. I am drooling as this model is one of my favorites behind the 65 Corvette and 70 Z28.
Electric headlight door conversions are usually reserved for home-made RSs. I’d have to check for other evidence of RS, regardless of the paperwork. Strange these days not to show the cowl tag on a big buck car like this.
Oh, there’s the cowl tag. Tag says green top and green interior. It’s an early production car, so no X code. Still, appears legit.
I bought a new 1969 Z-28 in the later part of 1969. It had quick ratio steering, posi, M22 4 speed and all the engine upgrades from the factory. I know I’ll get a lot of nay sayers but it would consistently run mid to high 13’s stock. Of all the cars I have owned, that’s the one I wish I had kept.
Love it.
Power steering was an option. Rear bumper guards where a mandatory option. Those are missing.
The headlight “surrounds” were body color, not black. The headliner looks to have been installed by an amateur, the carpet appears to have been replaced, and whoever did it didn’t cut/trim it right. The seat belts look to have a fair amount of fading. The headlight knob looks appears to be fairly worn, the trunk floor has been painted black, the gas tank also looks pretty rough, the rear diff cover was removed and painted silver. I’m not feeling the 30k miles, but I certainly could be wrong. Still, got to love a RS Z. Nothing here that can’t be addressed while it continues to appreciate.
Prove it. Bumper guards were no way a mandatory option. Had three 69 Z cars and not one had rear bumper guards.All were number matching cars.
Part of the heavy duty rear suspension.
Rear bumper guards were not a mandatory option on the Z/28. The M-22 was not that big in 69 very few on the Z-28,Big block cars like the COPO and L-78 cars had more M-22 trans installed.
Sorry buddy but I disagree. Part of the package
The rear bumper guards that you are referring to are not like the option rear guards that had rubber inserts.
Z-28 required 2 options, power disc brakes and 4-speed transmission. Quick ratio steering, 15 inch wheels and rear bumper guards with rubber inserts were part of the package. Everything else was optional although not all options could be ordered on a Z. Never heard of engine upgrades, 2-fours were a parts counter purchase and all engines came with air pump.
Yes I have Jerry s book.
i came back from viet-nam, feb of 69. still got the receipt of the 69 ss camaro i bought for $3,375, veteran discount, in central city, nebraska. frost green, dark green vinal top, dash, seats and carpet. tach and clock in dash, guages on councel, arm rest 8 track player, am-fm in dash. 350hp, 350, chambered dual exhaust, wide ratio 4 speed, 390, 10 bolt posi, with 4 wheel, stagered shocks, multi leaf springs, power disc brakes, quick ratio power steering, no a/c, no std ss steering wheel. rear spoiler, backup lights, vacume hide away headlights, 6×15 in rally wheels. the dealer went to a dealer convention, and ordered 5 camaros with odd options.. i liked the 8 track option. a friend of my brother actually found my car in utah. been through a few owners, has all new sheet metal in primer now. has made a lot of changes, so iam in limbo, waiting for a price i can afford as a roller. he wants to resto mod it.. i cant post a photo here, of old photos of it.. still remember the sound of the hood and doors, closing.. i sold it in 72 to a farmer in frankford, mo., less motor and tranny.. amazed its still alive and wasnt stock cared or crushed.. back then, baldwin, motion, niki, fred gibb, etc, could build you anything you wanted, most any combination. i also had the 5/50,000 mile warranty. i bought a 69 camaro for my middle daughter and gave her the owners manual for hers, which still had the protecto plate. she sold it and the paperwork went in the trash.. i still have the 3-3-69, downpayment receipt, inspn and receipt from 1970.. hoping i can work a deal on it…. wish me luck.