It is sometimes difficult to determine the popularity of a particular classic, but this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS leaves no such doubts. Its listing has received over 400 views in the past twenty-four hours, and with fifty-eight people adding it to their Watch List, it appears that people might be willing to pay for their slice of First Generation pony car action. The seller has listed the RS here on eBay on behalf of a friend. It is located in Lewiston, Idaho, with a BIN figure of $49,500. However, it appears the current owner may consider reasonable offers.
The 1969 model year marked the end of the line for Chevrolet’s First Generation Camaro, and while it hadn’t matched the sales volumes of the Ford Mustang, it had done enough to cement its spot in Chevrolet’s future model lineup. The first owner ordered this Camaro RS in Frost Green Metallic with a Dark Green vinyl top. They also specified factory spoilers and a Cowl Induction hood. It rolls on Rally wheels and also features a dealer-installed right-hand mirror. The car’s overall presentation is tidy, with the paint shining nicely, and the vinyl showing no evidence of distress. The trim is in good order, and the tinted glass is clear. However, there are a few shortcomings that deserve consideration. The distinctive headlamp doors are inoperative, with a vacuum leak thought to be the culprit. The seller also indicates that small rust spots are developing on the vinyl’s edge, but this is believed to be the only rust.
Powering this Camaro is Chevrolet’s legendary 350ci V8. The rest of the mechanical components include a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt 3.07 Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. This small-block produces a healthy 255hp and 365 ft/lbs of torque, and with the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.6 seconds, it represents a wonderful compromise between more “pedestrian” examples and the brutal SS 396. The current owner recently refreshed the car’s front end, adding KYB shocks and urethane bushes to improve the handling. The seller confirms that this Camaro is numbers-matching. That is important when we focus on the car’s potential value. It is also in excellent mechanical health, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive it home.
This Camaro’s interior is probably better than its exterior. The current owner added a radio/cassette player, vintage A/C, and an upgraded heater. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Dark Green vinyl trim is in generally good condition, with only minor stretching on the front seat bases. The carpet hasn’t worn excessively, the dash and pad are excellent, and the faux woodgrain hasn’t faded or lifted. The console is a classy touch, and the Hurst shifter looks purposeful.
The seller’s price of $49,500 for this 1969 Camaro RS isn’t chicken feed, and both Hagerty and NADA seem to agree that the figure is at the top end of the market. Recent successful sales results support this, although the interest this classic has generated suggests that plenty of people like the look of this classic. Looking is one thing, but following through by handing over the cash is another. The listing indicates a willingness to compromise, but that poses the question of what they might be prepared to accept. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback on the subject.
If this is a true LM1 Camaro, it’s somewhat rare and desirable. Only produced the first four months, then the L65 2bbl 350 was introduced.
Think of an LM1 Camaro with a Muncie 4 speed and a 12 bolt as an SS 350 Camaro without the SS badging…
It’s a nice car, but priced fir a car closer to perfection. It’s been color changed, the cowl induction hood has been added, more than likely the front and rear spoilers too. The 350 4bbl LM1 is a nice addition over a 2bbl 350, but it’s still 45hp down from a small block SS.
The seller says he’s listing it for a friend, but he has several other cars in similar condition, that’s the sort of thing “backyard dealers” do to keep from putting cars in their name and having to pay registration and transfer fees. This leaves the potential buyer with a lot of downside risks with nowhere to turn. If anyone told me they were selling a car for their friend, I’d want to speak with them with a car like this.
For the asking price, I’d keep looking.
Steve R
Agree on the price, too high, but I still think it is pretty gosh darn nice (though I don’t like the vinyl roof) 45 HP off from the SS is actually a plus for me. A less stressed engine is going to last longer and be more drivable on the open road, plus take less gas. This is actually a car you could, and would want, to take on an extended road trip.. High HP might be something to talk about at a show, or dust off some kid at a street light with, but beyond that I don’t really see the allure.
The “high performance” 300hp engine you are referring to was installed in hundreds of thousands of cars. It was the engine you got if a 350 4bbl was ordered in a full sized passenger car, Chevelle or Monte Carlo. It was the base engine in Nova and Camaro SS’s. It’s a performance engine in name only, and used to market those 2 models.
Steve R
Steve R, I didn’t know that. Plus, 300 HP seems pretty high performance to me. The 340 in a Dodge was rated at only 275 if I recall correctly. Why is this one rated at 255?
35k would be more appropriate judging by the info supplied.
Never been a fan of any generation Camaro outfitted with a vinyl top. IMHO
This color is Fathom Green. Front Green was a light green metallic.