Many enthusiasts prize originality above all else when selecting a classic to park in their garage. If you fall into that category, this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS Indy Pace Car will probably do more than turn your head. It is a stunning survivor with a documented 47,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its inherent desirability makes it unsurprising that it has attracted considerable attention since hitting the market. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this amazing classic listed here on eBay in El Paso, Texas. The seller set their price at $89,500 OBO.
Indy Pace Cars have always fascinated me, because while they invariably feature distinctive paint and trim combinations, some are more attractive than others. The 1969 Camaro sits at the top of the list because teaming Dover White with Hugger Orange was an inspired choice. The First Generation Camaro is an inherently beautiful vehicle, and the paint colors accentuate the look. The seller has been the custodian of this Camaro for over twenty years. It has always been treated respectfully, and the seller states that they have only replaced parts due to natural wear and have never modified this classic. The paint shines nicely, and the stripes are crisp. There is no evidence of rust, and considering the location, I suspect it is rock-solid. It features the distinctive headlight doors that are a hallmark of the RS Package, and the trim is excellent. Overall, there appears to be little to criticize about the Pace Car’s presentation.
The 1969 Pace Car was V8-only territory, and this classic retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. The first owner selected the 350ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The small-block produced an extremely healthy 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. That ensured that buyers received a vehicle that was more than just a pretty face. The seller states that this beauty has a documented 47,000 miles showing on its odometer and that it is in excellent health. It runs and drives perfectly, with the deal including the original Title and Protect-O-Plate.
I’ve scrutinized the seller’s listing images, attempting to spot a genuine fault or an aftermarket addition, and the best I can do is note a toggle switch to the left of the steering column that the seller doesn’t mention. Otherwise, the interior is as it left the factory. The Orange and Black Houndstooth seatcovers are free from wear, and the matching Hugger Orange upholstered surfaces appear to be perfect. The contrasting Black carpet is free of significant issues, and the plastic hasn’t succumbed to age. The Camaro retains its factory radio, and the images suggest it also has a tilt wheel.
The 1969 model year was the second year in which the organizers selected the Camaro as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet maximized exposure by producing 3,675 replicas, a figure far below the planned total of 6,400. This car is an absolute gem, and it appears to need nothing, making it easy to understand why it has attracted so much attention. Recent successful sales suggest that, given this Camaro’s overall condition and odometer reading, the seller’s price is very realistic. I suspect that it will find a new home, but could it be yours?
The white and orange combo really worked on these Chevys. 🏁
I agree, these are real stunners and have always drawn my eyes to them, whether coming down the hwy or sitting at a car show. Friend of mine had this same car, minus the pinstripes on the fenders, and it had the L78 396 with a 4 speed. He sold it in 1992 for $23K and I thought that was insane. There was supposedly less than 500 of those built in 69. There was one upgrade from his that had aluminum heads. These big block replicas are selling for $150K plus now.
I had one of these back in 1977 wow wish I still owned it how much is it going for now
I’m staunchly in the ‘orange/white/black pace car palette is just awful’ camp. It’s like GM was trying to emulate some of the kooky Mopar color combinations and failed…miserably. The harlequin VW Golfs are easier on the eyes. I’d rather watch Maxine Waters fan-dance, see a baby elephant fall off a cliff, etc., than scar my retinas looking at one of these pace cars.
I might be exaggerating just a bit.
You’re entitled to your opinion; to each his own. The majority of others see it differently.
This is true
Yeah, I know…on both points, but I owned a PC for a while and got good and sick of orange. My current rs/ss is lemans blue and white inside. Pretty as a blue Kentucky sky with puffy white clouds and a four speed.
I used to own one of these. I believe it was from Revell and was 1:32 scale. I’m sure it didn’t cost over four figures…that’s including the numbers to the right of the decimal point.
Well, if you are going to buy a collector car as an investment asset at fairly
steep money, then this one checks all the boxes. And it’s under $100k.
If you are going to drive it much, your loss risk is considerable, as it will no longer be pristine like this after 10,000 miles.
I’ve liked these cars since they were new, and I was 12! The 1969 Camaro SS/RS stylistically was a dramatic upgrade from the previous 2 years, and the Indy Pace Car replicas took it to another level.This one is a beauty; hope it goes to a good home.
If I had been deciding on the paint scheme for the 69 Camaro pace car I would have switched the colors, hugger orange base with white stripes and interior. It still would have been very visible and in my eye better. This car is a beauty and except for not having a 396 checks all the boxes.
Funny you say that because I had another friend who had a 69 true Z/28 302 4 speed car in those reverse colors. I really liked the look of those as well. He had it priced at $6,500 in early 80’s and everyone thought he was nuts. His Dad had a big tire and auto center on 31E south which was a heavily traveled road, and it sat out front with a sign for a few weeks. There was always someone stopped looking at it. A guy in Tenn. eventually took it off his hands for that price.
I love first gen Camaros and have owned a 69SSfor for 11years. It’s hugger orange with white stripes, with black&white houndstooth interior. I really like the color. However, I’m not as crazy about the white with orange stripes, and the orange interior is just plain ugly.
In late ’66, at ten years old, and as an already rabid car nut, I was like so many others waiting impatiently for GM’s entry into the raging pony car sweepstakes. It was seemingly taking forever (yep, the blue oval really caught the General with his britches at his ankles) and rumors were rampant. For the Chevy, I remember reading that the pre-production name “Panther” might be considered, along with the more likely “C”-ish names El Camarlo and Camaro. When the product was finally introduced, many of us were…a little underwhelmed…mostly by a rather staid envelope. It lacked the splash and panache of the Italian influenced early Mustang. But as time passed, it matured into a very worthy opponent.
However, when these ’69s hit, I was smitten…but only 13 and poor. And the pace car version seemed downright unachievable. That old Camaro dream never met reality, mostly just due to timing, though I was privileged enough to own a ’69 Chevelle SS amongst other great iron.
If you have one as nice as this in your garage, regardless of color scheme, striping, drivetrain, or if it’s a beautiful ’69 Mustang, get it out and enjoy it, and don’t complain about anything in your life!
I was 17 when my neighbor had one loaned from the local dealer for our 4th of July parade. It was like this one, base 350 and automatic. Fast forward to the 80’s when I dated a girl that had a 69 396 4 speed pace car. She went out one morning to go to work and found the hood was stolen off the car!
)Mr Mooney that visual of Maxine Waters doing a fan dance had me running to the bathroom BLAAAAH
Back when I bought my ’70 Vette Convertible in the mid-80s, the Camaro Indy Pace Car was also on the list. Back then, they were priced about the same.
I enjoyed the Vette, but would truly have had an investment if I got the pace car. Who knew?