Custom Convertible: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

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With such high production totals, there will inevitably be a few custom examples of the 1969 Camaro kicking around. Some of these can be pretty average, but the owner of this ’69 RS/SS Convertible has tackled his build as a total package. No area of the vehicle has escaped his attention, and it offers the promise of an enjoyable classic ownership experience. If you find that thought to be too tempting to resist, you will find the Convertible located in Parkland, Florida, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You could drive away in this classic by handing the owner $72,000.

The Camaro is finished in a stunning shade of yellow, and there’s no doubt that it would turn heads wherever it goes. The paint holds a beautiful shine, and there’s no evidence of flaws or significant problems. The panels are laser straight, while the gaps appear tight and consistent across the entire vehicle. Rust is something that potential buyers won’t need to lose sleep about because this classic is clean and structurally sound. The Black soft-top appears to be in excellent order, as does the glass. The trim and chrome shine as impressively as the paint, while color-coding items like the front bumper and sections of the grille and headlight covers add an excellent detail to the exterior. The Camaro’s grip on Planet Earth has been improved courtesy of a set of Klass KF300 wheels. The fronts are 19″ items, while the 20″ wheels on the rear make the car look tough and purposeful.

When we turn our attention to this Camaro’s drivetrain, it seems to offer performance that buyers could only dream of in 1969. The engine bay is now occupied by a 1996 Corvette LT1 350 V8 Crate Motor. This V8 would have been good for around 300hp in 1996, but this one produces a stratospheric 650hp. All of those ponies need to go somewhere, so they find their way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. Power steering should make light work of the driving experience while proceedings are brought to a halt by 4-wheel drilled disc brakes. New car buyers in 1969 had to be content with knowing that the best that they could extract from a Camaro SS Convertible was 14.4 seconds over the ¼ mile. With considerably more power, a more efficient transmission, and tires that should transfer all of the extra ponies to the road pretty effectively, you would have to think that this SS would leave the factory-spec cars in the shade. The engine bay presents superbly, with the yellow paint, color-keyed components, and lack of wiring providing a sharp and clean appearance. This classic is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

Come on. You weren’t expecting to open the doors of this Camaro and find a spotlessly clean factory interior, were you? Once again, the custom touches abound, and the presentation is first-rate. The highback bucket seats feature Black leather upholstery with custom stitched “SS” logos in the headrests in the same shade of yellow that graces so much of this vehicle. This logo is matched in the center of the rear seat backrest, while the door trims, dash and console feature further yellow splashes. The overall effect is striking, and it helps to tie the entire vehicle together. As well as looking distinctive, it all appears to be in good condition. There is no evidence of wear or other problems and no signs that this car has been treated with anything but complete respect. However, this interior is about more than looks alone. The factory gauge cluster has made way for a set of matched AutoMeter gauges that allow the driver to accurately monitor the health of that sweet V8 under the hood. The Convertible also features power windows, power locks, power front seats, an updated stereo, and a vintage-style air conditioning system. It seems that the owner has crossed the i’s and dotted the t’s on this build.

Regular readers will know that I tend to show a preference for classics that are original survivors, or those that have been meticulously restored to their factory specifications. That doesn’t mean for one moment that I dismiss custom builds because I’ve tackled a few myself over the years. In those cases, I will always gravitate towards examples where the builder has taken a “big picture” approach, which is what this 1969 Camaro SS/RS Convertible represents. No aspect of the car has escaped the owner’s attention, and the result is a car that not only looks stunning, but should go, stop, and handle in ways that Chevrolet only dreamed about when they developed the Camaro. When I look at the level of commitment involved in this build, I hope that its next owner will treat it with the same level of care and respect that it has obviously received until now. If that person happens to be one of our dedicated readers, I’m pretty sure that will be the case.

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    From a guy who loves yellow cars… Just Right!

    Like 3
  2. 86_Vette_Convertible

    Appears to be clean and well done, looks to be ready to hit the road. I do have a question/concern though. I can’t tell for sure but it looks like when the firewall was smoothed that the heater box was smoothed, the heater box was removed. Is there a heater and a/c in the car. With a drop top, lack of a/c can be lived with but if there’s no heater then that means no heat or defroster which can be hard to live with.
    I like the car, just have a couple of concerns.

    Like 5
    • ErnieSC

      Look to the Left side under Hood facing the car. That prominently displayed device is called a “A/C COMPRESSOR”!. You can even see the High and Low Side Connectors.
      Seller did it RIGHT! He ran the Hoses through the Inner Fender rather than directly back to and through the Firewall.
      Supper Clean that way – as is the Total Job!!

      Like 1
  3. Mike StephensStaff

    Outstanding write-up Adam, and a truly beautifully built Camaro. I’m sure it’ll find a new home soon.

    Like 4
  4. Jim

    Someone went WAY out of their way to ruin a classic car. This thing is awful. Who wants a classic car that’s only half there?

    Like 8
    • Skorzeny

      Wrong colour, wrong wheels. Would be nice to see stock.

      Like 5
    • Steve Clinton

      Those ‘low-rider’ wheels have GOT to go!

      Like 2
  5. Gary James Lehman

    I find it amazing that there are so many negative comments on this site. It’s like it’s a contest to prove who can find the smallest flaw or potential problem. I especially like the ” I would buy it right now if it was a 4 speed” OR “I’d own this if it wasn’t this ugly color”. None of those folks would be even in the ballpark of buying the car that they are longing for.

    Like 10
  6. Steve

    Resto mod needs to be in the description

    Like 0
  7. Desert Rat

    I know what you guys mean, I never hardly ever see a stock 69 Camaro with rally 15″ wheels at the car shows “.Ruin a classic car, wrong color, lower rider wheels”? Wow, 1st off this is a great example of a pro touring Camaro. 2nd yellow is one of my favorite colors and lastly low riders use very small 14″ wire wheels for the most part. I will now be leaving the “Closed Minded Old Folks Home”, you guys have a good day…

    Like 5
  8. its1969ok

    I’d say no to the notched rear spoiler and overuse of yellow in the interior.

    Like 1
  9. victor Sanchez

    I’m a proud owner of a 1969 Z/28 ( not a clone ) and I liked everything about this car but the interior. I think this fire breathing Camaro will make a new owner pretty happy

    Like 1
  10. Steve

    Sorry but I am not buying 650 hp from a 300 hp LT1 crate motor that does not have a turbo or supercharger. Sweet car and an awesome amount of detail.

    Like 3
  11. Melton Mooney

    Never, never, ever alter an RS nose or the cluster of a 69 camaro.

    Like 0
  12. Melton Mooney

    I hate people who pick nice cars apart just for fun.

    BTW the fender emblems are too far forward.

    Like 0
  13. ErnieSC

    I LOVE IT – and I’m not a Fan of Yellow!
    I just finished restoring a 1967 Chevelle I bought New 12/66.
    My Older Son wanted Me to put it back Totally Original!
    I’ll be 74 in 2 Days. I kept original Motor but had it bored/Stroked to 355. Pushing 400+ HP. Left off Vinyl Top as it had had THREE and they’re only good for Problems! Added After-Market A/C. Changed to TH350 Tranny. Don’t enjoy shifting Gears anymore for just Cruising. “Blinged Up” the Engine Compartment. On and On. Did it like I Wanted it!
    Kept all the original Parts.
    Folks, We Car Guys Restore our Cars like WE Want Them! NOT Like You would do Them! Go spend $50 – $75K of YOUR Money, do it like you want – and then Let us Criticize Your Choices!
    Regarding Mine? When I’m gone, HE CAN SPEND 50 LARGE TO PUT IT BACK LIKE HE WANTS IT! LOL!

    Like 1

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