The First Generation Camaro Z28 was not a car that shone on the dragstrip but was more at home on the open road. The company designed the Z28 as its weapon of choice for the cut-throat Trans Am series, making its spiritual home the sweeping twists and turns associated with road courses. Today, they are cars in strong demand. That means that original and unmolested survivors command extraordinary prices. This 1969 Z28 is one such classic, but it comes with a twist. The owner includes a factory option that the seller could bolt on to unleash even more power from the V8 under the hood. If you yearn for a pony car with a touch of Tabasco, the Camaro is listed here on Craigslist in Lido Beach, New York. It could be yours by handing the seller $89,500. I must thank Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this fantastic classic.

I have previously admitted a preference for cars wearing the Blue-Oval, but that doesn’t prevent me from admiring cars like this Z28. I am passionate about all the First Generation pony cars built before 1971, and this Camaro is no exception. It may wear the wrong badge for me, but I’d still be happy finding it in my garage. The original owner ordered the car in stunning Rallye Green, which is the shade it retains. The paint shine is almost mirror quality, with no flaws or defects worth mentioning. Its panels are laser straight, while the gaps are some of the tightest and most consistent I’ve seen on a First Generation pony car. There is no visible exterior rust, and the underside shots reveal that there isn’t even surface corrosion that might cause potential buyers concern. This car is rock-solid, which is a vital consideration in a classic within this price range. I don’t believe the Rally wheels are original, but they don’t look out of place. With flawless trim and glass, there’s a lot to like about this Z28.

When this Camaro was shiny and new, the Trans Am Series was probably at the height of its power. It attracted a diverse range of makes and models, and Chevrolet saw the benefit of producing a model specifically for the 5.0-liter class. However, there was a barrier to overcome if the dream was to become a reality. The 283ci V8 was under the class limit but couldn’t produce the necessary power and torque. Chevrolet’s remaining V8s all exceeded the maximum capacity, so the company produced a 302ci that came under the limit by a mere 58cc. Equipped with an aluminum intake and a Holley 780cfm carburetor, the beast produced an “official” 290hp. The figure was considered by many to be an underestimation because contemporary testing revealed an actual figure of 350hp. That brings us to a fascinating point when considering the performance merits of the early Z28. It could produce a ¼-mile ET of 15.6 seconds, which was okay but hardly startling. However, the dragstrip is not where this car shone. We only need to examine the power and torque curves to understand why the ¼-mile figure doesn’t seem that astonishing. The engine produces its peak power at 5,800rpm, while peak torque arrives at 4,500rpm. That suggests that the car is not at home in the “point and squirt” environment of the dragstrip, but why it was an effective weapon on the flowing sweeps and bends of a road course where the driver could keep that V8 spinning. This car is numbers-matching, with its beautiful V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. The owner doesn’t expressly state it, but it appears the Z28 is in excellent mechanical health. That would typically be the end of the story, but the seller includes an intriguing set of components that the new owner may find difficult to ignore. Chevrolet offered a Cross-Ram intake and carburetor setup as a dealer-fitted option to unleash additional power. The seller includes (at no extra cost!) a complete system with the correct carburetors, stating that it is 100% genuine and not a reproduction. The buyer could install the setup while retaining the original intake and carburetor to reinstall should they ever choose to part with this classic. Of course, what’s the Cross-Ram system without the correct factory hood, so the buyer receives one of those. There are no confirmed figures on how the system impacts power figures, but journalists in 1969 claim to have seen more than 400hp on a dyno. If that is accurate, that would make this a potent classic that would command respect on our roads.

The good news keeps coming when we open the doors and examine this Camaro’s interior. It is trimmed in its original Code 727 Ivory vinyl and appears flawless. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, no stains, and none of the cracks or crumbling plastics that indicate long-term exposure to UV rays. Crucially for a classic in this price bracket, there are no visible aftermarket additions. It features its beautiful woodgrain wheel, a factory tachometer, and a console with the correct gauge cluster. I hesitate with a vehicle of this age to describe an interior as being in showroom condition, but this one is so close I’m willing to stick out my neck and say it is.

If you look at this 1969 Camaro Z28 and have started to examine your bank account to see whether you could afford it, I could hardly blame you. It presents beautifully and carries the hallmarks of a classic that its owner has treated with respect for more than five decades. Its presentation is difficult to fault, and the included factory Cross-Ram setup holds the promise of improved performance without destroying the car’s originality. I close my eyes and imagine how enjoyable it would be to launch this Chevy down a ribbon of twisting tarmac, and I suspect a few readers will do the same. However, how many of you are tempted to turn that dream into a reality? If you do, I admit I will envy you.