Describing any classic as immaculate is risky, because close inspection often reveals minor flaws. Remaining detached and impartial is challenging for some owners, because their love for their car can sometimes blind them to its imperfections. However, that word seems appropriate when assessing this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS. The seller confirms that it underwent a frame-off restoration in the early 2000s, and its lack of deterioration speaks of a car that has been cherished ever since. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Camaro listed here on eBay in Eugene, Oregon. The seller set their BIN at $55,000 with the option to make an offer.
Okay, I’m going to address the elephant in the room before diving headfirst into this Camaro’s condition and presentation. The seller describes the car as restored, which sounds fine if taken at face value. However, the Cowl Tag confirms that the Red paint currently cloaking the exterior isn’t the original shade. It reveals that this beauty left the line finished in Code 61 Burnished Brown. My belief has always been that unless the process includes returning a car to its factory form, it should be considered to be refurbished. That isn’t a criticism, but reflects my personal opinion. Some will agree, while others won’t. You have my respect if you believe otherwise. Moving beyond that fact, there is much to like about this classic. It features the concealed headlights and the stripes and badges that were integral to the RS package. The builder teamed the Red paint with a White vinyl top, perfectly complementing the stripes. The paint shines nicely, the vinyl is excellent, and the stripes are crisp. There are no glass or trim issues, and the Rally wheels perfectly suit the car’s character.
Powering this Camaro is a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That brings us to another interesting point to ponder, because while various sources agree that the power output for the small-block is the same as the “250hp” decal on the air cleaner, the 1969 Camaro Sales Brochure quotes 255hp. I believe that the disparity is due to the company printing its brochures relatively early, because the 350’s specifications changed slightly in January 1969. Therefore, 250hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque sounds right from where I’m sitting. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the RS is numbers-matching, nor how well it runs and drives. However, I see nothing in the listing images suggesting the news would be anything but positive.
One aspect of the build that remained faithful was the interior retrim. It features its correct Code 729 Deluxe bucket seats and Ivory Houndstooth cloth. There is no appreciable wear, and no evidence of marks or stains. There is no yellowing vinyl, and the faux woodgrain hasn’t worn or lifted. The dash and pad are perfect, as is the console. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and the factory AM radio remains in its rightful place.
Some classics possess the “wow” factor, and although this 1969 Camaro isn’t a fire-breathing SS, it is an RS with the iconic small-block under the hood. Its presentation is extremely impressive, with no major problems and no rust to spoil the ownership experience. Recent sales results suggest that the BIN figure is optimistic, but it isn’t far outside the ballpark. If the seller is a flexible negotiator, I won’t be surprised if this RS finds a new home. It will be fascinating to learn whether any Barn Finds readers would consider pursuing it further.
Nice car. As for color change, I can’t imagine why anyone would buy a car like this one in brown. Leave the brown to UPS.
The brown looks better in person, same as Butternut yellow and the medium metallic shades of gold, green and blue which were common on Chevrolet cars in the mid-1960’s.
Steve R
A few things about this car, if I’m reading it correctly, this car was built in the 4th week of Feb, 1969, it should have the L65 350 2 bbl engine, which would explain the 8.2″ 10 bolt rear. The car appears clean, but that is a guess, based on the pics. The tailpipes look like something a kid would buy from Autozone. This car should have a transverse muffler. I have never seen houndstooth interior material, on the rear speaker deck.
There is no mention of original motor or trans. Does the car retain the original sheet metal, floor and trunk?
I agree with Adam, if you’re going to call a car “Immaculate”, You’d better make sure your ride is squared away, otherwise all the imperfections will be pointed out.
The car looks weird in these pics. Hopefully they were taken with a real short lens or something, because it reminds me of a 69 z/28 I saw at a show years ago that had a similar look. In that case, the restorer had cut it up, I assume due to severe damage or rust or something, then somehow welded it back together with the quarters about two inches low at the back. They completely finished the car that way. It looked awful.
* I just noticed it does have the transverse muffler, but those tailpipes need to go.
This car is not correct and way overpriced. Good luck!
I’ve seen that stripe on 67’s and 68’s, this is the first one I’ve seen on a 69.
burnish brown with this color interior work really well together. not a fan of generic resale red. nice car but a poor choice for tailpipes. for what’s presented i feel 55k is too much
So I agree with most comments here, for sure…..overpriced, too many questions…..needs to be seen up close & personal…..never liked Burnished Brown at all, especially on a great body style like the ‘69 Camaro, so I can certainly excuse the repaint……..
Clean Camaro here but like other comments the tail pipes have got to go.
The tailpipe extensions should be removed and whoever put them on should be imprisoned!
Condemning him to prison would ensure he never stops thinking about tailpipes – every day.
I would think a dealer would mark it higher than that?
I think the RS package on the 69 Camaro was better when combined with the SS or Z28 packages; standalone, it looks unfinished, with the plain hood and lack of spoilers. But, to each his own. The hideaway headlights, especially when combined with the optional Endura front bumper, just gave those cars a great look.
I noticed the lack of spoilers too but I thought they were part of the RS package, though I could be wrong on that. Also I thought the hockey stripe was on the RS but that may have been SS. Hmm…could be I just don’t remember! Imagine that!
I noticed the lack of spoilers too but I thought they were part of the RS package, though I could be wrong on that. Also I thought the hockey stripe was on the RS but that may have been SS. Hmm…could be I just don’t remember! Imagine that! Nice car in any case although exhaust correction and a 4 speed would more desirable.
The rear spoiler was optional on the RS, it wasn’t even included in the Z28 package. The only 1969 Camaro I can think of where it came as part of an option package was the Pace cars.
Steve R
Besides the hideous tailpipes, the Camaro has a sub frame, so at best, a sub frame off “restoration” was done.