Since its introduction in 1967, the Chevy Camaro has been one of the most often-used cars to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. It did so in style for its second of nine times in 1969. Some 133 Dover white convertibles with Hugger Orange graphics were built for the occasion. To commemorate the event, Chevrolet produced 3,675 replicas for sale to John Q. Public. This unrestored example is one of those autos and would be fine as a daily driver, though would that really be your goal? Located in East Aurora, New York, this survivor is available here on eBay where the latest bid of $40,200 has yet to crack the seller’s reserve.
All the replicas were assembled to look the same as the cars that were on the track or used by officials during the May 1969 race event festivities. Chevy went all-out by supplying Camaros that were both SS and RS cars, the latter providing hideaway headlights. To match the orange decals on the vehicle, the interiors employed hounds-tooth upholstery in essentially the same color. These replicas can be identified by the Z11 RPO code on the cowl tag, which the seller’s car possesses. Typical drivetrain pairings were the 300 hp version of the 350 cubic inch V8 and a TH-350 automatic transmission. These mirrored event cars, though two of those are said to have had 396 V8s and a TH-400 tranny.
One of these autos pops up on our radar screen once in a while – and when they do – they’re either fully restored editions or basket cases. This one is said to be original, with numbers-matching hardware and “some” of its original paint (we don’t know which parts were repainted and why). There is a bit of surface rust here and there but nothing of major concern. The interior looks okay, though a good detailing might help things out. While the convertible top hardware is said to have been replaced, the canvas itself is separating around the windows.
We’re told that the Camaro is ready to be driven anywhere. The exhaust is chambered (should sound good), and the brakes are new. Since these cars are only original once, most would say leave the Chevy as it is (other than a little TLC) and show it off as a 54-year-old survivor. Interesting to note is that the Indy 500 graphics you typically see on the doors aren’t there on this car. We don’t know if they ever were or exist 2to be reapplied.
What, no comments? I made a tribute to this paint job on my 71 SS El Camino. People would point and smile.
How we doing?
My co-worker’s father had the identical car. He bought it in 1995 for $500.
I have a friend I went to school with in Oregon that bought one of these brand new. Best thing is that he still has it!! I hope he keeps it forever!
There was one of these on *bay a few years ago. It was for sale in Long Island NY and was all in pieces, dragged out of the garage.
Back in ’79-’80 there was one of these always parked in the Meijer parking lot in Okemos MI. Don’t know if the owner worked there or car pooled. Back when old muscle were just used cars.
I don’t know what a correct beautifully done off body resto would sell for so l don’t know what the purchase of this Camaro should be but if you like classic Camaros this is the one to get.l love Camaro pace cars. They look so cool.wish l had one.
The seller has been around for over 30 years and is pretty well-know amongst this vintage Camaro folks. Might be worth a look. East Aurora is a nice place. The home of Vidler’s 5 & 10 cent store and the Roycroft Inn. Spend a nice weekend there with the significant other and you might get lucky (With the Camaro)
As an “Original” freak were I to stumble over the necessary funds this would be a no brainer even with the slushbox…….and over the Firebird convertible on Barnfinds….I mean they’re only original once.
Very nice
Not the real thing because it have no flag holder in the rear bumper
If it has had any repainting done, I don’t think it can be either original or a survivor. I love 69 Camaros, and I have one. But I’m not a fan of the orange interior, but that’s how they were made for this car. Hopefully it goes to a good home.
Flag holders was only on cars at the race not dealer delivered cars. 2 cars were built as actual pace cars with 396 which were pulled along with the trans and rear ends and blueprinted. 396 could be ordered by the buyer or the dealer though not many
Someone hit the Buy It Now button at 48K.
And to think, I was considering one of these back when they were cheaper to buy than the ’70 Corvette I ended up buying. Circa 1984.