Just Out of Storage: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

In the 1960s, no one came close to matching the sales success of Ford’s new “pony car”, the Mustang. The one that came the closest was the Chevy Camaro. During 1967-69 (the Camaro’s first three years), GM sold 842,000 copies of the Camaro vs. 995,000 for Ford and its Mustang. And Chevy had an extended production run year in 1969 due to delays in getting the new 1970 editions ready. This Daytona Yellow ’69 is a one prior owner car that we’re told was pulled from storage when the seller acquired it. Located in Melbourne Beach, Florida, this Bow-Tie is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $17,990 but offers can be tendered.

The seller says he/she doesn’t have much knowledge about the history of this Chevy. This suggests that it was acquired from the original owner’s family who didn’t keep track of Dad’s or Mom’s car after it went into storage. The odometer reading is said to be under 12,000 miles but no mention is made of authenticity, so perhaps it flipped over at some point. This is a rather basic Camaro with a small-block V8 (307) and a 3-speed manual on the floor. But it does have power steering and power front disc brakes, both of which would have been options.

Overall, the car presents well as the correct color was redone at one time. There is a small dimple over the left rear wheel well where something in the garage may have fallen on it. The black vinyl interior looks impeccable, and we’re told it’s original, so maybe the mileage is low after all. We’re told the hardware on this Camaro is numbers-matching, but someone tried to get a little extra out of the motor by adding dual exhaust. A peek at one of the tires suggests they may be old and ready to be replaced.

Before you go too far, you may want to get the brakes looked at as they are said to feel a little “spongy” (low on brake fluid?). Everything sounded rather good until the seller mentioned there is some rust underneath, but no photos are offered to show it. So, does that mean that light surface rust has developed, or does the solid-looking sheet metal hide some major problems? Before submitting a bid, I would ask for the car to be put up on a lift for inspection. It looks as though a plethora of original paperwork will come with the car, so perhaps its history is close to being known.