Major Restoration: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS

Some restoration projects are straightforward, while others require deep commitment and a large dose of “brave pills” to tackle. This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS fits into the second category, but its inherent desirability and range of factory options means it deserves more than a passing glance. It would have been a stunning vehicle in its prime, so why not take a close look to determine whether you could recapture its glory days?

The 1969 model year marked the last for production of the First Generation Camaro range. The badge had successfully cemented its place in the market, remaining available until 2002. It experienced a revival in 2010, before once again disappearing at the end of 2023. The first owner ordered our feature car in iconic Hugger Orange with a Black vinyl top and the distinctive concealed headlamps that were a hallmark of the RS derivative. I always appreciate a candid seller, and this one deserves total admiration. They confirm that every panel sports dents, Bondo, rust, or a combination of all three. The roof is eye-opening because moisture below the vinyl has allowed tin worm to consume large slabs of steel. I won’t say I’ve never seen one this bad, but I think every reader will agree that it is beyond the point where simple patches will address the problems. The floors may have similar issues, although they may not be as bad. The seller is unable to open the trunk but believes a new pan is hiding inside. Many trim pieces, including the grille, are damaged, but the glass looks quite good.

The seller’s honesty comes to the fore when they admit that the 350ci V8 hiding under this Camaro’s hood isn’t original. However, it is obvious that the first owner wished to combine performance with user-friendliness, selecting a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The small-block would have delivered 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, providing excellent performance befitting the SS badge. The listing confirms that not only is the existing engine a later addition, but it doesn’t currently run. It is unclear whether it turns freely, so factoring a mechanical rebuild into the budget would be wise. After all, it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.

This Camaro’s interior needs nearly as much love as the rest of the vehicle, but apart from the radio, it is complete and loaded with desirable features. The first owner chose air conditioning, Black Deluxe trim, a console with the sports gauge cluster, a factory tach, and a console-mounted 8-track player. Step one with this interior will be to perform a deep clean. That will help establish what is fit for service, and how long the shopping list will be. Surprisingly, the seatcovers don’t look bad, and new carpet on the lower edges might bring the door trims back from the brink. Whether the winning bidder follows that path or performs a complete retrim will depend on their desire for perfection.

The ongoing popularity of First Generation pony cars means that parts for a total restoration are readily available. Scouring the internet will unearth enough reproduction parts that make it possible to recreate a car like this 1969 Camaro SS/RS from a single lugnut. This classic isn’t that far gone, but the shopping list of parts will be long if it is to return to its former splendor. The seller listed it here on eBay in Savannah, Georgia. Two bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $7,600, with plenty of auction time remaining. However, with over 1,100 people viewing the listing in the past day and 148 placing it on their Watch List, that suggests that plenty of people see the potential of this project. Either that, or they are sitting back in morbid fascination to see where the bidding goes. Which do you think it is?