Last week a friend and I were opining about the direction that first-generation Camaros have taken price-wise. My friend had owned one long ago and was possibly considering another acquisition, while I have only owned a second-gen, a vintage that I don’t wish to own again. The conclusion to the conversation was that the market values have reached astronomical levels and probably aren’t worth pursuing, at least right now – the marketplace is what it is. With that exchange in mind, here’s a rather plain, and worn, 1969 Camaro sport coupe, located in East Haven, Connecticut and available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $16,500. Priced right or not quite? Let’s find out.
Of the 243K ’69 Camaros produced, who knows how many are still in existence but that number has to be outsized – they turn up everywhere, all of the time. The market drivers are SS models (especially with 396 CI engines), convertibles, and of course, the Z28. Many found have been severely modified with excellently performed enhancements, while others are often half-baked and poorly executed. Restored to stock and survivor status are part of the mix too. And of course, the truth as to what a ’69 Camaro really is has been unscrupulously manipulated by flimflammers and fraudsters thanks to the ease of turning one into something other than how it started life – the profit motive just feeds the greed I guess.
Our find here is a basic sports coupe equipped with a standard 200 gross HP 307 CI V8 engine and a Powerglide automatic transmission. It runs, but it doesn’t sound as if it’s too roadworthy as it’s stated as a project. It’s one of about 128K, or thereabout, so equipped. Interestingly, the standard 307 engine was a mid-model year inclusion substituting for the former standard 210 gross HP, 327 CI motor – the 128K production figure includes both. Other than the dual exhaust system, which was a seldomly selected option with the 307 CI motor, the mechanicals appear to be original and untouched.
The Cortez Silver finish is very faded and worn and the once stylish black vinyl top covering is letting go, flapping in the breeze and revealing the underlying steel top. Rust aplenty is visible, especially in the lower passenger side quarter and both fender legs. Other surface rust, some starting to get serious, is evident too. The all too common Chevrolet rally wheels may be original, they were an option in ’69, but they could be a later addition too. The trunk floor is rusted through in places so a further inspection of the interior floor pans would be warranted.
Inside is another snapshot of standard ’69 Camaro Sports Coupe fare. The center console is an option, as is the rear window defogger and A/C system but nothing really stands out. The seating upholstery and interior panels look pretty good, though the carpet is shaky and the dash topper is probably hiding a split pad. It looks about as you’d expect for a 52-year-old car with a 118K recorded mileage reading.
The seller claims matching number status, which is an important thing with an aforementioned SS or Z28, probably not so much so with a lowly 307 engine that will probably get pitched by the next owner. Still, it’s a nice to know item as it lends credibility to this car’s originality and integrity. Back to that whole pricing thing, how’s this Camaro stack up? Probably a bit high but being a ’69 Camaro, it’s no surprise to me, how about you?
That much rust in the engine compartment usually means three times that underneath. Wouldn’t even breathe on my wallet until I saw underside shots.
Knock ten g’s off the BIN and it’s still overpriced. It’s a parts car that’s too far gone and not special enough to save.
This is another example of a car that only someone in love with 69 Camaros should restore but not until after you could acquire it for about $5K or less as RKS has alluded to. Even then, doing most of the work yourself and only because you love 69 Camaros (and I do), you’d spend over 80K on a chesty motor, transmission and posi rear end in addition to all the metalwork paint and interior restoration to produce a car you couldn’t sell for 50K. Like I said, you’d have to love it.
Again, carpet in that condition should have been pulled out long ago, even if not replaced.
I wonder if that smaller ’69 steering wheel with a smaller dish can bolt onto a non locking ’67 or ’68 camaro steering column & not hit the driver’s leg.
Oh no, it’s the cousin of the other ‘69 Camaro listed today!! A fake SS with a crate motor and TH350 is about to be created! Some one put a stake in its heart, quick!
16,500 for this rust bucket?!? All I can say is Bite Me! But I mean that in the nicest way possible. 😀