There are many reasons why an enthusiast may choose to part with a beloved classic, and an overseas relocation has forced the hand of this seller. They have been the custodian of this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Indy Pace Car for a decade, and the indications are that it has been cherished and treated respectfully. It is an inherently desirable vehicle, but their decision to offer it with No Reserve has produced frantic bidding. The Camaro is listed here on eBay in Phenix City, Alabama. Sixty-one bids have pushed the price to $50,000, with almost a week left on this auction.
The seller states that they bought this Camaro for themself as a 45th birthday present. As gifts go, they probably don’t come much better than this. They typically enjoy weekend drives, protecting the car from inclement weather. The listing suggests that it is a genuine survivor, and if that is the case, it definitely deserves respect. The iconic Dover White and Hugger Orange paint is in good order, with no significant flaws or imperfections. The panels are straight, and the gaps are consistent. There is no evidence of rust, and the lack of surface corrosion in areas like the engine bay suggests this classic is rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good condition, as are the Rally wheels. If this classic has a weak point, it could be the White power top. The photos seem to indicate its appearance has deteriorated, but this could also be an illusion due to the image quality. Only an in-person inspection would reveal the truth. However, if this Camaro is a survivor, the lack of rips and other problems makes the condition acceptable.
Powering this Camaro is a 350ci, which the first owner teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The small-block generates 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, and with the ability to hit 125mph, this Pace Car should provide a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The seller states that this gem has a genuine 110,000 miles on the clock, and its condition makes the claim plausible. There is no written information regarding its mechanical health, but they do include an embedded video in their listing. It shows the car in action, revealing that the engine runs strongly, the transmission shifts crisply, and there are no odd noises that might cause concern.
The ’69 Camaro Indy Pace Car followed a “one size fits all” approach to interior trim. Buyers received Hugger Orange vinyl with contrasting Black houndstooth cloth seat inserts to create a distinctive look. This car retains its original trim, and the lack of wear and signs of abuse suggest the vehicle has been treated respectfully. There are no aftermarket additions, with the vehicle retaining its factory AM/FM radio/8-track player. The new owner will be able to hit the road with complete pride with the top down because there seems to be nothing deserving of criticism.
Chevrolet produced 3,675 examples of the 1969 Camaro Indy Pace Car, and the desirability of these cars is beyond question. Combine this car’s bidding history with the auction view and Watch List tallies, and it is easy to see that plenty of enthusiasts like what they see. Those factors lead me to believe that the price will climb significantly higher before the hammer falls. How much would you be prepared to pay for this classic?
Steering wheel is not stock. And I’m pretty sure the dash pads were orange not black. This has had some restoration work done
The dash pads were black and the steering wheel is the optional NK1 or Comfort Grip. I had girlfriend in the early 80’s that had a 396 4-speed pace car. The hood was stolen from the apartment complex she lived in. My neighbor brought one home from the local dealer in 1969 to use in a local parade, as a 17 year old I was in love with that car, sort of still am. This one is what I would call driver quality.
I have always been pretty fond of the ’69 Pace Cars, but I would be a fairly strong pass on this one due to the small block and the automatic. If I were to drop the kind of spendin’ money that one of these demands, it would have to be a big block 4 speed car. Nice car, nonetheless.
The seller would be money ahead if the car was given to a professional detailer. Overall, it looks neglected. No, undercarriage pictures…suspect. Not a fan of rag top cars from this genre. It’s a parade car.
Needs professionally detailed in the worst way. Doesn’t present well. NO undercarriage pics…suspect. Wonder what a Jerry MacNeish inspection would disclose.
These were made to make dealers happy, the one to own is the 396 equipped with the Muncie 4sp
These are the less desirable Pace Cars and they could be had as a hardtop
3675 convertibles, 450-500 coupes.
But the original pace cars were convertibles so it wouldn’t make much sense to buy a factory reproduction that wasn’t a reproduction of the original.
Too many questions for me.
Didn’t all Indy Pace Cars have graphics stating that ?
No, it was an option, although I have heard that you could get them with the car by simply asking
The door graphics were shipped from the factory in the trunk. It was up to the dealer or customer to decide on installation.
I think the decals were dealer installed if the customer requested, also
the door panels S/B orange I believe, looks odd to me ….
I prefer the decals on it.
The graphics came with the package. They were in the trunk, you had the option of having the dealer install them or not. When I was a young man ( 18 or 19 ) there was an older woman ( 27 or 28 ) that came into the gas station where I worked several time a week. She was always dressed provocatively and was a big tease. Use attendants would trip over each other to be first to the island. Loved that car!
Rustytech,
I’m sure by now you know what she did for her money, right?
My mother bought one brand new out of the show room in sixty nine 350 four speed car and the dash pad was definitely black
Please tell me why people don’t put the correct tire for the car when they are selling it. They ask enough money for the car and say it’s original.
Because the original bias ply tires would make this thing handle like a buck board compared to new radials.
The old Goodyear Gatorback radials not only were noisy when new(& old) but were the only radial i heard of that did an impersonation of a bias ply – did not track very straight/consistent. lol
Any ’69 Pace cars built with powerglide?
SOLD for $72,200.