Being chosen to supply the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 is an honor to which many manufacturers aspire. Chevrolet has been represented by its Camaro on nine occasions, including 1969 by the SS/RS. The company leveraged the enormous exposure received via spectators and the television audience by releasing an Indy Pace Car Edition. Our feature Convertible is one of those vehicles, and it recently emerged after a decade in dry storage. It is an original survivor, leaving its new owner to choose between preservation and restoration. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The bidding has raced to $33,433 in a No Reserve auction.

Chevrolet wanted to ensure the Camaro stood out in person and on the small screen when it hit the track to lead the field at the Indianapolis 500. The best way to guarantee a visual impact was to choose two of the best contrasting shades on the 1969 color palette. Teaming Dover White with Hugger Orange was inspired, and the replicas offered to the public wore the same combination. This SS/RS is a survivor that recently emerged after ten years in storage in Texas. The seller claims it wears its original paint, although it shows its age courtesy of chips, scratches, and other imperfections. They claim the steel is also original and completely free of Bondo and other repairs. Some minor rust holes are developing in the lower body extremities, but the winning bidder could patch these to preserve as much of this car’s originality as possible. The floors and other underside areas are rock-solid, with only pitting in the trunk pan requiring attention. The White power top is a recent addition that functions correctly and is free from rips and other problems. The Camaro retains its correct RS grille. However, the headlamp doors don’t operate. The trim and chrome look acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and there are no visible glass issues.

Powering this Camaro is the iconic 350ci V8 that sends 300hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The journey down the ¼-mile would take 15.2 seconds, and a top speed of 125mph represents rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring. The first slice of positive news for potential buyers is that this SS is numbers-matching. The seller revived it after its decade-long slumber, returning it to a roadworthy state. They indicate it fires into life at the first turn of the key, even if it has been sitting for weeks. The small-block produces no smoke or odd noises, with the seller describing the driving experience as amazing. Flying in and driving home is a realistic option with this classic.

Ticking the box for the 1969 Indy Pace Car Edition brought buyers an interior dominated by Hugger Orange upholstery to complement the exterior highlight shade. The seats received houndstooth cloth inserts to add a touch of class, while this car also features a console, a pushbutton AM radio, a tilt wheel, and no obvious aftermarket additions. It is serviceable in its current form but shows wear and aging that may prompt a retrim if the new owner chooses to restore this classic. That would cost over $2,000 but would be the only option for an enthusiast seeking perfection. There are alternatives if the winning bidder pursues a preservation path. The driver’s seat has a split that is beyond repair, and replacing the front covers would cost approximately $550. This may cause a color inconsistency with the existing back seat, which could be enough for the new owner to splash a further $340 on a matching rear cover. There is deterioration on other upholstered surfaces and the pad, leaving the new owner with choices to make.

I can usually look at a classic car like this 1969 Camaro SS/RS Convertible and picture my preferred path if it were in my workshop. This is 1-of-3,675 Pace Cars produced that year, and returning it to its former glory would seem a no-brainer. However, I’m not sure about that. Part of me is attracted by the thought of perfection, while I see the benefits of leaving the vehicle largely untouched. That is largely irrelevant because I’m not in a position to join the bidding war. If you are, what would be your plans?