Numbers-Matching Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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If you’re the sort of person who struggles to make decisions, this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 could be an interesting proposition. Its faded and tired paint suggests it would be a worthwhile restoration project, while its lack of rust and numbers-matching drivetrain make preservation a viable option. Regardless of which path the buyer selects, this classic will remain inherently desirable. The best news is that they don’t need to rush their decision, because it is a turnkey classic that can be enjoyed immediately. Why not take a close look to see if you can decide what path you would take?

The seller has been this Camaro’s custodian for two years, using the car mainly for shows. They confirm it spent years in a pole barn, but it hasn’t suffered greatly from that experience. The Twilight Blue paint has undoubtedly seen better days and has accumulated a fair selection of marks and imperfections. However, the seller claims that most of it is original, which some enthusiasts might view as justification for preservation. Further justification is provided when we examine the underside shots because the floors are as solid as the day the car rolled off the line. All the seller did was dry-ice blast everything to ensure it was spotlessly clean. They replaced the body bushings and rebuilt the sub-frame, but there has been no cutting or welding in this revival. The exterior is clean, and the trim is acceptable for a driver-grade car. The windshield features a small etching in one corner, but the remaining glass is excellent.

Chevrolet produced the Z28 as a homologation model for the competitive Trans Am Series, developing the car for the Under 5-Liter class. The engine bay houses a 302ci V8 that just sneaks below the mark. The company quoted power and torque figures of 290hp and 290 ft/lbs, but those figures are believed to be grossly understated. All cars came with a four-speed manual transmission, while this Z28 features a 4.10 Posi rear end. The ¼-mile ET for these cars was largely irrelevant because that didn’t form part of the design brief. Chevrolet developed the Z28 for the race track, where drivers could keep that sweet V8 singing to maximize performance. The seller states that the major drivetrain components are numbers-matching, although the original carburetor, distributor, and exhaust manifolds are AWOL. They recently replaced the entire braking system, confirming that the Camaro runs and drives well. It appears the new owner won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price of a car that comes with its original Window Sticker to verify its authenticity.

This Camaro’s interior is a mixed bag because while the seats are original, many trim pieces have been replaced due to age and deterioration. Readers will note the additional gauges, but shouldn’t fear that anything was cut during installation. The top ones occupy the spot typically reserved for the heater controls, while the lower one is mounted in the ashtray slot. The seller holds the original components, making reversing those changes a walk in the park. The console-mounted sports gauges are inoperative, as is the clock. There are a couple of minor trim shortcomings, but its condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

The Z28 was one of Chevrolet’s hidden secrets when it launched the badge in 1967. Only 602 buyers ordered one before the public got wind of what it offered. That figure rose to 20,302 in 1969, and the badge would become an almost constant staple of the model range until production ended. The seller listed this 1969 Z28 here on eBay in Floral Park, New York. Twenty-one bids have pushed the price to $56,100, which is below the reserve. The listing’s bidding and viewing history suggest it has struck a chord with enthusiasts, and I won’t be surprised if the price climbs significantly higher before the hammer falls. Are you tempted to join the action, or will you join me as a fascinated spectator?

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Comments

  1. Bud Lee

    GM designers were on fire in 69. I’d walk a thousand miles through broken glass for any second gen Chevelle, but you could cover that glass in salt for a 69 Camaro.

    Like 15
    • KC

      Wow!

      Like 3
    • David Cook

      I love your comment about walking on broken glass. I too think that 1969 was the absolute best year for all domestic cars. I was 13 years old then and thought that everything would just keep getting better and better. Boy, was I wrong!

      Like 6
  2. Jeff

    I am used to seeing a rear spoiler.
    This is a sweet Z28..

    I wish i had my 69 Rally Z28 back with hidden headlights…spoiker

    Good luck with sale!

    Like 8
  3. Timothy Oneill

    My 69 came with cross ram 2×4 in trunk for dealer instillation. Another one that should of kept. 20×20 hind sight.

    Like 7
    • Melton Mooney

      I know what you mean. In the early 80s I passed up a front hit, but easily repairable lemans blue 69 RS Z/28 with crossram AND JL8 four-wheel discs for 8500.00. The glass hood and all the 2×4 stuff were still on the car and it was loaded with other options. I already had a 69 SS350 at the time, though, and 8500 was a lot of money then, but that one haunts me to this day. At least I still have the SS.

      Like 7
      • David Cook

        You ain’t just whistling Dixie! That was a lot of money then. Now it’s nothing, but then in the 80’s gasoline was just over 1.00 per gallon.

        Like 1
    • Mongoose

      Nice, do you know the price for the 2×4 option back then???

      Like 1
  4. JD DJ

    Definitely “Not” a survivor heavily “Fluffed” and at that price with restoration costs one word “BURIED”

    Like 4
  5. Billy

    I just looked into my crystal ball and low and behold I see the older Camaros coming in to their own.
    Especially the numbers matching cars.

    We are going to see these cars consistently head to the clouds.

    This appears to be a really nice starting point example. I’m impressed. It’s obvious the owner is also.
    Good luck to all!

    Like 3
  6. C Force

    Powered by the best small block Chevy ever made!The cross ram with high lift cam and headers makes around 468hp.Ths version is good for about 306hp.The magic number for insurance purposes was 300hp and up,higher premiums.290hp slipped under the insurance radar…

    Like 2
  7. Timothy Oneill

    Bottom line sticker was $5270 with cross ram 4;10 possie and 4w disc. Insurance was my killer.

    Like 5
    • David Cook

      $5,270 was a lot of money in 1969. You could buy a basic Cadillac or entry level Corvette.

      Like 2
  8. Greg

    Pre-X code car? Thought all Z’s were either X 11, 33, 77? Also never saw a Z without the spoiler?

    Like 1
  9. Mark in TN

    Greg,
    No Los Angles cars were ever x cars. Early Norwood cars were not x cars and spoilers were an option at the time. Later during the production year they were added. Only x77 and x33 cars were Z’s. X33 cars had the style trim or RS option. X77 were plain Z’s. X11 was for Camaros with style trim option or RS cars, not Z’s.

    Like 3
    • Greg

      Didn’t mean to put X11 in my comment! Thanks

      Like 1
  10. Steve R

    Sold with a high bid of $57,200.

    Steve R

    Like 0

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