Despite the 1969 Camaro’s prominent status on many enthusiasts’ Top Ten list of cars-to-own-someday, examples turn up for sale every week across the budget spectrum. You want a DIY project? How about one with an oak tree for an engine? Is turn-key your style? Dial up a $200,000 Pro-Touring version packed with every modern convenience. Specimens like this 1969 Camaro in Idaho Falls, Idaho land somewhere nearer the affordable end of that range. A numbers-matching 327 V8 and, Powerglide automatic car, its listing here on eBay features a Buy It Now of $9500.
General Motors tooled up new body dies for 1969, making the final year of its first-generation Camaro and Firebird someone unique. Though tastes vary, the ’69 version tends to rank slightly higher than the earlier stampings. More differences are discussed here at streetmusclemag.com.
The cowl tag decoder at camaros.org confirms what we see, a standard bucket interior in Midnight Green, complimenting the Fathom Green body paint. The $45 K-Mart steering wheel suggests a High-School splurge at some point in the car’s past. One might expect rust from an Idaho classic, and the seller claims “Outer sheet metal is rusty. Floor, firewall, roof, subframe, and trunk floor are solid. Fenders, doors, rockers, and quarters are rusty.” A few under car pictures confirm the story of a structurally sound car needing panel replacement.
That Maple Syrup container at the front is actually the see-through fuel filter. A clear filter helps when reviving a long-stored car, so you can see whatever rust flakes, dead mice, and other FOD has invaded your fuel system. The two-speed Powerglide automatic is not everyone’s favorite, but it has a long racing history, and should not be ridiculed. The cast thermostat housing is a nice upgrade from the leak-prone stamped steel units GM fitted to many cars at the factory. If I’m not mistaken that Edelbrock carb is the evolution of the popular Carter design. The seller says this Camaro “Runs and drives, but engine needs work. I think it has a flat cam lobe.” Given the good and bad, what would you offer?
Hmm def need a look underneath–think its worth 9500??? Rust would tell. the powerglide is second to a 4 speed, but livable as Todd says. Plus you might get a better price with an offer. good luck!
Cheers
GPC
There appears to be enough rust present that I would not consider anything without it being made available for close inspection. I suspect there’s a lot more rust hidden from view.
I wouldn’t touch this one. I restored a 69 SS RS a number of years ago. What I started with looked far better that the one above. Turns out that I replaced just about everything on that car. Turned out amazing, but it cost a bunch. When it was finished my wife told be that she was quite sure I could have purchased a brand new one for what I have invested in that 1969 Camaro. She was wrong, I could have bought two. I have burned only two tanks of fuel in that car since finishing it.