The ’69 Camaro is highly desirable for many reasons. It was the final year of first-gen Camaro production, there were a ton of engine options, and it featured one year only body styling. Chevrolet added new fenders, doors, and quarter panels to make the car look wider and more aggressive. The result was a mean looking machine that’s still highly sought after today. Add in some rare factory options and bowtie guys really go nuts. Take this project that’s listed here on eBay out of Saint Louis, Missouri for example.
Here’s the money shot. See the Z11 stamped on that cowl tag? That means this car was built by GM to replicate the Camaro Pace Cars used at the 1969 Indianapolis 500 (here’s more info about the original cars). They took what was already a tricked out convertible SS/RS and added some nice visuals including an air induction hood, Rally wheels, white paint, and bright orange stripes. Buyers could options different engine/transmission combos and power options or they could build it just like the real the Pace Cars.
Inside, the Z11 got some wild orange houndstooth upholstery. It’s hard to appreciate in these photos, but trust me, it looks awesome! The actual Camaros that paced the race at Indy were specially prepared 396-powered automatics, but we certainly aren’t going to complain about the 4-speed stick sticking out of that console. We will complain about the photos, though. This listing has to be in the running for worst photos ever. I’m not sure if it’s some sort of strategy, but it’s definitely not helping.
Anyway, that crusty 350 is claimed to be numbers-matching and to have ran when parked. They also claim it’s a 350-horsepower engine, although the standard Z11 small-block was the 300-horsepower L48. The seller purchased the car 36 years ago and is supposedly the second owner. They started restoring the body with some new sheet metal but then life got in the way and they never finished it. They are finally ready to cut it loose though. Let’s just hope it goes to someone with the resources and expertise to make things right. With only 3,675 produced, this is a rare one in the Camaro world.
Here you can see those Hugger Orange stripes! Unfortunately, you can also see the level of neglect this poor Camaro has endured. The spoiler is chipped and that rear panel has been replaced. It’s hard to really get a good idea of what you will be working with here. The seller has set the opening bid at an optimistic $24,900. We should all shoot for the stars but it might be a good idea to learn how to shoot a couple of photos first…
Wow. All the parts you could fit into a large dumpster and cart home. No takers at $24,900? The hulk sat in his yard and now he sees value?
Originally was a great looking car. Now? Not so much…
Yeah, we all know how life can get in the way. That said, Listing says amongst other things, “hope to find someone who appreciates her as much as I do”.😂. If you appreciated her, you would have never let her get into this position. If you look thoroughly, restored Z11’s can be purchased for $60-80k. I would probably go that route, if I were looking for one. GLWTS.
This used to be a desirable 69 Camaro, it’s sad to see these cars like this