The elderly previous owner of this 1969 Camaro started a project build, but the work stalled over thirty years ago. It has sat ever since, but it recently emerged from hiding following his sad passing. Close inspection reveals it is a rock-solid vehicle with a healthy V8 under the hood. It would make an excellent project build because it appears that all the elements are there to transform it into something special. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Camaro listed here on eBay in Naples, Florida. The bidding has raced to $18,500 but is yet to reach the reserve.

Once the seller dragged this Camaro from hiding, they received a few pleasant surprises. Admittedly, its original LeMans Blue paint is well past its prime, and the previous owner removed the Black vinyl top. The previous owner began an unusual painting process using enamel and some type of unknown black paint. However, that approach has proven beneficial because the car retains its original steel, which is rock-solid. There are areas of surface corrosion but no evidence of penetrating rust. The floor and trunk pans are intact, as are the rails. The buyer will face the prospect of stripping many areas to bare metal as part of the build, but at least they won’t be confronted by countless hours of grinding and welding. The panels carry a few marks and bruises, but addressing those should be routine. Most of the trim is restorable, and the glass looks fine for a driver-quality restoration. The seller added a set of new Torq Thrust that suits the car’s character. If the successful bidder doesn’t want them, the seller will swap on a set of alternatives and subtract $1,000 from the winning bid price to compensate.

Don’t be fooled by the badges on the front fenders because this Camaro isn’t numbers-matching. It rolled off the line equipped with a 250ci six-cylinder engine backed by a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. That combination would have made the Camaro a competent daily driver but would never get the pulse racing. The previous owner removed the engine and slotted something more potent into the empty space. He selected a 350ci V8, although he didn’t complete the installation process before placing the vehicle into storage. When the seller uncovered it, they coaxed the small-block back to life and returned the Camaro to the point where it runs and drives. It isn’t roadworthy and requires components like an exhaust. However, the engine seems in good health and should represent an excellent starting point for this build. The seller also offers a tempting alternative for potential buyers to consider. They have another 1969 date-coded 350 engine block the buyer could secure for an additional $400. It features 4-bolt mains, factory nodular caps, and a standard bore. That would be perfect if the new owner wants to create a motor with serious performance credentials.

The previous owner’s eclectic approach to his build becomes apparent when we examine the Camaro’s interior. He added a few homemade timber highlights, including wooden armrests. The seller says that removing these additions should be easy and include the correct parts to achieve a factory appearance. The back of the driver’s seat is split, but a replacement back cover is also included. The remaining upholstered surfaces look good for their age, as do the headliner and dash. With the custom additions removed, the seatcover installed, a new carpet set, and a deep clean, this interior would present well for a driver-quality classic.

As a project build, this 1969 Camaro holds a lot of promise. It would undoubtedly look stunning with its original paint shade and vinyl top reinstated. However, it is a blank canvas for a new owner wishing to stamp their mark on the build. It has generated significant interest because there are already thirty-four bids submitted with plenty of time remaining on the auction. It will be interesting to monitor the listing to see where the bidding heads, although you might want to throw caution to the wind and join the party. If you do, I’d like to wish you good luck.