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Parked For 30 Years: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

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.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Refreshing to see one of these without sun shining through rust holes. It’s going to make a great project for someone.

    Like 9
  2. Avatar Bill W.

    I think the black “paint” is more probably something like POR-15, or some other rust treatment. I’m curious to see how high the bidding goes on this one.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar joenywf64

    Interesting homemade armrests – guess the owner had enough of the stock
    cracking-too-soon std top vinyl/foam armrest pads.
    If you put on a single exhaust here & a quiet muffler, & beat a base 327 or 307 at the traffic light or even a tired 350 or some small std v8 from another manufacturer, they would all be very embarrased being beat, seeing the 250 badges on this, thinking thinking it was indeed a 6 cyl. lol

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Mike

    30 years parked 25 years covered

    Like 1
  5. Avatar mjf

    250 engine, depressing

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Hommerstang

    That would look good with a coyote 5.0 under the hood!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ffred

      Better yet a Honda 4 cylinder from a 1970-80s Civic.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar george mattar

    Tesla drivetrain in a stock looking restoration. That black paint is POR 15. I used it 30 years ago on a project. It turns black. It lasted for quite a while, but then flakes off. That was in the early 90s. Probably better chemicals now.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Desert Rat

    Coyote motor (Ford) Honda motor in a 69 Camaro, what is wrong with you people?

    Like 1
  9. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    The fact that this originally had a 6 cyl makes me think, did Chevy ACTUALLY build ANY ’68-71 camaros with a TORQUE DRIVE powerglide that you HAD to shift manually – & with a floor shift?
    https://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/the-torque-drive-transmission-chevys-manually-shifted-automatic
    The great-feeling-for-the-right-hand HORSESHOE floor shifter(not avail in nova) would be IDEAL for that trans, since many with a 6 cyl liked to manually horseshoe shift a regular powerglide anyway.

    Like 0

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