Rebuilt 350: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible

Some project candidates hide their light under a bushel, and this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible is one of them. Beyond the tired paint, the car is solid and could be ideal for someone looking for a first project build. The engine bay adds to its appeal, housing a freshly rebuilt V8 paired with a refreshed transmission. The seller has listed the Camaro here on Craigslist in Delta, Colorado, for $39,000.

Considering that 1969 was the final production year for Chevrolet’s First Generation Camaro, it is surprising the company invested heavily in a cosmetic upgrade. It left the hood, trunk lid, and roof untouched, but the remaining sheetmetal was new. It gave the Camaro, a car that wasn’t exactly what many would consider long in the tooth, a fresh look for the Generation’s last hurrah. Our featured Camaro is an RS Convertible, ordered by its first owner in Cortez Silver. Few traces of the original shade remain, which may motivate the new owner to strip the exterior to bare metal for a faithful restoration. The panels have minor bumps and bruises, and rust in the lower front fenders and rear quarter panels. However, since these problems appear minor, well-crafted patches might provide the ideal solution. The driver’s-side front floor has repairable rust, but crucial areas like the rails and cowl are rock-solid. The top frame works as it should, and the deal includes a new grille and other exterior trim pieces.

Isn’t that pretty? The first owner ordered the Camaro with the 2-barrel 350ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes a power figure of 255hp for the 350, despite the air cleaner decal indicating 250hp. It provided very respectable performance while delivering the sweet bass beat that is a hallmark of Chevrolet’s small-block. The engine bay probably offers the best news for potential buyers: the seller rebuilt the engine and transmission, and they have covered no miles since they were slotted back into place. They also reconditioned the original radiator so that the new owner can achieve a factory-fresh look.

The seller hasn’t performed many rust repairs, though they restored the trunk pan and applied new paint. Disappointingly, they provide no interior shots but say the interior is complete aside from the missing factory radio. The first owner teamed the Cortez Silver exterior with Black vinyl upholstery, a classy combination. It needs a complete retrim, which will add about $1,800 to the restoration budget if the new owner uses a high-end trim kit. The results should justify the cost, because the vinyl should present nicely for decades if treated respectfully.

The seller’s asking price means this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible isn’t a cheap project. However, the listing images and text suggest the rust issues are relatively minor, and the buyer could address most of them with patches if they don’t want to spend money on wholesale panel replacement. The rebuilt mechanical components are a bonus, letting the buyer focus on the car’s corrosion and cosmetic needs. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you, or would you prefer a more affordable alternative?