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?
$39k?????? Seriously??????? Please tell me there is $34k in the glovebox. I could see this price for an original Z/28, or a big block SS, but an RS???? A rebuilt engine is not enough of a band aid, bring that kind of cheddar.
A convertible 1969 Camaro RS is very desirable and sought after. The $39,000 is ridiculous, but so is the suggestion it’s worth $5,000. Depending on the amount of rust you could realistically split the difference.
Steve R
“Split the difference”? I don’t think this car is worth $22k. This may be a sought after car, but the amount of money it would take to get this car right, would exceed the value. We have a difference in opinion on this.
You know. the thing about all of these cars is they are worth what someone will pay for it. And there is an ass for every seat.
I smell a pace car replicate in the works…..that would bring some $$$…
$39k?????? Seriously??????? Please tell me there is $34k in the glovebox. I could see this price for an original Z/28, or a big block SS, but an RS???? A rebuilt engine is not enough of a band aid, to bring that kind of cheddar.
My favorite year Camaro, an RS, and a convertible to boot !
But even a fresh 350 is not enough to justify the asking price.
Yesterday a 1969 Mustang beyond all reason for $12,000. Today not to feel left out a 1969 Camaro beyond reason for $39,000. I need to stop saying nothing can surprise anymore when it comes to muscle cars.
Today I saw a Pacer wagon in yellow with woodgrain ! With a For Sale sign. I was driving by and could not stop, I shudder to think. 50 K ?
It was parked in ice cream shop near a 52, aprox. Ford p.u. Must have been a car show break up, nearby. Saw a 66 Chevy p.u. go by, as well as a 32 Ford Coupe.
Nice fall day here in Southern Maine.
At a quick glance I found one mint, for 74k, another for 55K…
Ummm, I find myself asking this question far too often lately… But is the seller on glue?? I can’t justify a penny over 18k for this thing.
Im pretty sure hes added 10k on that price tag for all the extra words in his craigslist ad. That took alot of time to write and time is money!
In 1969, the 350/2 bl. was rated at 250 HP. The low compression, less cam, 4 bl. was rated at 255. The SS motor was 300 HP.
J.R.
Mr. flipper. looks like they are working ass backwards. this still has rust issues. why would redo the inside of the trunk when the car is nowhere near ready for that. that must be the i don’t want to sell it price. this car still needs 50k+. the prices are just getting worse on these projects.
I agree with the comments re: the price, it’s lunacy, but I don’t think that it runs in the same crowd as the Mustang or the Cuda convertible from yesterday.
The market will decide what this car sell for nothing else…
The sellers ad states it is a 100% numbers matching car and the engine certainly looks factory correct. They likely have a small fortune in the drive train. Cortez silver is gorgeous. NOS parts are highly prized. Checks a bunch of boxes to me!
Maybe 25000 but no more.
39k…. Rocky mountain high
Again, you are paying up for what remains out there to purchase, that will not cost you a upfront 80k, that has already been restored, and gives you a shot at restoring at your own pace and finances available. Pay the 80k upfront or stop complaining about the introductory price.
Ill go 12000….
Ill go 12000 if he throws in new top an carpet..
My offer is not valid anymore.. I came to my senses.
Shouldn’t have a cowl hood, should have hideaway headlights…what tranny does it have? RS should have the rear spoiler…nowhere near original and needs a paint job…39k seems high, I agree. Gotcha wayscto go to it’s potential, even as a driver.
It does have hide away headlights, the doors are just open. It has a whole passel of other things to find fault with.
These sellers assume that they own a holy grail if he thought about that then why didn’t he care for it more and why didn’t he make that engine bay look perfect before dropping that engine in there in his world he thinks it’s worth 39gs he should boycott his dealer and find another one.
Hippies were known to be potheads but they are now old boomers mostly turned into sheep , this newer generation obviously uses more potent drugs ! Sheesh $39 he has to be on strong chemically induced material
What are those ” cocktail shakers ” in each corner of the trunk and what are they supposed to do ?
They were vibration dampers, installed to reduce the body shake and shimmy that convertibles could develop without a rigid steel roof—often called “cowl shake.” They weren’t reservoirs or ordinary ballast.
Each sealed metal canister contained:
A heavy weight supported by springs. Automatic-transmission fluid to damp the weight’s movement. The weight-and-spring assembly was tuned to the body’s natural vibration frequency. As the body shook, the weight moved relative to it, counteracting the vibration; the fluid controlled that motion and dissipated energy. That internal movement earned them the nickname “cocktail shakers.”
They are approximately 25 lbs weights mounted with springs and suspended in ATF in all 4 corners of the first gen Camaro and Firebird convertible’s. They are designed to counter act vibration caused by the absence of the roof structure.
B. Jackson got everyone on cracke! $15k is max
It DOES have hideaway headlights. RS didn’t include D80 spoilers. Ad says # matching everything including THM 350 console shift. Guess you should know what you’re talking about.
Script: Selling my 1969 Camaro RS convertible. Possible transport available. This is a 100% numbers matching car. ALL components of the drivetrain are original and restored correctly. It is the 250 h.p. L65 350c.i. 2V mated to the THM 350 automatic console shift transmission. This is a Norwood built car that was a Cortez Silver car originally. The engine was professionally rebuilt at .030 over bore. The rebuilt heads have hardened seats. The THM transmission was also professionally rebuilt. The driveshaft has been cleaned and coated with new U Joints installed. The original transmission crossmember is in place and restored. All three are installed in the car turning the axles through the original 10 bolt open rear differential. No engine oil or transmission fluid has been installed. The original single exhaust is still under the car. It has 5 new 15″ radial tires installed on original disc brake capable rally wheels. FW code 15X7 in front and AZ code 15X8 in the rear. I have the completely restored and re-cored (original tanks and tags) original radiator in a box. I also have a new antenna, new correct spring ring battery cables, restored hood hinges, restored fender braces, restored original fan and spacer, NOS GM in the box RS grille and the matching NOS chrome grille surround in the box. I have all of the original black standard interior seats that need recovered and I have cleaned and stored all of the original seat belts. The original windshield is cracked and it will also need a driver side quarter glass. All of the cocktail shakers are in place. All of the dash components and gauges are in place except it will need a new radio. All of the RS headlight components are in place including the vacuum cannister. It has a really nice GM cowl hood. The trunk floor was beautiful and I restored it with the correct spatter paint. The complete and original jack assembly was restored and installed with the 5th tire and wheel. The floor pans are really good except there will need some repair on the driver front side – I believe it could be sectioned in. Both original front fenders could have the rust repaired by patches. Both rockers have rust through in the rear of the door opening. Both quarters will also need rust repair. The Frame, header panel, cowl, inner fenders, firewall, cowl hood, decklid, trunk channel, dutchman area, bumpers, tail lights, and front and rear valances are all nice and rust free. It still has the original Trico wipers in place. All of the convertible top frame is in place and the top goes up and down and latches fine (non-power). This is a 4 wheel drum brake car, but could easily be converted to power front discs. The original ball joints are still in place. Original power steering is in place. NO A/C. No tilt steering. I have a computer document of all of the date and casting codes of every component on this car. A really rare opportunity to finish a very correctly done 100% numbers matching car that has been in Colorado as far back as the 1970s. All receipts on buildout. Impossible to find like this these days! Clear Colorado standard title in hand. Located by Grand Junction. CALLS ONLY due to spam.
Ok, but I’m not sure what repeating the Craigslist list ad word for word is all about.
Answers some questions.
Hey RWDrifter… You can repeat it all day long. Even into the mirror if that makes you feel better. Nobody is paying 39k. Absolutely 🙂↔️ nobody.
I’m trying to imagine the Thanos-ian level of willpower it would take to get me to build a 350 Chevy and re-install the original 2bbl intake and carb and exhaust manifolds. I just, just…couldn’t do it.
Now I have to google, Thanosian !
I know it’s nit an intake manifold.
I’m with you, Melton. Even with flat pistons, it doesn’t take much to really cook with those engines