American manufacturers were playing for keeps during the glory days of the Trans Am Series. Adopting the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” philosophy resulted in cars like the Mustang Boss 302 and the Camaro Z28. This Camaro rolled off the line in 1969, and finding anything to criticize is pretty difficult. Between the spotless presentation and the rebuilt drivetrain, it is ready to take its rightful place at shows and on the streets. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in Somerville, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $54,000 for a classic that appears to need nothing.
The 1969 model year marked the end of the line for the First Generation Camaro range. It hadn’t sold in the stratospheric totals experienced by the Ford Mustang, but it had cemented its place in the market as a worthy competitor. This Z28 makes a striking first impression in beautiful Fathom Green with contrasting White stripes. It carries the hallmarks of the racing pedigree, from the spoilers to the cowl induction hood that feeds copious cold air to the engine. It also features the badges and hidden headlamps of a Rally Sport, further enhancing its desirability. The presentation is first-rate, with the paint shining richly, and the panels free from bumps and bruises. There is no evidence of rust, with areas like the lower extremities and cowl looking particularly good. The glass and trim are excellent, and the Camaro rides on spotless 15″ Rally wheels.
Chevrolet introduced the Z28 as a homologation special to compete in the under-5-liter category in the cut-throat Trans Am Series. Its high-output 302ci V8 managed to sneak under the wire, producing an official 290hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. This car teams the V8 with a four-speed close-ratio M21 manual transmission, a 12-bolt Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. It is worth noting that Chevrolet developed the Z28 for track competition, not to set blistering times on the drag strip. The engine’s power and torque delivery occur high in the rev range, making it ideal for taking the fight up to the Mustang Boss 302 in fierce competition. The seller doesn’t specifically state that this Camaro is numbers-matching, although that is the impression conveyed in their listing. They do state that the drivetrain received a recent rebuild and that the car is in excellent mechanical health. Whether it is cruising or taking it to the max on a twisting ribbon of road, this Z28 should deliver pure driving pleasure.
I’m trying to decide whether this Camaro’s interior presents as well as its exterior, or if it is even better. The Black vinyl trim is free from wear and stretching, while the carpet, dash, and pad, appear perfect. The timber wheel should feel amazing in the driver’s hands, and they can monitor the Camaro’s health via the console-mounted sports gauge cluster. Chevrolet didn’t equip the Z28 with options that added unnecessary weight, although this car scores a console and an AM radio.
The Z28 option was one of the industry’s best-kept secrets when Chevrolet released it in 1967, with only 602 buyers splashing their cash on one. However, the cat was out of the bag in 1968, and, by 1969, a sales tally of 20,302 vehicles confirmed that a legend had been born. Our feature car is an absolute beauty, suiting enthusiasts who wish to combine stunning looks and impressive performance. The seller’s price isn’t pocket change, but is it unprecedented. It has been on the market for around one week, suggesting that they haven’t been overwhelmed by genuine inquiries. Then again, it only takes one and this classic will find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Dandy model here. Real Drivers car. 🏁
Why so cheap? These usually have a higher price tag. Hopefully Craigslist is real and local inspection
This is a scam .
Do not buy or pay for the car .
Atleast 125k car
CL ad with a half dozen pics, a fairly generic write up and a lower than average market value will always get the little hairs on my neck to tingle. I only hope interested parties do their diligence and inspect in person prior to any monies being electronically sent.
Mike 76, I’m with you on this somewhat scarce example of 17 year old testosterone.
I’m calling FOUL! This car at this price, if it exists, should not even made it to a ad. Adam should have it in his stable and we would have never even been teased. You’re slacking Adam.
Of course it’s a scam, why these make the cut seems like a waste of time…unless it’s a public service announcement!
It’s likely a scam or a clone. Anybody who’s serious about selling a real DZ block 1969 Z/28 would show at least the DZ block engine code, if not the transmission and rear end codes. A Jerry MacNeish report would be good.
The prices have gone down lately, the nice restored cars were bringing $90 to $95K at Mecum Harrisburg in 2024. I have two of them, both drivers, but the price doesn’t matter. I intend to die still owning both of them, my friends will be happy.
This one looks like a nice car in a few pictures, but at 60% of the going price you have to question what’s going on.
I had to look up the meaning of homologation. Now, if I could just untwist my tongue trying to pronounce the word, I’ll be in good shape.
This must’ve been the first year Camaro had electric headlamp door operation, since I don’t see the big vacuum tankto the left of the radiator.
The other commentators are right, this one bears a close inspection.
Nice write-up, Adam, but could you use simpler words in the future? JK.
Jon there’s nothing wrong with expanding your vocabulary. Is there? At my age even though well educated I’m outdone by 8 year olds.
“Homologation” was not coined by Mr. Clarke. It’s “euro-speak” for making sure cars meet a certain standard for production cars.
In racing series that are “production-based”, meaning that the vehicles entered in the series are based on production vehicles for sale to the public, homologation not only requires compliance with a racing series’ technical guidelines (for example engine displacement, chassis construction, suspension design and such), but often includes minimum levels of sales of that model to the public, to ensure that no vehicles in the competition have been designed and produced solely for racing. Since such vehicles are primarily intended for the race track, practical use on public roads is generally a secondary design consideration, so long as government regulations are met.
Priced right -// but ???
If it’s authentic, (key word) it looks like a nice one, has the complete body trim like my 69SS did, maybe the owner doesn’t know today’s prices, but there have been some scams on CL lately. One would have to check it out in person.
There’s no vin tag shown in any photos or listed. Caveat emptor.
Someone in MA needs to get over there and check this one out. It’s a gorgeous desirable car.
Friend had one identical to this one He sold it in 70 and bought a new one.
Splendid example of a timeless beauty. An RS/Z-28 with ideal color and features. Is that chambered exhaust I see? Musical. Almost too perfect. Since I’m not a prospect I won’t get hung up on the details. I will just admire it from afar.
I hope it is real. Alot of mad hatters out there who lose their minds when a car sells for less than they think it is worth.
Barn finds is stupid to even list this fake add
Sure am glad someone else said what we have ALL been thinking.
Did a quick reverse image search, these pics are from a BAT ad that closed as a no-sale @$88,750 in 1/2024. Car was located in Chicagoland. May have sold “off the block”. I didn’t read all the comments. ‘IT’S A TRAP’. Here’s a link but not sure Barn Finds will allow me to post
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-chevrolet-camaro-z-28-171/
It’s a SCAM, reverse image search shows the pics are from a BAT ad run in in Dec of 23. Car was in Chicagoland & a no sale at $88,750. Tried to post a link but Barn Finds don’t allow that.
Scam or not, it’s still nice to see pictures of a 69 Zed. Mine had the rear panel painted black. I thought they all did. I wonder how hard it is to hold onto that steering wheel with sweaty palms?
Pretty though – my bank account doesn’t see any difference between $50K and $120K. Neither is attainable at this state of life. But one of the greatest thrills of my misspent youth was picking up mine from Bill Allen Chevrolet in NKC. My monthly payment was $136.00.
John, only the 1969 SS396 Camaro had the rear panel painted black. The Z28 panel was not black.
There’s also an ad for it using the same photos on cars.trovit.com, listed by vintagemusclecars.com where it’s listed for $18,888. Cars.trovit.com is loaded with tons of cars listed for a fraction of what they should be.
Nice car even if it is a scam but for that much money, why cant you put the period correct tires on it. I have a 1969 SS 396 with the correct tires and it drives just fine. I know I’m beating a dead horse, LOL . If you spend all that money to make it original, spend a little more.
“If it’s too good to be true…”
About a year ago, I saw a 1970 Z28 RS for sale on line for around $50K. Thankfully, there was enough unique info like receipts for me to call the number on the receipts. Dude sold the car 2 years before, someone found the ad, and keeps reposting it. The new owner called me to confirm that he did have the car, it was NOT for sale, and he was mad that scammers keep trying to make a buck on his car.
BUYER BEWARE!!!
The good old. Mine had 302, rock crusher 4 speed 4:10 12 bolt with the 2×4 set up in the trunk, dealer installed. Super car, sticker price was $5270. At 20 years old with marks on my license my insurance payment was more than car payment so I had to give it up. Another mistake but I may not be here today had I kept the car.
Definitely a scam.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-chevrolet-camaro-z-28-171/
Tim, most of us did stupid stuff with those cars back in the day. I was well into my 50’s and still doing it once in a while when I quit. So far I’ve been really lucky, but one well placed Pennsylvania white tail deer would have been a disaster and lost a 49K mile 69 Z/28.
I had a 100 MPH encounter with a deer in the late 1990’s, that convinced me to not do it again. The stupid thing is I was leaving my parent’s place and I knew that the deer were there, my Step Mother fed them.
Fortunately the deer was coming from the far side of a four lane road, so I had time to make a panic stop. I downshifted and stood on the power brakes and came to a stop on the right berm. The deer heard the tire and engine noise and decided to stop. Her back feet went out from under her and she ended up sitting in the right lane about 15 feet in front of the Camaro. We looked at each other and thought “That would have hurt.”
Needless to say, I gave up on that stuff instantly.
Well, I’ll be in BOSTON this coming weekend . I could potentially go find it to see if it exists..
This engine was actually putting out around 375 hp
Wasn’t the fastest pony for 69 but it was the prettiest. Never imagined that his car would be worth this kind of money 40yrs ago.when l race my Javelin against him. The green on this Z looks so good. Too bad it may be a fake ad.l wonder if my military buddy still has it.
Something smells wrong here….why is this underpriced by $75,000 ???
Just sayin
Craigslist has just posted this questionable ad for removal.
Go figure..