Sometimes, it’s the pedigree that’s the strongest factor in making a car project promising, and that seems to be the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. This one’s going to need a comprehensive restoration, both cosmetically and mechanically, and it’s not going to be cheap to get this F-Body back on the road. However, the seller says this Camaro is a factory SS example and was originally equipped with a big block and a 4-speed. Keep in mind the verb here is “was”, not “is”, so take into consideration that this one’s a roller. It’s in Leitchfield, Kentucky, resting in what appears to be a salvage-yard setting, and can be seen here on eBay. There’s been quite a bit of interest so far, with 19 bids already pushing the price to $5,100, which is still short of the reserve.
The owner lists the original color of his Camaro as Hagar Orange, though I believe he means Hugger. Perhaps the seller was listening to some non-David Lee Roth era Van Halen while typing his listing, and that influence triggered the typo. That’s a great shade here, but it’s going to take some sheet-metal repairs before the exterior is ready for a fresh coat of paint. Fortunately, many of the parts are still present outside, and it’s great news that the area around the rear window looks pretty solid. However, there is some rust in other areas that will need to be addressed, and the hood and front bumper will be among the items the buyer will be responsible for sourcing.
There’s no word on why the engine and transmission were removed, but at least the buyer won’t have to lose sleep worrying about keeping the mechanicals numbers-matching here. The engine compartment actually appears to be in good condition, so hopefully it’s not too far from ready to drop in whatever powerplant the next owner desires. I’m thinking this Camaro would be an excellent match for someone who already has a muscular Chevy engine and transmission sitting in their garage, just waiting for an opportunity to put them to good use.
The interior will also require a thorough going-through, and if the dash pad is any indication, this one’s likely been exposed to the elements for quite some time. Nothing is mentioned about the underside, but the trunk pan shows some corrosion, so there’s the possibility that work will also be required down below. Perhaps the rails are still sturdy, but I’d check them out thoroughly early on in the restoration and do whatever is needed before getting too deep into the bodywork. It’s also important to note that the seller is keeping the wheels and tires shown in the photos, and that the car will be wearing a set of different rollers upon delivery. From your perspective, is this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS worth the effort?
I like how the seller tossed a fresh set of rally rims and tires in for the photo shoot. This area floods often, and just recently experienced it again. I would inspect this vehicle inside and out before making a move to purchase.
Totally agree!!!! Sadly, this car is a flood victim, and from the looks of it, was completely submerged for a while. Too bad, because I bet at one time, it was sharp!!
“non-David Lee Roth era Van Halen”….
That’s Van Hagar to you, Mr. Stephens…
He wants $13,000 for a rusted out shell with the only thing worth anything are the rims but they do not come with the car. He claims the car is a four speed but looks to be an automatic. The $5,100 bid is already to much money curious to see how high the bidding gets.
It has 3 pedals for sure but someone modded it with that B&M-style ratchet gizmo…and I’m not sure if it’s as rusty as anyone thinks. To me, it’s still a good candidate for a revival.
X66 on the cowl tag means it’s an SS396 without style trim. These cars were often stripped of non-essentials, meaning lightweight. Given the manual trans, this would have probably been a pretty serious hotrod.
That said, the firewall and the cowl tag don’t seem to have been exposed to the same environment given the lack of corrosion on the tag which may or may not mean anything.
Good car that needs a savior.
This car was featured on this site January 22, 2025 by the same seller. The pictures in the current eBay listing match those in the prior writeup. It’s rough has demonstrated it’s having a hard time finding a buyer at their reserve price.
Steve R
Absolutely shocking it’s as high as it is now. There’s just about nothing left that’s worth saving.
Probably drag racers looking for a relatively solid body and nothing else.
They will buy a new body. Starting with rusty shell like this will cost significantly more and take a lot of time. Racers don’t care how this car started life, they want something cost effective they can put on a track in a short period of time. This car will likely appeal to someone looking to “restore” a car.
Steve R
You know,,,it’s actually kind of refreshing seeing this again. This is far more appropriate for where I came from. Some, from warmer climates, probably shudder to think how someone could this allow to happen, I mean, a ’69 SS Camaro,,diddly-diddly. Well, kids( pulling suspenders) when musclecars went belly up, in the late 70s, these cars were the most undesirable cars to have. $500 tops, every gas station had several out front with for sale signs, they became winter beaters, and voila. It wasn’t in our wildest dreams we ever thought this car would be a 5 figure car, even IF it was nice. We never expected $7 doz. eggs either. Gas skyrocketed to almost $1.50 A GALLON. End of the world, for sure, quick, get rid of the Camaro. This is nothing more than the blatant regard for greed. This car had its time, let it rest already,,,
It’s a very good start to a bracket racing car. You don’t even have to pull an engine. They’ll use a carbon hood anyhow, and sell the wheels and maybe even the seats and steering wheel. That’s the market for this.
Howard, I agree with the statement about them dropping in price when gas shot up to $1.50 I bought a 69 SS (even rustier than this one but drivable) It was a 396 4 speed and paid $400 for it sometime in the late 70s early 80s. Times have changed.
X66 therefore a 396 car.
How many fuel lines on the car?
Could be a L78 375 HP car IF the is just one original fuel line from the tank to the front frame.
That would change the dynamics of the price, value AND the desirability of the car for restoration.
Ya never know!
another seller with the bait and switch tactics with the wheels. i would not give 500.00 for this bait bucket. need a tetanus shot just looking at it.
Another VIN tag looking for a Dynacorn body.
I agree
Dynacorn bodies are not exact copies of original bodies, there are slight structural differences. If used for a high dollars restoration it will be discovered and treated as a fraud or counterfeit. The Dynacorn bodies are good for race cars or some other build that doesn’t use an original VIN.
Steve R
This car has been on line numerous times, with no takers. It’s crusty.
Ahhh Litchfield KY ..
Near my old stomping grounds in HS.
The prior 1970’s used car capital of KY. Many rusted NY cars made it from auctions there. I once was looking for a paint job and stopped at a paint shop place where pop rivets and thin metal was getting glazed over without removing the rust. ( sure not all cars received the special earl shive knockoff restoration but…who knew)
My first 55 Chevrolet hardtop hot rod 327 340 hp four speed came from a garage in Litchfield .
(I rebuilt the engine and replaced the drive shaft from a drag race miss shift ( Mr Gasket Inline shifter) back in the day. I still wonder how does one mess that up. 😎. The shifter never missed on the car future races with me. 😄
Sorry reminiscing my youth and the town..
The Camaro here is way over priced..
It could use the cheap cover up paint job of yester years..😂😄🤪
1200 bucks..bring a trailer..its a long way past a good ss 396 car..forget it..its crusty..lots of panels needed..to much work
Yea … I like the cardboard on drivers side floorboard covering up the rusted out hole and the rats nest in passenger side floorboard. Adds value $$$
Interesting to note, all 396 cars had a matte black rear panel, but this one does not. Maybe it was repainted?
Forget the Camaro , let me at that sweet looking pickup behind it !