First Generation pony cars were renowned for two things. Firstly, they could offer potential buyers unrivaled bang for their bucks at the showroom. Secondly, as the years passed, they were also famous for dissolving rapidly in the wrong environment. This 1969 Camaro RS has spent its life in sunnier climes, and as a result, it is said to be a rust-free survivor. The current owner purchased the Camaro 37-years-ago but has decided that the time has come to part with this classic. It is located in Danville, California, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made it to $30,069 off the back of some intense bidding. The reserve has been met, so a new home beckons this clean survivor.
The owner of the Tuxedo Black Camaro doesn’t try to portray the vehicle as something that it isn’t. In the 37-years that he has owned it, it has always been garage-kept. That has helped it to remain rust-free. However, that doesn’t mean that it is perfect. He openly acknowledges that the paint wears its share of imperfections. He suggests that it would benefit from some spot painting, which might be a fair call. There are no signs of any horrendous issues, but there are a few chips, marks, and scratches visible in the photos. The panels themselves appear to be straight, while the gaps look to be consistent. The Camaro rolls on Rally wheels, and there are no signs of any problems with these. The trim and chrome appear to be in good condition, as does the original tinted glass.
The Camaro’s Deluxe interior has received a recent refresh, and it looks pretty nice for the effort. The owner has fitted new carpet and new covers on the seats, while the door trims and dash present well. One of the few flaws that I can spot is some significant creasing of the rear trim on the driver’s side. However, I suspect that this could be brought back into shape with a little time and patience. I also can’t spot the headrest for the passenger seat, so that will be a question to ask. The console is in good order, and it features the original factory gauge cluster. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot for the original radio, but I don’t believe that the dash has been cut to fit this. Therefore, slotting a factory radio back in should be an easy task. There are no engine photos, but we know that the Camaro rolled off the production line equipped with a 327ci V8 and a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission. The original 327 has made way for a 350, but it isn’t clear when this occurred. However, the 350 has only accumulated 2,000 miles, so it would seem that this was a recent change. If I were considering this car, I would be asking about that original engine. If that is still about, I’d probably grab it. It would be nice to return the Camaro to numbers-matching status, if possible. The owner claims that the RS has covered a genuine 54,000 miles, but doesn’t mention whether he holds any evidence to verify this. The other thing that he doesn’t mention is how well the Camaro runs and drives. Still, that gives potential buyers plenty of questions to ask.
Here at Barn Finds, we see plenty of 1st Generation pony cars with rust problems. Cars like this one serve as a breath of fresh air. It seems that this is a car that could be driven and enjoyed immediately, and any restoration work looks to be pretty minor. So, you could buy it now, and then drive it until the weather turns nasty. I can’t think of a better way to make Winter pass faster than to spend plenty of time in the workshop tinkering with a classic car. That is potentially the case with this car, and probably partially explains why the bidding has been so strong. Of course, the fact that it is simply a very nice and desirable car won’t hurt either. If I could, I’d park it in my workshop any day. Will you?
Interesting ‘blown’ 65 Mustang in the background there. Foglights could indicate a GT as well. That said, RS looks like a great steed!
Wrong tail lamps
Just on the right side…left side looks good from the angle. I wonder why it was replaced?
Yes, and no RS emblem in rear between tail lights. I would say this had an RS nose attached, then added under bumper back up lights
Nice car, but far from a survivor. Price is reasonable, but not inexpensive, which is what happens with well optioned rust free 69 RS Camaro’s.
Steve R
“Survivor” is Adams catchphrase. Doesn’t matter if the car has had a full repaint, a new interior or both, he will misuse the term every time.
What happened to the 327 in 54000 miles?
Why no mention of those pseudo Z28 stripes?
Could be ordered for the SS package
Are you sure about that? I’ve only seen them on Z28’s and Indy pace cars, those white things with the orange stripes.
Those stripes were NEVER an SS option on any first generation Camaro. Only Z28’s and Pace Cars had those hood/trunk stripes.
I ll get Jerry on those stripes. Barn finds has an SS with the rally stripes right now.
I stand corrected. Only Z/28s got the stripes in 67 & 68. The pace car replica and Z/28s got them in 69.
Please let there be an original 230 or 250 6 cyl under the hood of this sixty NINE RS so that i will have seen everything. Drat. lol
Disc brake brake pedal – check.
Would like a peek under the hood.
Unless the cars that I ve seen were repaints. Yes
Without the 327, value definitely decreases.
Needs a built 454, a 12-bolt, and a Rock Crusher with a Vertical-Gate Shifter complete with reverse lock-out lever.
looks like the wrong tail light assembly – at least on the passenger side – for an RS. maybe a modified “survivor”
Back up lights for a RS were under the bumper.
Not sure where my original comment went, but I’ll try again. Seller should be thrilled to get $30k for this one. All 69 Camaros are cool, but not all are high value. From what I can see this car has been assembled. Nothing “survivor” at all. RS was probably added, or, more likely it was hit in the rear and repaired incorrectly. Different engine, custom paint, mismatched interior, and a 327 auto is pretty low on the desire scale. The numbers will tell but I cannot find any in the ebay listing.
Is 1969 when the 327 was phased out as the base V8 by the 307 ? But this car needs its pedigree looked into , its bid up to $ 30,333.00 now. That sounds like a lot of money for a questionable car. But true there aren’t that many nice bodied cars left.
yellow stripes ?
Why custom door panels on standard seat covering. Something is not right with this car and the oddball pieces on it.
Why no drivers side pics ?
Looks like front fender on drivers side is off color??? Hmmm!
Side panel in rear drivers side appears wrinkled terrible
No survivor I call his bluff
$20k tops……
Rust free-yes
Survivor-no!!