When the topic of a first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, such as this 1969 convertible, arises, the focus immediately shifts to SS, Z28, or aftermarket hot-rod models. That’s easy to determine; take a look at the enormous number that BF has covered over the last three years, and you’ll find that this is indeed the case. Today, however, I’ve an original, unmodified, ordinary convertible version, but it does have its notable features. Located in Mobile, Alabama, this Butternut Yellow repaint drop top is available here on eBay for a BIN price of $36,500. There is also a Make an Offer option.
The seller claims he’s handling the sale for the owner, who has possessed this car since 1972. Originality abounds, though, as stated earlier, a single repaint has occurred. The seller adds, “Surface rust underneath. No rust through on floor pans. No rust in trunk, no rust in rockers or quarters, or fenders. Very clean car.” The exterior does show well, though the rear bumper is displaying some rust bleed-through. No comment is made regarding the folding top, but it looks pretty good despite its clouded rear plastic window. Good news! All four “cocktail shakers”, which balance components of first-generation F-body convertibles, are still in place – they often go missing.
The interior is standard Camaro black vinyl, and from what can be seen, it looks OK, though tired. Noted are strap-on front seat covers and a dash topper, too, so my guess is the underlying material, in both cases, has deteriorated. The steering wheel is cracked, no surprise there, and the dash was modified to accept a modern DIN radio. Note the automatic transmission gear selector – it’s on the column and not encased in a center console as is often the case with this generation Camaro.
The seller tells us that this Camaro’s six-cylinder engine has traveled 199K miles and, “Engine runs good but could use a tune-up as it has been sitting for a while.” My thought is the powerplant in question is the standard 140 gross HP, 230 CI six, as there are no fender badges advertising the larger 155 net HP, 250 CI motor – the listing is silent on this matter. The previously referenced gear selector actuates a recently rebuilt Powerglide two-speed automatic. Other improvements include: “New brake lines, pads, and shoes – newer tires.” The seller also states that this Chevy is one of 1,507 six-cylinder Camaro convertibles assembled fifty-six years ago, though the volume I uncovered is 15,573.
OK, so I’d suggest that this is a neat discovery, this car is stock and original while having no go-fast pretension about itself. How desirable a find will this Camaro be to a potential next owner? It’s hard to say, but I imagine there’s a market, of some size, for a 1969 Camaro equipped this way. The only big likely holdback is the price. At $36,500, I’m not feelin’ it, how about you?
One big plus is the ad has some decent photos for once!
It is a neat car for a nice Sunday drive and you really don’t see the convertibles at all much less original.
Wish them best of luck with sale.
Yeah, nope, not feeling tingly… More like 25ish. I think some sellers should shop for a classic before they put a price on a car.
I like this just the way it is but I am afraid whom ever can afford it today will yank the nice six (which should be rebuilt and painted) and put in a 396 or even a 427. It will be just another ho-hum over restored big block Chevy in a long row. People will walk by and keep moving. I would look at a nice six for a long time, and hopefully get to have a nice conversation with the proud owner. Rarity needs to be respected. Cars, like people, should stay the way they were born.
No one is likely to buy this car for the asking price, those that might be inclined aren’t going to pay the premium the seller has attached to it, then do an engine swap, it doesn’t make financial sense. There are better deals for someone willing to put in the work, just like this seller did, this car is at least one “turn” past being reasonably priced.
Steve R
“They are only original once” and this one is not. New paint, hacked up dash. Nice looking exterior, don’t know that its worth the $36K asking price.
A convertible 6 cylinder with a power glide would be nice for short trips. I think the price is too high.
For those with the skill and resources, swapping out the drive train for a small block (350) and a 3 or 4 speed would make this a nice car.
After I saw the first picture of this car, and I know this may sound crazy and I don’t know how I can even think this, I was almost hoping to see a six cylinder under the hood.
I’m a V-8 guy, but for some reason, a six cylinder just seems so much more suited to this car. Just keep it all like this and drive it and have fun with it. If it was a hard top, I don’t think I would have the same opinion but being a convertible I think there’s some redeeming value to the six cylinder. The price is a little high in my opinion. But it is a really cool car and has nice history.
I bet u never seen a ’69 RS with either 6 cyl – even on a hardtop! – i never have, tho i think there was 1 at Carlisle a few yrs back.
Agreed this one has had the Maaco paint job treatment thats about a mile thick, hiding who knows what underneath. I almost prefer a worn out patina paint finish to this. Is it Original? I don’t know about that, it still has the worn out six cylinder that needs a “tune up”. It is neat that it still exists.
Swap the pushrod six out for a hopped-up Poncho OHC-6/ 3 spd on the floor, and you’d have yourself a fun cruiser that would raise eyebrows at cars and coffee.
I thought the base Camaros had the back up lights in the tail light assembly and the full tail lights were for the RS. I learn something new everyday on the sight.
This car has the back up lamps in the tail lamps. If you look carefully at the pictures you can see the small rectangular white back up lamp in the middle of the red tail lamp lenses. Only RS cars came with the solid red tail lamps, and their back up lamps mounted in the lower rear valance panel below the bumper.
nicecar i would offer 15,000 being that the motor has 199,000 and it has been sitting for a while for 36,000 you get a pretty nice car
very stiff asking price. been repainted so it is no longer original. love the color even the buzzing 1/2 dozen is cool but not the price. i would say 25k or less it would sell
Had a friend. Rich family in Highschool. This was what he got at 16. With a 6 and slush box. lol.
I like it because it’s a 6cyl this just makes it a nice cruiser price maybe on the higher side but you know what you are getting for the money
Never hurts to ask. Looks good at first glance. Then the goblins come out. I think the six and automatic would be a nice Sunday driver.
I had no idea about those “cocktail shakers“! That’s why I love coming here, always something to learn! Thanks for the nice write up!
I guess facts are where you find them. According to NastyZ28.com only 1,707 Camaros convertibles left the factory with a 6 banger.
I pulled my number from “Classic Car Database”
JO
Year
1969
Make
Chevrolet 1913-1975
Series With Engine, Displacement, Wheelbase
Camaro 6 Series 12300 (L26) , Turbo-Thrift, valve-in-head , 230cid , 108in.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro 6 Series 12300 (L26), 108 in. wheelbase
Model No. Doors Passengers Original Price No. Produced
Select Convertible 2 4 $2835.00 17573
Select Sport Coupe 2 4 $2621.00 225512
They will be waiting a long time for $36,000 for this condition