Just because a classic isn’t completely original doesn’t mean you should dismiss it immediately. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is a prime example. It is no longer numbers-matching, but its restoration included sourcing and rebuilding the period-correct 302ci V8, returning the car to its factory form. It presents superbly in one of the badge’s most desirable colors and is a turnkey proposition with no apparent needs. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting the Z/28 listed here at Hemmings in Cape Coral, Florida. Bidding sits at $75,000 as the auction heads into its final days.
The 1969 model year may have been the last for Chevrolet’s First Generation Camaro, but the company pulled out all the stops on a cosmetic refresh. Almost every panel was new, but the changes remained quite subtle. The Z/28 variant had cemented its place in the line-up, setting a new record of 20,302 sales in 1969. Some may disagree, but I have always considered Hugger Orange the badge’s most iconic shade. It isn’t subtle, but it looks glorious when it’s in good condition. This Z/28 undoubtedly ticks that box following a 2023 rotisserie restoration. It has seen very little active service since the work ended, which explains why it still looks pristine. The depth of color and shine is impressive, while the laser-straight panels and tight, consistent gaps attest to the builder’s eye for detail. The contrasting White stripes look crisp, and the trim and glass are perfect. The Rally wheels round out a package that will draw crowds wherever it goes.
It is often said that racing improves the breed, as demonstrated by the Z/28. Chevrolet developed the package to compete in the cut-throat Trans Am series, with Ford firmly in its sights. It required something special beneath the hood, and the company’s engineers delivered. They developed one of the best V8s to power an American classic. Chevrolet quoted power and torque figures of 290hp and 290 ft/lbs for the high-revving 302ci V8, but it is widely acknowledged that it understated both figures substantially to avoid antagonizing insurance companies. Every car received a four-speed manual transmission, reflecting the badge’s competition pedigree. The seller says this Camaro isn’t numbers-matching, but it features a correct DZ-Code 302, a four-speed M21 transmission, and a 12-bolt 3.31 Posi rear end. The motor has only clocked fifty-five miles since a rebuild that included blueprinting and balancing. Therefore, with a few more miles under its belt, this turnkey classic should easily match its original performance figures.
The interior didn’t escape attention during the restoration, receiving a retrim in Code 727 Ivory vinyl. True to its performance roots, it has no radio, but the interior features a console with the Sports Gauge Package and a beautiful timber wheel. Unsurprisingly, the presentation is first-rate, with no wear or other issues. I’m unsure whether the builder had a Concours result in mind during the restoration, but the inside of this Camaro is another area that is seemingly perfect.
Purists will lament the fact that this 1969 Camaro Z/28 isn’t numbers-matching, and I understand that sentiment. However, it presents superbly, and I admire the fact that the current and previous owners strove to return a desirable classic to its factory form. The decision to balance and blueprint that sweet little V8 should unleash a few extra ponies, not that the Z/28 lacked in that department! It has attracted only three bids to reach the current figure, but with a Watch List tally of one hundred, I suspect that figure will climb. What would you pay to park this beautiful Camaro in your garage?
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