Surprisingly Solid: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Rusty 1960s pony cars are one of the most common categories we see at Barn Finds, and many require deep commitment if the buyer is to return their project car to its former glory. That makes this 1969 Camaro Convertible a breath of fresh air. It has rust, but unlike an automotive iceberg, it is all visible from the outside. There are no nasty surprises lurking below the surface, making any restoration appear a straightforward process. It has been sitting in a barn for four decades, but the time is right for this classic to find its rightful place on our roads. Located in Topeka, Kansas, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on eBay. Spirited bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $20,300.

This photo reveals why the previous owner parked this Camaro back in 1982. It was involved in a minor fender bender that inflicted cosmetic damage to the passenger side. It is repairable, although, given the visible rust, the buyer will undoubtedly decide to replace the damaged panels. There is also rust on the driver’s side, but this appears limited to the rear quarter panel and lower front fender. The rockers look good, which is the first slice of good news for potential buyers. Delving below the surface reveals floors and a frame that wear little more than surface corrosion. No cutting or grinding will be required, although treating the corrosion and applying an undercoat should ensure that it won’t deteriorate further. When we look in the engine bay, the cowl, a known weak spot, also looks clean. The soft-top is shredded, and a new one will need to go on the buyer’s shopping list. They may also need to add some trim to that list, but the overall impression is that this could be a relatively easy project.

The interior of the Camaro is one aspect of the car needing plenty of TLC. It hides a few surprises, like a dash pad that has avoided the common cracking issues. The console looks like it could be saved, but the painted surfaces require a refresh. There is also evidence of rodent infestation, which is never good news. Any enthusiast faced with addressing that problem can attest to how difficult it can be to eliminate the “distinctive” odor those critters leave in their wake. For potential buyers, replacing the upholstery, carpet, and seat foam may be the only course of action. Interior trim kits provide all the necessary parts, and at around $2,200, they render these issues a distant memory.

Buyers in 1969 faced an enormous selection of motors to power their new Camaro, with the original owner of this car selecting a 307ci V8 producing 200hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed manual transmission and a 10-bolt rear end. This configuration would have allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in a neat 17 seconds. That brings us to one interesting quirk that the Camaro shares with the Mustang. Many potential buyers focus on the benefits and desirability of the four-speed transmission, but more ratios don’t always equate to improved performance. If this car featured the four, the ¼-mile ET would increase to 17.1 seconds. It isn’t much, but it is an interesting little fact. The seller gives the impression that this motor hasn’t fired a shot in anger since 1982, but it does turn freely. After a thorough check, a fuel system clean, and some fresh fluids, coaxing it back to life may be possible.

It can sometimes be challenging to gauge the desirability of a classic car, but this 1969 Camaro Convertible leaves us in no doubt. Forty-five bids have already been dropped, and with time remaining on the auction, there is scope for this figure to climb higher. It seems that many people like what they see, but do you? If you decide to join the bidding war, I could hardly blame you. If you do, we at Barn Finds wish you good luck.