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Restore Or Customize? 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

When you see a car like the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro currently on ebay, your first thought is the value equation. The car is set at an opening bid of $10,000, with no takers and about a week for interested parties to declare themselves. Miami, Florida is the location of this car, which rests in a packed-full warehouse with a number of other classics, from a 1937 Hudson Terraplane to a couple of Chevy Caprices, 1968 models. The ebay ad suggests that you might want to discuss one of those with the seller, as well. But you’re focused on the Camaro, right? Question is, what will it cost to get it home and then, after many months of work, back on the road?

Or should that say, “Back on the strip”? Your first decision is whether to revive the car’s competition past or get rid of the wide rear and narrow front tires, hope there’s no tubbing that’s chopped the trunk area up, and put this one on cruise duty. Does the fact that it comes with a new crate LS7 help sway you one way or the other? What about the fact that there’s no mention that this car has any distinguished racing history? And that what comes to mind when you look at it is that this is a cool 1970s build that is now hopelessly dated? Maybe the best course of action would be to put the drag past to rest, if what’s left of this car is resto-worthy. However, here are things you don’t know about, including body integrity or the presence of rust or prior repairs. What’s up with the interior? Does it even exist, since the images don’t show it? And along with that engine, will you be receiving a transmission?

The seller makes what appears to be a fair point that it’s a better idea to build a classic drag car with this as your starting point than cutting up a 100K car. But think about that a second: nobody except the truly money-mad person is going to chop up a hundred-thousand-dollar car. They’re going to take a classic beater and make it either a 100K show winner or spend that money making a classic drag racer out of it. At least by buying this car, you have a clean slate to decide which route to take. And there are badges that suggest this is a Z/28, which if they point to an authentic factory build, add considerable value.

You’ll have title issues to contend with, though. The car is sold on a bill of sale, and no word is spoken of its origin. Maybe those of you in places other than California would have an easier time with this than I’m sure I would. But if you’re in the dreaming stage, think of what this car could be in your hands. Color? Whatever you want. Engine? We already know that answer. Transmission? Likely your choice too. And you could make it any trim level and color you most admire. Your  only  question is whether $10 grand is an over-the-top starting point given that you’re going to need lots of the little finicky pieces, down to the wipers.

Comments

  1. james sartor

    Vent windows say this a 67.

    Like 21
    • Camaro Rod

      I concur its a 67 model.

      No original engine makes a hot rod build in my book

      Like 0
  2. Wade

    Its a 1967 camaro. I noticed the wing windows. Its listed on ebay as a 1967.

    Like 9
  3. Steve R

    It’s a 1967, not a 1969.

    Not a Z28, the emblems were available from GM through the mid-80’s and was a common addition.

    This might be an RS car, it’s hard to tell without seeing the rear valance.

    If the body is nice someone will bid before the auction ends. Lots of race cars from the 1970’s weren’t completely cut up, no more than a lot if current pro-touring cars are today with mini tubs and new front subframes. The value with this car is in the body, it it isn’t rusty or previously smashed that’s all a you need for a custom build, maybe even put a more modern suspension if you want to race it. As for a nostalgia race car, those are for show, almost every car running at a nostalgia race such as the March Meet or Hot Rod Reunion is newer.

    Steve R

    Like 7
    • Lovin' Chevys!

      I put Z28 emblems on my Chevette…Just kidding.

      Like 0
  4. Herman Munster

    Definitely a ’67 with an RS grille and RS chrome trim under doors, and round wheel arches. There were no Z/28 emblems on 67’s, although 602 Z/28’s made.

    Like 0
  5. Frank Sumatra

    Reminds me of the crash test cars parking lot at the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories across from the Buffalo Airport in the 1960’s.

    Like 1
  6. Terrry

    There’s a Buick Skylark in front of it that’s more interesting…

    Like 1
    • John M. Stecz

      It’s not that hard to tell a 67 Camaro from any other year,it’s the only Camaro that had vent windows in the door glass.

      Like 0
  7. Daniel Franklin

    Rather have the “65” f85/cutlass in front of it !

    Like 5
  8. Chuck Foster Chuck F

    Only 602 1967 Z/28s were made, and they did not come with emblems. It does look like it’s an RS though.

    Like 2
    • John M. Stecz

      That’s definitely a 1967,wonder what happened to the cowl tag,that would answer all your questions as to what it is. If you really want to know call Jerry McNeish,the Camaro guru and he will certify what it is. Good Day

      Like 0
    • joe bru

      Doesn’t look like an RS, no reverse lights in rear valance.

      Like 0
  9. Marshall

    I wonder when Miami was under water from the hurricanes that these cars suffered water damage from the salt water?? Hopefully not..

    Like 1
  10. The Cadillac Kid

    Does the 68 Cadillac bumper go with it?

    Like 0

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