The Z/28 Camaro was Chevy’s entry in the SCCA Trans Am Racing Series. As such, it had to follow SCCA guidelines which initially limited engine displacement to 305 cubic inches. This 1969 pony car no longer has its original 302 cubic inch V8 with sold lifters, replaced by a 350 which would join the Z/28 in later years. The photos will show the car in transformation from dark blue (as found) to a sanded body, and then flat red primer. Located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, this project is available here on eBay. While the current bid is $13,200, the reserve is unmet and the Buy It Now price is $35,000.
Production of the Z/28 Camaro was limited at first. Just 600 copies in 1967 and 7,000 in 1968. But the floodgates were opened in 1969 and assemblies tripled to more than 20,000, a record that would stand for nearly a decade. Those wanting one of these Camaros checked the RPO Z28 box on the order sheet and gave the dealer nearly $500 extra. That got them an upgraded suspension package, wider wheels and tires, and front disc brakes (with rear disc brakes also available). The Z/28’s engine was exclusive to the model and was conservatively rated at 290 hp.
As the story goes, the seller may be the third owner. It changed hands for the first time in 1980 and the car was repainted dark blue (original color?). And, for whatever reason, the original engine and 4-speed transmission were swapped. We’re told the 350 uses the car’s original heads and the tranny is a period-correct M20. The body is said to have been solid to begin with (though there are some patches), so perhaps only minor work will be needed before new paint gets applied.
The interior is original and in good condition, at least for a driver-quality ride. But once you get the body whipped into shape, you’re likely going to want to give the passenger compartment a makeover. The seller provides a variety of photos that take you back to its 1980 rework, then to the primered project that’s available to someone new to complete.
Floor pans look like bubblegum welded in
Those are some ugly welds for sure.
And the patch is just flat sheet steel. At least it’s butt welded in, but should have been cut from a stamped floor pan. Structurally OK but ugly for sure.
How does one check to see if a 69’ Z/28 is an authentic or a replica? The VIN numbers dont tell !
When all other documents are gone, you can look at the trim tag. Some Norwood cars have X Codes. I believe it is X33 and X77 that would be a Z/28. The trim tag on the listing is a X77 (last pic of the ad). That said, I believe you can also buy trim tags. So you would have to be sure that this is the original trim tag to this car.
Yes Sir, the X77 code on the bottom line means this is a Z28 (without style trim). That is followed by the D80 code on this car which means factory spoiler. That’s more rare than you probably think.
‘Without style trim’ means that it probably didn’t come with much fancy trim or a lot of options, and this car looks to be pretty basic, so that adds up.
From a performance standpoint, this was about the hottest small block camaro you could buy in 69, but also the biggest handful to drive with manual trans, no power steering, and the rather demanding 302.
It is actually stamped into the inside cowl area down by the wipers…..
Lot of money for a non #’s project car.Have to probably go over all the body work done to make sure it’s right.But I guess these cars are demanding big $.For the first month or so of production you could order a 69 z28 with drum front brakes.Garbaged picked 2 rally’s about 15 years ago and checked the codes and sure enough they were for a drum brake z.Got got about 600 for those.glwts.
Without the original DZ302 it is just another Camaro and you might as well remove all the Z28 badging.At $35k…no way…
C Force, you are absolutely correct!
You are absolutly correct. Without the 302 it’s just another Camaro. I bought a new 1969 Z-28 in Sept. of 1969. The spectacular 302 made the car.
I’m realizing this website seems to be where all the ignorant peanut gallery founding members with no money reside. Every time a special car gets listed here, the most thumbed up comment is someone ignorantly and falsely claiming that a special car is no longer special just because its original engine is missing.
It’s hilarious and pathetic at the same time.
Wait and see when you try to sell it for whatever reason i.e. you’re tired of it, you’re sick and can no longer enjoy it or drive it, you need $ for whatever financial reason and a #’s car always brings a lot more $. A project car at this price point is an investment. Nobody said it wasn’t special just it wasn’t worth the $ they are asking without the original drivetrain.
Maggy, the OP specifically did say exactly that. Read what he said and make it make sense.
Without the motor or any correct running gear..it’s a high price for average body of this car….it’s just too many things missing and no 302s are to be had..just another 69 camaro with a 350 variety motor in it…it’s not pulling 60k with this..in any condition
In the 80s when people still drove cars like this every day, it was pretty common to rebuild 302s using the 350 crank/pistons to make it more tractable in traffic. Does that mean the car is no longer a Z/28? Does it become an SS? What about upgrading the shocks, or the mufflers, or brake pads? I mean where do you draw the line?
“The Buy It Now price is $35,000.”
Dream on!
I thought all 1969 Z/28’s had the taller rear bumperettes?
This makes the 1968 Z28 barn find look like a deal.
I thought all ’69 Z28s got the silver rally wheels with the bigger brake cooling slots.
Z-28s came with rear bumper guards, which this car doesn’t have. Emblems can be swapped as well as trim tags. Does this car have a 12 bolt rear end? Does it single leaf springs or multi leaf springs and if so how many leafs? Did it come with dual exhaust? Does it have power disc brakes? Is it a manual transmission car? All this can help determine if it is a Z. Under the cowl panel on the passenger side is the VIN stamped onto the body, it should match the VIN under the windshield.
Your condescending attitude is misguided. If you are talking about a non-numbers matching DZ302 you are correct. The 1969 Z-28 Camaro is a Z-28 BECAUSE of the DZ 302 engine, numbers matching or not. Without a DZ 302 engine, it is not a Z-28. That’s just a fact. It’s like a Porsche 356 where the Porsche engine has been removed and a 1600cc VW engine installed. You call yourself a REAL enthusiast, that’s a shame because you don’t seem to know what makes a special car, special.
See what I mean about the uneducated peanut gallery? Mark above gets it.. there are MANY differences between a Z/28 and a standard Camaro – the DZ302 is just one of them, and obviously the most important.
Unlike ‘68, a ‘69 can be verified as a real Z/28 even with no motor whatsoever. It doesn’t cease to be a Z/28 just because you take the original motor out. These comments are hilariously ignorant and ONLY come from people who have no stake in the game whatsoever, but are just commenting on other people’s cars.
You go find a project Z/28 missing its original engine and see if you can buy it for standard Camaro project price. It won’t happen.
I’d be willing to bet most of these people commenting and thumbing up ignorant comments don’t own any classic cars at all, let alone a real Z/28.
You may ask why I’m going on about this? Because I’m tired of ignorant know-nothings trashing the cars they can’t afford because they have nothing better to do. I guarantee these same people, if they owned this car, would ABSOLUTELY be advertising it as a Z/28 and would be asking a higher price than if it were a standard Camaro. Every single one of you. Nothing but ignorant hypocrites.
Well, you are so high and mighty and all knowing up on that pedestal looking down at us low lifes. Go buy the car for $35K. I hope you can find the DZ 302 for it. I’m done with you. I don’t have time for arrogant people.
Well said, Art Pauly!
The fact that this project car that needs everything – including probably full floors and surely some other rust repair – is already bid up to $25k with six days remaining is proof positive of what I’m saying. No standard Camaro in this condition would ever fetch $25k.
This car will probably go to at least $31-32k.. no idea what their reserve is, but whether it sells or not, if it reaches low $30ks it will totally prove all the ignorant commenters wrong. But good luck getting them to make any concessions here.
One thing is certain- you are a REAL RICHARD.
The only ignorant commenter here is you. Everyone who disagrees with you has been very respectful in doing so. I would really enjoy having Jerry MacNeish provide his input here. But you would probably disagree with him too.
@steve You are totally confused if you wonder at all where Jerry stands on this issue.
Installing a 302 into a base Camaro does not make it a Z/28 any more than removing the 302 from a Z/28 makes it a base Camaro. But if you people really believe the mere presence or lack thereof is what determines Z/28 status, then you would have to believe that installing a 302 into a base Camaro makes it a Z/28 as well. Of course nobody believes this, so there is no validity whatsoever to the argument that removing the original engine from a Z/28 makes it any less of a Z/28.
If a bade Camaro had a 302 in it and was advertised as a Z/28, every single one of you would be chastising the owner for lying about what it is. But your own hypocrisy will not allow you to admit the truth and recognize the utter absurdity of these ridiculous claims.
In the 80s when people still drove cars like this every day, it was pretty common to rebuild 302s using the 350 crank/pistons to make it more tractable in traffic. Does that mean the car is no longer a Z/28? Does it become an SS? What about upgrading the shocks, or the mufflers, or brake pads? I mean where do you draw the line?
Just because a 69 Z doesn’t have its 302 motor doesn’t mean it is not a Z. It still has all the attributes of a Z. Many lost their engine for one reason or another. A person could take a 350 block put the double hump heads along with the aluminum intake, Holley carburetor and the 30 – 30 cam and no one could tell it wasn’t a 302 without checking the numbers. Many 302s blew up due to over revving. I had a 30-30 cam in a 350 and at 6500 rpm it was still pulling. I heard stories that some would wind to 7000 rpm. I bought a body with no drive train for parts. The owner was drag racing it and was welding sub frame connectors to the body. He was called to supper and put the electrode in the back floor board. It arced between the carpet and caught fire. Inside and the roof burnt up. In the early 80s wasn’t worth restoring. Wish I had it now
I didn’t see anyone say it wasn’t a real Z28. Just without the motor, wasn’t worth the money. This car, like any other, is worth whatever someone wants to pay for it. Judging from the pics, this car will need the passenger floor replaced at least and minor body work and paint. Not having the original drive train will in EVERY case affect the bottom line as far as what it’s worth but it doesn’t change the fact it’s a real Z28. It’s just not worth as much as one with the original drive train. You can find a 302 and make it look right but they’re only original once. Either way it looks like the seller is going to get what they want so what does it matter really. No sense stressing what other people think. Not every one is going to agree with others and it’s really not worth the energy. I’ve definitely owned my share of muscle in my life from my 66 Chevelle SS (my 2nd car) to my 70 440 4 speed Road Runner(the one that got away) to my 77 Pontiac Astre wagon(my current ride). Doesn’t sound like muscle until you see the not so original drive train under the hood(sort of) which in this case makes it worth much more than if it were original. Also, I enjoy the s#!+ out of it which is what life is all about in the first place, isn’t it? Why can’t we all just get along and enjoy the muscle while we can. We’re not getting any younger people. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What is this?
“Without the original DZ302 it is just another Camaro and you might as well remove all the Z28 badging.”
That is someone saying that it is no longer a Z/28 without its original engine. It’s hopelessly ignorant.
Also just not worth the energy you’re wasting on someone you’ll never change the mind of. Some people just know it all(ha ha) and you will drive yourself crazy trying to explain something to someone who knows it all. Just not worth the energy you’re giving them. Save that energy for yourself. We need it as we get older.
I don’t think this is a Z-28. Why would someone take the rear bumper guards off and put on the plain ones that were standard on all Camaro? I think the trim tag was changed.