1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

The guy who built this wicked 1969 Chevrolet Camaro had his priorities in order. One, he stuffed a 383 cubic inch stroker motor under the hood, and two, he decided to throw subtlety to the wind with that awesome Rally Green paint job. But don't worry, this car can back up its audacious look with plenty of horsepower on tap.

Yeah, it's outrageously green, so keeping a low profile is definitely out of the question. This car doesn't just grab people's attention, it puts on a spectacular show that has them oohing and aahing like the crowd at a July 4 fireworks display. The sheetmetal is laser straight and looks like it has been shrink-wrapped over the mechanicals, giving it a very lean, predatory look. Everything lines up pretty well, which is especially critical on a '69 due to the creases coming off the fenders. It isn't trying for authenticity, so there are no SS stripes or fake badges, but the paint practically sizzles on the steel and looks incredible. There's a stock grille up front and no RS hidden headlights, so it's all business all the time, just the way the COPO cars were. The hood sports a cowl induction hood and there's Camaro script in a few places, but it's obvious where the builder's priorities lie. Make a statement, and let that statement be horsepower.

The interior got a mild makeover, but pretty much sticks to the Camaro script. New black and white houndstooth seat covers offer the correct pleats and there are new carpets on the floor, so it looks tidy. A fat aftermarket steering wheel was a popular option and always looks great inside these cars, and it frames a set of Auto Meter Ultra-Light instruments nestled into the original dash, for a quasi-custom look. There is an Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo, which is made obsolete by the sound of the 383 under the hood, and a quartet of auxiliary gauges, including a transmission temperature gauge, were nestled into the center console. The trunk out back is finished with correct spatter paint and there's little else to weigh it down and get in the way of performance.

The 383 cubic inch V8 engine is the king of the hill in small block torque production, thanks to a long stroke, yet it loves to rev. The trick is always how to get it under the hood, but the guys who built this one got it right, sitting the engine low enough to clear the hood and improve handling. Chrome valve covers and a machined aluminum air cleaner dress up the small block, along with a big radiator and chrome shroud up front. Long-tube headers, an H-pipe, and a correct transverse muffler give it a fantastic sound that's got a bit more of an edge than your normal 350. A custom oil pan surely helped get that engine so low, and a TH350 3-speed automatic with a 2500 RPM stall torque converter channels power to a stout 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears on a Posi inside. Traction bars help hook up all that torque, and it wears 15-inch Cragar mag wheels with vintage-looking Mickey Thompson tires for the perfect period vibe.

If you like attention, this Camaro will deliver. If you like performance, it's got plenty. And if you like both of those with a reasonable price tag, this is your car. Call today!