1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

The 1969 Camaro was recently named the most significant Chevrolet of the past 100 years, and when you look at this Lemans Blue ragtop, it's pretty easy to figure out why. With a 350 under the hood, timeless good looks, and the most stylish interior to come out of GM's design studios that decade, this Camaro tells you all you need to know about the democratic process.

Orange Camaros get a lot of attention, but if you want to look like an adult, this Lemans Blue convertible is a smarter choice. Not too bright, but not soft, either, it's the quintessential muscle car color that projects both style and aggression. This car was repainted several years ago and still looks good, with good panel fit and straight sheetmetal throughout, although it has spent some time as a fair-weather driver, so it's no longer perfect. White hockey stick stripes are almost mandatory, just like the cowl-induction hood and ducktail spoiler out back, all of which are welcome additions. This is not an SS and it's kind of refreshing to see that it hasn't been doctored up with fake badging, although with the stripes folks are probably going to make that association anyway. Does it matter? This is an awesome-looking Camaro! Details like the blacked-out grille, gill inserts ahead of the rear wheels, and polished stainless wheel moldings were all options, and they elevate this Camaro above some of its stripped-down brothers.

White buckets contrast brilliantly with the blue paint, and the black and white interior looks crisp and bright in the sun. The seats show some wear, but the depth of the detailing on the seat covers strongly suggests that they are factory-issue, although they're really, really nice so perhaps they've been replaced at some point. The gauges are all functional, including the trio of auxiliary instruments hanging under the dash and a tachometer cleverly mounted on the steering column so it's easy to see. Somewhere along the line this car received an AM/FM/cassette head unit, but it's nicely installed without any hack work in the dash. And speaking of the dash, you'll note that this car has factory A/C which still works although it could use a recharge of the original R12 to bring it back to full efficiency. A white power convertible top is definitely the right choice here and while it shows some age, it's totally acceptable on the car today. The trunk is outfitted with a reproduction mat and it's always a relief to see the original shakers back there doing their thing.

Few powertrain combinations are more reliable and time-tested than the 350 cubic inch V8 backed by a stout TH400 3-speed automatic that's probably overkill for a small block. The engine bay isn't detailed for show, but it has some chrome dress-up to complement the Chevy Orange paint on the block itself. It's not a show piece, but you won't mind people having a look under the hood, and it runs extremely well. Hailing from a warm climate, you know the chassis is clean and while it's not detailed for show, it's exactly what you want when you buy a car with the intention of driving it. A burbling dual exhaust system is just right, not too loud and with a bit of an attitude and it uses chrome tips under the rear bumper to brighten things up a bit. Rounding out this car's list of noteworthy attributes are factory Rally wheels with chrome spinners and 215/65/15 white-letter radials at all four corners.

If you haven't experienced the greatest Chevy of all time, this is an ideal opportunity to do so. Call today!