1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Tribute

Description

With all the emphasis on pedigrees and matching numbers, sometimes it's easy to think you won't ever be able to own the Camaro of your dreams. But what if we told you that if you're just looking to have fun, there are definitely affordable F-bodies out there, cars just like this 1969 Z/28 tribute.

The bright yellow paint is maybe a shade or two brighter than Daytona Yellow, but it sure looks great on the Camaro bodywork. All the right ingredients are there, from the black SS stripes to the cowl induction hood to the Z/28 badges, so it replicates the factory look but turns it up to 11. It also includes a chin spoiler and a correct Camaro-spec ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid, so all the pieces are there to make it look like one of the most potent machines of the period. A pair of chrome bumpers sparkle against the bright yellow paint and all the stainless is in good shape. Is it perfect? No, not at this price, but the basics are good and there's no way to keep yourself from grinning like an escaped convict when you're behind the wheel. Remember that this car is about fun, not paperwork, and in that regard it definitely delivers.

The all-black interior is nicely done, with reproduction seat covers on the factory buckets, a center console, and a few aftermarket upgrades that give it a bit of an edge over the other guy's car. The most obvious change is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, whose spokes look like they were designed to live in the Camaro, because sight lines to the instruments are excellent. Those gauges are probably original but they're still in good shape and include a factory tach, which was a separate option from the auxiliary gauges down on the console. That console also houses a horseshoe shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, which was never part of the first-generation Z/28 package but it's a welcome change here, as it makes this Camaro very user-friendly. There is no radio, but that does mean that it's ready for the entertainment system of your choice. There's also a back seat that looks like new, nicely finished door panels, and a clean trunk pan out back.

This Z also carries a slightly oversized 350 cubic inch V8, but you'll certainly appreciate those extra 48 cubes out on the street. Thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, a Winters intake, and long-tube headers, it has a nice, fat torque curve and pulls like a freight train through all three gears, which really makes it fun to drive. A few chrome dress-up pieces add character to the engine bay, which emphasizes functionality over show and includes power steering for easy maneuvering around town. The TH350 shifts crisply and powers what appears to be the original 10-bolt rear end, which also carries traction bars on the leaf springs to help plant the tires. The exhaust is by Flowmaster, so it has that distinctive muscle car sound and with shiny 17-inch American Racing alloys and staggered performance rubber, it has just the right look.

Not a perfect car, but ideal for cruising and having fun without worrying about the nonsense that the trailer queens have to deal with. That definitely makes a difference in the fun quotient. Call today!