1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

Description

The best resto-mods leave a seamless line between the tock and modified components and are engineered so you can get in, turn the key, and drive anywhere without knowing that anything has changed under the skin. This 1969 Camaro RS/SS convertible gets it exactly right, with lots of modern performance thanks to a late-model LS1 V8, 6-speed transmission, and 4-wheel disk brakes, all wrapped in one of the best-looking ragtops ever built.

It's pretty obvious that someone spent a ton of money on this Camaro, and while the big changes are under the skin, the bodywork didn't get short-changed, either. Beautiful Madeira Maroon paint with white SS stripes gives it a sophisticated yet aggressive look that's perfect for its transplanted heart. Finish quality is quite good, with shiny paint, straight bodywork, and gaps that line up pretty darned well. Given that there's no trace of any other color, the repaint was extremely thorough, reaching into the door jambs and behind trim, so you know they did it right. You can't go wrong with the RS appearance package, either, including the hidden headlights and body-colored front bumpers, all tied together with a blacked-out SS grille. And despite all the flash they seemed to work hard to keep it pretty stock-looking, including a chrome rear bumper with oversized bumper guards and gill inserts in the quarter panels.

Black and white upholstery makes the most of the contrasting white stripes on the body. Recent seat covers show some very minor signs of use but no discoloration or other issues, and it's easy to imagine yourself sliding behind the wheel for fun in the sun. Black carpets match the black dash and center console, so it isn't white overload, just enough to keep it bright when the top is up and cool when the top is down. A full complement of Auto Meter Ultra Light gauges were retrofitted to the original dashboard, including auxiliary gauges down on the console where they belong. A/C has been recently installed using all-new component and R134a refrigerant, so it's effective and reliable. You'll also note that Hurst shifter sticking out of the console with a cue ball knob featuring six forward gears instead of the usual four. Nice, right? Overhead a white convertible top is there for emergencies and stows under a matching white boot.

Pop the hood and it's a whole new ball game, thanks to a C5 Corvette-spec LS1 V8. It's a neat transplant that looks great in the Camaro's engine bay and delivers the kind of modern performance that would put even a big block on the trailer back in 1969. It has a very OEM look with factory equipment wherever possible and a slick serpentine belt drive for the accessories. Thanks to fuel injection, it starts instantly and idles well without the need to warm up and come off the choke, and the purring exhaust note comes complements of custom headers and Flowmaster mufflers out back. A 6-speed manual transmission provides blistering acceleration with a tall overdrive, giving you the best of both worlds and making this a car that's as easy to drive as your commuter. The undercarriage is in good order with a very professional look to the engine transplant, and as I said, there's now a disc brake at each corner. Shiny Boyd Coddington wheels have a Torque Thrust look, so they're right at home on the early F-body, although they now carry more modern 17-inch rubber.

This brilliant resto-mod updates only the critical parts, but keeps all the things that make 1969 Camaros great. Early muscle just doesn't get more fun to drive than this. Call today!