FOR SALE: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

[Matt Harwood]

Although muscle cars aren't my personal favorite part of the hobby, I have to admit that if I were going to put one in my personal collection, this 1969 Z/28 would probably be it. The important stuff is excellent: matching-numbers engine and transmission, known ownership dating back to the 1970s, 58,300 or so original miles, and a 2011 restoration that cost more than the asking price of the whole car. I also like the fact that it's a low-option Z/28, suggesting that the original owner either was reaching financially for his dream Camaro or, more likely, wanted a vehicle that was purely built for combat. Either way, I like this car's elemental, no-nonsense appeal.

As far as I can tell, that's all-original sheetmetal, including the floors and quarters, and it was finished to a very high standard in 2011. Factory code 67 Burgundy paint with white SS stripes gives it that classic Camaro performance look, and I bet not many cars in Chevrolet showrooms in 1969 looked this good. The bodywork is super straight, the gaps are good, and money was spent in the right places to make it nice, but not too nice to drive. They skipped the weight-adding folding RS headlights, there's no cowl-induction hood, and all the chrome was replaced and the stainless steel polished during the restoration. This is a really nice-looking car.

The black interior is all-new as well, including seat covers, carpets, door panels, and headliner. The reproduction seat covers aren't quite as detailed as originals, which had deeper pleats, but they're pretty good and with fresh foam underneath, they fit well and are quite comfortable. I personally like the industrial-strength look of the Hurst shifter sticking out of the transmission tunnel sans console, which, to my way of thinking, just added weight without making the car go faster. The gauges are original, as is the steering wheel, and those are really the only two areas of the interior that aren't quite as nice as the rest, but it's kind of a judgement call as to whether they need to be replaced or restored. The factory AM radio is in the dash and the trunk wears what I believe is the original spatter-finish paint, so the sheetmetal is factory-issue. I think they should splurge for a reproduction mat, but at least there's a full-sized spare and jack assembly included.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching, documented DZ-code 302 cubic inch V8. If you haven't driven one of these, it's unlike the usual small block Chevy experience. The 302 just loves to rev and doesn't seem to run out of breath, so it's quite happy with the 3.73 gears out back. It's nicely detailed and quite correct, right down to the stamped hoses and tower hose clamps. Note the oversized pulley on the alternator for high-RPM use, the finned valve covers that were a Z/28 trademark, and correct cast iron exhaust manifolds that were left natural but could probably stand to be painted if you want to drive it. The original, numbers-matching 4-speed Muncie gearbox powers a rugged 12-bolt rear and the chassis, while note detailed for show, is remarkably clean. New Rally wheels with fresh 225/60/15 Uniroyal radials were fitted so it's a pleasure to drive fast or slow.

If you've been paying attention, you already know that top Z/28s are fast approaching six-figures. This one isn't perfect and isn't intended for competition on the show field, but for a numbers-matching Z/28 in great colors with no asterisks, $54,900 is a screaming bargain. Thanks for reading!

Please note: I've recently left Vintage Motor Cars and started my own dealership, Harwood Motors, and this is the first of many new listings I'll have. Thanks for your support in the past and I look forward to a great future within the hobby!