1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396

Description

We get excited about cars like this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 hardtop because they check all the hot buttons for collectors: big block power, a manual transmission, awesome colors, and factory A/C. It's one of those cars that everyone can agree is flat-out cool and it does everything so well, you'll be finding reasons to drive it as often as possible.

Code 65 Olympic Gold is this car's original color and it still looks as good as it did back 1969. Sure, Hugger Orange or bright red is all about getting attention, but this is one of those cars that just gets better and better the more you look at it. In fact, we've spent a lot of time examining this car's bodywork and quite honestly, we are very impressed. It's just spectacular. It's got a sophisticated look, something that's aided by the RS hidden headlights (fully functional, by the way) and the black vinyl top, which is also brand new. Despite the stripes, this is not a boy racer kind of car. We also like the body-colored Endura front bumper, which works particularly well on the RS models, as well as the chin spoiler that balances the ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid. Bright trim, including wheel arch moldings and gill inserts really dress this F-body up nicely and that blacked-out tail panel advertises loud and clear that this SS packs a big block.

It just gets better inside with fresh black and white houndstooth upholstery, possibly the best-looking interior of any car of the period. Featuring all new seat covers, a center console, and enough wood trim to make it all look upscale, this is the Camaro that is welcome anywhere. Even more amazingly, everything works, from the clock to all the instrument lights, although the original radio has been disabled in favor of a modern AM/FM/CD stereo hidden in the glove box. There's also functional factory A/C, which has been converted to R134a refrigerant so it's nice and chilly inside. Other options include a tilt steering column with woodgrained SS steering wheel, the gauge package on the center console, and a factory tach, all of which are in working order. The car also has a properly detailed trunk, with a correct mat and vintage Uniroyal bias-ply spare tire and jack assembly.

The 396 cubic inch V8 was rebuilt to L34 specs, which means 350 horsepower and enough grunt to make this Camaro a serious threat on the street, even today. It's pretty stock and neatly detailed under the hood, complete with a functional cowl-induction setup and original A6 compressor for the air conditioning. Chevy Orange paint, correct chrome valve covers, and even things like tower hose clamps and a Delco battery topper make it look quite right overall. The 4-speed manual transmission makes the most of the big block's power curve and feeds a robust 12-bolt rear end that shrugs off the torque running through it. Super clean floors, a new reproduction exhaust system, proper stripes and decals as needed, and fresh lines and hoses make this a very high-grade car overall with no skeletons in its closet. And while everyone loves Rallys, the SS wheels on this car complete the luxury/muscle look and carry 215/70/14 Goodyears that fill the fenders perfectly.

There's not much else to say here. Big block, 4-speed, A/C, houndstooth, fresh paint, no modifications. Isn't that what you Camaro guys keep saying you want? Call today!