1969 Chevrolet Camaro Restomod

Description

This is the right way to do a resto-mod Camaro. Take one gorgeous 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, and leave the look alone (because you're not going to do better than this). Add a strong-running LT1 with fuel injection, a 6-speed gearbox, and a pavement-hugging suspension. Finish with a tasteful, yet functional interior that keeps everything that was great about the original design but adds a splash of modern tech. This car totally nails it.

The bright red paint is the first thing that grabs you about this car, but it isn't the only thing that's impressive. It's nicely done and shows the result of many hours of labor-intensive ministrations with a deep shine and excellent finish work for a distortion-free surface. On brightly-colored cars, gaps are important, and they're pretty darned good here, and the silver pinstripes are a nice alternative to the usual look. Regardless of whether it's a real SS, all the classic SS details are there, from the chin spoiler and blacked-out grille to the proper emblems to the ducktail spoiler out back, so it's got a great performance look, and electric RS headlights are always welcome. The performance look is enhanced by that stock hood with the chrome velocity stack inserts, a ducktail spoiler out back, and a nearly perfect stance. This car nails it.

The black interior is anchored by a set of custom seats which are aggressively bolstered but also cleverly reupholstered to mimic the original vertical pleats so they fit right in. A factory-style steering wheel is the most visible upgrade, but it's a nice alternative to the original plastic tiller. Updated Dakota Digital gauges monitor the engine, and they fit neatly in the original pods, so the modification is nearly invisible. An AM/FM stereo system sounds great thanks to plenty of sound insulation in the body and you'll note that the shifter now manages six gears instead of the usual four. Cold A/C is a nice side-benefit of using late-model running gear and the trunk is correctly finished with a reproduction mat and spare tire, adding to the blurry line between stock and modified.

The engine is an 350 cubic inch LT1 V8, and obviously it's a neat fit in the Camaro's engine bay. Transplanted from a C4 Corvette, it makes big power and loves to rev, and with fuel injection good road manners are a given. There's also a big aluminum radiator with electric fan, a serpentine belt drive system for the accessories, and OEM-style wiring to ensure it stays reliable. It's backed by a 6-speed manual transmission with two overdrive gears as well as a 10-bolt rear end with a Posi limited slip and just enough gear to make it entertaining without getting annoying on the highway. The front suspension is augmented with tubular A-arms and new shocks, while the stock leaf springs manage the rear. A recent dual exhaust system gives it that characteristic rumble while keeping the stock-style transverse muffler. Big 17-inch chrome Torque Thrust wheels certainly grab your attention and they're wrapped in staggered 235/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear performance rubber.

This car is the right combination of style, substance, and performance, making it one of the most appealing early Camaros we've seen in a while. Call today!