1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 Tribute Convertible

Description

The 1969 Camaro was recently named the most significant Chevrolet of the past 100 years, and when you look at this super slick black-on-black ragtop, it's pretty easy to figure out why. With a powerful 402 V8 big block under the hood, a quick-shifting 4-speed manual, timeless good looks, and arguably the most stylish interior to come out of GM's design studios that decade, this Camaro tells you all you need to know about the democratic process.

Orange and yellow Camaros get a lot of attention, but if you want to look like an adult, this triple black convertible is a smarter choice. With a deep black finish, black convertible top, and black interior, it's the quintessential muscle car color that projects both style and aggression. This car was repainted not long ago and still looks great today, with tight panel fitment and straight sheetmetal throughout. White hockey stick stripes are almost mandatory, just like the cowl-induction hood, front chin spoiler, and ducktail spoiler out back, all of which are welcome additions on the timeless '69 F-body. 'SS' and '396' badges let everyone know what to expect when the engine revs up, and even though it's difficult to verify SS-authenticity to a 100% certainty without a factory buildsheet, this is an X-11 code car, which is one of the prerequisites. Regardless of pedigree, this is an awesome-looking Camaro! Details like the blacked-out grille, chrome gill inserts ahead of the rear wheels, and polished stainless wheel moldings were all options, and they elevate this Camaro above some of its stripped-down brothers.

Black buckets complement the black paint like no other color could, and the black deluxe interior looks crisp and comfortable inside this droptop. The seats show very minimal wear, and the depth of the detailing on the seat covers strongly suggests that they are factory-issue, which is a testament to the quality of the replacements. The gauges are all functional, including the trio of auxiliary instruments hanging under the dash that are easy to see and provide the driver with a better read on the vitals from the big block that powers this slick Camaro. Somewhere along the line this car received an AM/FM/cassette head unit, but it's nicely installed without any hack work in the dash. And speaking of the dash, you'll note that this car does have Astro Ventilation vents that were likely a part of a factory A/C unit, although it was removed at some point. The good news is, reinstalling a replacement or aftermarket unit will be much easier and cost efficient. A Hurst shifter controls the 4-speed manual transmission below, and if white-knuckling into the corners is your thing, the grippy 3-spoke steering wheel that anchors the cabin can certainly oblige. A black vinyl convertible top is definitely the right choice here to complete the black trifecta, and it folds down neatly with the added protection of a matching boot cover. Out back, the surprisingly spacious trunk is finished with spatter paint and shows off just how solid this Camaro really is.

But this car's real appeal lives under the skin, where it's been built for battle. Starting with a 402 cubic inch V8 big block that runs superbly and fits in the Camaro's uber-clean engine bay without any major modifications. Everything looks very sharp under the hood, with Chevy Orange enamel on the block and a pair of chrome valve covers and matching air cleaner up top that provide plenty of pop inside the slick black engine bay. It isn't too exotic with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Weiand intake, and Hedman headers, but it's incredibly effective, giving this Camaro eyeball-flattening performance. The 4-speed manual transmission drives power to a 12-bolt rear end with 3.31 gears inside, and that relatively tall gear makes it highway-friendly yet wicked off the line. Power steering and brakes are probably a good idea on a car that can generate this much speed this quickly, and the dual exhaust system is comprised of an X-pipe, replacement muffler, and correct tips that exit under the rear bumper so the soundtrack is formidable. Big chrome Rev wheels and 225/45/17 front and 255/50/17 rear performance radials do their best to hook it all up.

There's a ton of cash tied up in this car, never mind the work to put it all together. Incredible to look at but even more amazing to drive, this is the Camaro you've always wished for. If you haven't experienced the greatest Chevy of all time, this is an ideal opportunity to do so. Call today!