1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Tribute

Description

With all the emphasis on pedigrees and matching numbers, sometimes it's easy to think you won't ever be able to own the Camaro of your dreams. But what if we told you that if you're just looking to have fun, there are definitely affordable F-bodies out there, cars just like this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 tribute.

Black paint sure looks great on the Camaro bodywork, particularly the '69s. All the right ingredients are there, from the white SS stripes to the cowl induction hood to the Z/28 badges, so it replicates the factory look but turns it up to 11. It also includes a chin spoiler and a correct Camaro-spec ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid, so all the pieces are there to make it look like one of the most potent machines of the period. A pair of chrome bumpers shine against the glossy black paint and all the stainless is in decent shape. Is it perfect? No, not at this price, but the basics are good and there's no way to keep yourself from grinning like an escaped convict when you're behind the wheel. Remember that this car is about fun, not paperwork, and in that regard it definitely delivers. And if you want something a little better, a professional cut and buff would really make this black paint look great.

The black and white houndstooth interior is nicely done, with reproduction seat covers on the factory buckets, a center console, and a few aftermarket upgrades that give it a bit of an edge over the other guy's car. The most obvious change is a wood-rimmed steering wheel, whose spokes look like they were designed to live in the Camaro, because sight lines to the instruments are excellent. Those gauges are probably original but they're still in good shape and include a factory tach, which was a separate option from the auxiliary gauges down on the console. That console also houses a Hurst shifter for the 4-speed manual transmission, which adds to the Z/28 vibe (automatics were not available in the Z). There is an AM/FM/cassette radio with speakers on the package shelf, so it sounds decent when you're just cruising. There's also a back seat that looks like new, nicely finished door panels, and a clean trunk pan out back.

This Z also carries a slightly larger 350 cubic inch V8, but you'll certainly appreciate those extra 48 cubes out on the street. Thanks to a Holley 4-barrel carb, a GM aluminum intake, HEI ignition, and long-tube headers, it has a nice, fat torque curve and pulls like a freight train through all three gears, which really makes it fun to drive. It is neatly dressed to look correct, right down to the cowl induction air cleaner and 302 decals. Chevy Orange paint and finned valve covers complete the Z/28 look. The Muncie 4-speed shifts crisply and powers a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end, which was standard equipment on the Z/28. The exhaust features an X-pipe and high-flow mufflers, so it has a distinctive muscle car sound and with correct Rally wheels (no trim rings looks butch!) and Mickey Thompson performance rubber, it has just the right look.

Not a perfect car, but ideal for cruising and having fun without worrying about the nonsense that the trailer queens have to deal with. That definitely makes a difference in the fun quotient. Call today!