Description
This car is Lot 158 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 158
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/ 28 Coupe
Registration no.
Chassis no. 124379N593377
302ci OHV V-8 Engine
Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor
290bhp at 5, 800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension Live Rear Axle
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes
* Presented as delivered when new in Glacier Blue
* Older Rotisserie Restoration
* Desirable Z/ 28 Spec with 4-speed manual transmission
* Non-matching numbers DZ302 small-block V8
THE CAMARO Z/ 28
An answer to Ford's sensationally popular Mustang, Chevrolet's Camaro has roots that date back to 1962, when then-Chevy design chief Irv Rybicki suggested a small 'personal car' based on the Chevy II. General Manager Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen, however, was unconvinced, feeling that the Corvair, Chevy II and the upcoming Chevelle had the bases well covered. Rybicki, however, continued to work on proposals, and his 'Super Nova' made it to the 1964 New York Auto Show, a few weeks before Mustang's introduction. Once 100, 000 Mustangs had been sold and the market for such a car firmly established, GM management gave the Super Nova a more favorable glance. The rush was on to develop a pony car in less than two years.
Mechanically derived from the second-generation Chevy II, the Camaro was similarly a unibody design, with a stub frame ahead of the cowl. The front suspension came from the Chevelle, the single-leaf rear springs from the Chevy II. Engines and transmissions were from the company catalog; in 1967, there were seven engines offered, from a 230 cubic inch, 140bhp six to a 396 cubic inch, 375bhp V8, and a myriad of transmissions and axle ratios. Exterior trim could be augmented with a Style Trim Group consisting of stripes and chrome, or one could choose the Rally Sport option to add disappearing headlamps and special taillights. Introduced on September 12, 1966, the Camaro was available either as a coupe or a convertible. Of the nearly 221, 000 sold about a quarter were soft tops; three quarters were V8s.
1969 was the final year for the first-generation Camaro, which had been introduced in 1967. Although a redesigned Camaro was due in 1970, the changes in 1969 were extensive. It was just as well, since the introduction of the 1970 was delayed until late February 1970, giving the 1969 a showroom life of seventeen months. Not surprisingly, it was a record sales year, with more than 243, 000 Camaros leaving GM's plants in Lordstown, Ohio and Van Nuys, California.
The desirable Z/ 28 option cost $458. 15 and included the 302ci high performance V-8 engine that met the Trans Am's 5-liter displacement limit rated at 290hp (but routinely delivered pulling 350hp plus on test!)
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/ 28 is a trim tag-verified X33 car, finished in its factory-correct Glacier Blue (Code 53) over a black standard vinyl interior (Code 711). Built in the 4th week of April 1969 at the Norwood, OH plant, it retains hallmark features of the Z/ 28 package, including the D80 spoiler option and style trim group.
The car reportedly underwent a rotisserie restoration over a decade ago, preserving its original appearance while integrating tasteful performance upgrades. Under the hood is a non-matching numbers DZ302 small-block V8, outfitted with a solid-lifter camshaft, double-hump heads, Snowflake intake, and finned valve covers a nod to the original Z/ 28's high-winding pedigree.
Power is delivered through a Muncie 4-speed manual with a Hurst shifter, backed by a 12-bolt rear axle with 3. 73 Posi traction gears. A stainless-steel exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers delivers an aggressive tone, while BF Goodrich Radial T/ As on rally wheels with flat centers complete the period-correct look.
This Camaro offers a compelling combination of authentic Z/ 28 heritage and driver-focused upgrades, making it an excellent candidate for shows, cruise-ins, or spirited weekend driving.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
