Awesome 1969 Chevy Camaro (Video)

Here at RK Motors Charlotte we see a lot of nice resto-mods come through the door. This particular example, a 1969 Camaro Z/28 RS, takes mild to wild by wrapping a 468 cubic inch big block V8 and a 4-speed Muncie transmission in deep purple metallic paint, bright white Z/28 stripes and aggressive 17 and 20 inch wheels. This car looks good, sounds even better and will put a smile on people’s faces anywhere it’s driven.

Originally painted Olympic Gold, this car started life as a fun but conservative looking Chevrolet coupe. That all changed when it adorned its deep Purple Metallic paint. Under the lights the paint transitions from almost a dark blue to around the hue of a bottle of Royal Purple oil; except with a lot more gloss. Someone spent some major time making sure the body on this 1969 Camaro was as close to perfect as possible. In fact, the total cost of restoration and modification for this car was over $60K and it was money well spent.

The white stripes on this car look as natural as if this color combo was a factory option. The Rally Sport grille and hideaway head lights add an element of cool not shared with other muscle cars.A cowl induction hood and familiar front and rear factory spoilers complement the RS grille to give the car a bit of race car DNA.Optional front and rear Rally Sport bumper guards and optional dual mirrors add a little extra detail and Vision ‘Legend’ chrome wheels, 17 inches up front and 20 inches in the rear, ride 245/45/17 and 255/35/20 Nexen Z-rated radials to complete the package. Even the stainless trim around the windows is in excellent shape and all the factory correct emblems are in great condition.

Gone is the typical small block Chevy that used to reside under the hood of this ’69 Camaro. In its place is a 468 cubic inch 450hp big block V8. That beast is fed via braided fuel lines that send fuel through a modern Demon carburetor and into an equally modern and impressive Edelbrock aluminum intake. The OEM points distributor has been replaced by an MSD electronic ignition system. And an aluminum radiator and electric cooling fan are a necessary update from the original equipment steel radiator and crank driven fan. Chrome valve covers, a chrome air filter housing, a chrome upper radiator support and a chrome master cylinder dress things up while aluminum pulleys and bow-tie bolts provide both aesthetic appeal and purpose.

Below the satin black floorpan and behind that monster motor is a Muncie 4 speed transmission. Long tube headers flow into an aluminized Flowmaster exhaust system which snakes its way around a GM 10 bolt rear axle.The car retains its factory leaf springs in the rear and makes good use of installed traction bars to put all of its power to the ground. Power steering is a welcome addition that wasn’t available from the factory, and power assisted front disc brakes provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

During the restoration a completely new black vinyl interior was installed. Have a seat in the car and the first thing you’ll notice is bucket seats that look and feel good as when the car rolled down the assembly line. In front of you, the dash houses a Ken Harrison aftermarket AM/FM radio with cassette player, a factory tachometer and a factory speedometer. The new console houses the functional 4 pack gauge cluster and the chrome Hurst short throw shifter. The factory option sport styled steering wheel serves as a focal point while new seatbelts and new chrome trim on the new front and rear door panels add a touch of brightness. The trunk has fresh spatter-finish paint throughout and is covered by a new houndstooth mat.

Trailer queens are great for trailering but a vintage look with some flash and beefed up components is for driving and enjoying. The workmanship is top notch and it’s an awesome update to a classic muscle car design.