Big Block Boogie, Part 2: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Continuing on the big block theme, I present you with this monstrous 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS (clone?) for sale.
I’ve always felt a little conflicted with Pony Cars.
They have the recipe just about right. A long hood, two-door body with a short deck. Pokey V8 driving the rear wheels. Many different options and specifications- catering for all walks of life. All great attributes that form the basis of a cool car.
Where my confliction lies, however, is not with the cars themselves- but with the owners.
You see, over the years, the poor old Mustangs, Challengers and Camaros of the world have often met their fate in the hands of those with less than zero taste. Polished billet everywhere, ‘Eleanor’ replicas, Chinese built body copies and catalogue cars are all common place for the once humble pony car.
But, whether you love or hate them, you can’t argue that there are still been plenty of great examples floating around. Examples touched by the hand of someone who has half a clue what they’re doing.
This blue 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS is one of those few. Tastefully modified, with a stance that smacks you across the face with an open hand. Pop the bonnet, and you wont find the stock standard 350/350 combo- but rather a fairly angry 498ci big block (with 650hp on tap) mated to a T400 3 speed. Everything from there on in is built to respect that fuel sucking heart. Its main purpose in life is to go fast. And every other aspect of the build respects that- nothing disingenuous.
This car is less “Western Sydney Wedding Burnout Car”, and more an “Illegal Street Race and Lose My Car/Licence/Money/Family” type deal. It’s a lesson in how to create a tough streeter and still maintain the original cars dignity – whilst also building something unique and your own. A hard, yet rewarding task if done right.
The really, really tricky part is going to be keeping it out of the impound lot.
You can find this fire breathing 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS on Carsales here for $88k.
If you want some inspiration, Car and Driver have a great collection of old Camaro adverts they’ve archived. Check them out here.
There is no denying the ’69 had one of the best front clips….
1969 Chevrolet Camaro – In the owners own words:
Fully Engineered LHD 1969 Camaro. Metallic Blue (Hilux SR5 blue) paint. Fully Paint corrected and Opti-coated by Elite Finish. Smooth car to drive and runs on 98 fuel. Aeromotive 1000hp 68L stealth fuel tank. 10 speed window wiper motor and GPS speedo. Engine specs – 498ci (650hp) 454 4 bolt main block – 0.30 over JE Forged pistons – 10.5:1 comp 43/40 Scat Billet crank 43/40 Scat H beam rods – 2000 bolts Comp cam solid roller Roller lifters with girdle Trickflow alloy heads Drivetrain- 4.11 Tru track – 31 spline Race products fabricated diff housing with floating hubs 4800 stall converter T400 manulized Chromoloy tailshaft Wilwood 4 piston with dust boot 320mm brake kit front Wilwood 12.19″ brake kit with dust boot calipers Rear Full Engineers report for all modifications and on SA club/historic rego