1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS

This Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS is a fully restored example of one of the most sought-after cars from the 1969 model year, which retains its original engine and gearbox. Under the ‘Super Sport’ bonnet is the 396ci (6.5-litre) 375hp V8, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The odometer shows 2,260 miles, which is the mileage since it was treated to an exhaustive rotisserie-style refurbishment and rebuild in the US.

For 1969, the Camaro’s styling was heavily revised to give the car a lower and wider appearance. This particular example was specified from the factory with the rare combination of both the RS and SS packages. The ‘Rally Sport’ package incorporated a black-painted grille with concealed headlights, a black surround for the tail lights, bright roof gutter rails, and RS emblems inside and out. While the RS treatment was purely cosmetic, the ‘Super Sport’ package incorporated performance upgrades - in this case a 396ci ‘big block’ V8 and sport suspension - an SS-specific bonnet, SS wheel covers, bucket seats, and with SS emblems in place of the RS items.

An original 1969 car, retaining its original powertrain and also the correct option tags, this Camaro RS/SS was purchased directly from its last owner in Pebble Beach, California. It is still fresh from an outstanding restoration, and was imported to the UK by the vendor and re-registered with DVLA in February 2017.

Refurbished with no expense spared, its bodywork is in truly superb condition today, with no damage or corrosion, and has been beautifully refinished in the appropriately sporting hue of Le Mans Blue. It retains all of the correct components for the RS/SS ‘double option’ package specification, including the relevant factory markings. There is a purposeful boot lid spoiler, front and rear bumper overriders, and colour-coded 15-inch steel wheels fitted with chromed hubcaps.

Inside, the correct SS-specification bucket seats are present, which have been re-trimmed in black vinyl to a superb standard. The rear seats and door cards have also been refurbished, and all of the door furniture and other metal trims are in great shape. With the Z23 option package, this Camaro features wood trim in the centre console and on the dashboard, a grab handle on the dashboard ahead of the passenger, and the metal trims around the pedals. There are rubber floor mats and a Hurst gear shifter, and the instrumentation includes a rev counter and speedometer. The vendor notes that there are no electrical faults per se, though the indicators flash slightly faster than standard, so may require a new flasher unit in due course.

Powered by a date-correct 396ci 375hp high-compression V8, this Camaro features a Holley four-barrel carburettor on a Winters aluminium manifold, and aluminium heads. The transmission is a four-speed Muncie gearbox, and the car is also equipped with power steering and power front disc brakes. Given its very recent restoration, the car has not required any further maintenance since then.

While this Chevrolet is exempt from mandatory MOT testing on the basis of age, it was put through a test on 5 January 2017 at an indicated 1,890 miles, after arriving in the UK, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects whatsoever. All four wheels are shod in Goodyear Polyglas F70-15 tyres, which are reported to be in very good condition.

This Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS is a genuine ‘double option’ package car, which is made even rarer by the presence of a four-speed manual transmission. A restoration of this concours-level quality alone would cost more than £100,000 today, so this represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a highly original and correct ‘big block’ Camaro in showroom condition, for a fraction of that cost - truly an opportunity not to be missed.

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