Restoring a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS with Its Powerful Options

American, Builders, Classics, Culture, Featured  /   /  By Nina Russin

The ’69 Camaro was the last of the first-generation models—Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Mustang that emerged in 1967. The base engine was Chevrolet’s tried and true 230 cubic-inch straight six, but the money was on a new 350 cubic-inch block rated at 285 horsepower. Enthusiast magazines at the time clocked the Camaro’s quarter mile at about 15.5 seconds, with a top speed of 90 miles-per-hour.

1969 Chevy Camaro SS engine

The Camaro’s secret sauce is this high output 350 cubic-inch engine, being reinstalled after a complete overhaul.

A 1969 Camaro SS listed on eBay is one of 36,309 Camaros built in ’69 equipped with that desirable high-output small-block V-8 engine, via the Z27 base Super Sport option package. The transmission is a Muncie M20 wide-range manual with floor-mounted Hurst shifter.

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The current owner completely overhauled the suspension and brake systems, including new brake lines front to back.

It’s a matching-numbers car that had a ground-up restoration that is 95 percent complete, including a rebuilt engine, transmission, suspension, rear axle, and brakes. The eBay listing includes all the components used in the drivetrain rebuild, such as pistons, crankshaft, heads and mounts, KYB shocks, brake discs, calipers, and new SS brake lines. The owner upgraded the 15×7 wheels that came on the car to 15x8s, with Dunlop 245/50 Z-rated tires. The car comes with the special factory hood with air vents and side stripes.

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A new wiring harness means the buyer won’t have to worry about chasing down shorts with a DVOM (digital volt ohm meter).

By the 1969 model year, the Camaro body evolved from the original with more aerodynamic styling. On the inside, Chevrolet installed its recently introduced “Astro Ventilation” system, replacing wing windows with directional vents in the dash. The following year, new fenders, door skins, rear quarter panels, and tail lamps gave the Camaro a more planted stance.

1969 Chevy Camaro SS

The Camaro with fresh paint. The owner decided to use Storm Gray to give the Camaro a sinister appearance.

Although the Camaro’s exterior was originally Frost Green (paint code 59), the owner repainted it to Storm Gray—a DuPont color that was not available in 1969 from the factory. The paint still needs a top coat and clear coat. Hockey stripes on the sides come from the stock factory design. The interior is the original factory dark green color scheme.

1969 Chevy Camaro SS

The ’69 Camaro SS is a classic 1960s muscle car, sure to maintain its value.

A few things aside from the paint need finishing: the gas tank needs to be strapped back in and the radiator reinstalled. The owner has not located a date-correct GM battery, ignition, and exhaust pipes. Components currently in the car are high-quality aftermarket performance products.

Hagerty valuation for the ’69 Camaro based on current auction prices ranges from $13,900 to $36,000 for a base SS equipped with the smaller 307 cubic-inch 200-horsepower engine and three-speed manual transmission. The powerful optional engine and Muncie tranny, unique hood, and other factory options make this car more valuable. A car enthusiast looking for a well-documented classic muscle car that’s almost ready to hit the streets will find a lot to love in this ’69 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

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See 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Cars and Trucks for sale on eBay.

About the Author

Nina Russin is an ASE certified automotive technician and writer who has been covering the automotive industry for 30 years. She was a weekly automotive columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for 10 years, and a contributor to AutoWeek, Automobile Quarterly, Collectible Automobile, Cycle World, and AAA Arizona Highroads Magazine. Russin is co-founder and president of Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year, an annual competition.