The Camaro was General Motors answer the ever growing popularity of the Ford Mustang. Being introduced just two years after the Ford pony car, Chevrolet wanted to impress buyers with more aggressive body lines, multiple trim options, along with both big & small block engine options. It instantly put a dent in Ford sales each and every year, and a new generation of the Ford/ Chevrolet rivalry had begun! The final year of this first-generation Camaro came about in 1969 and continues to be the most desirable today!
Chevrolet was once again invited to be the pacesetter at the Indianapolis 500 race, having been honored with the task just 2 years prior with the first year 1967 Camaro. The 1969 model Camaro carried over the previous year's drivetrain and major mechanical components, but with all-new sheet metal, except the hood and trunk lid, giving the car a substantially sportier look. New door skins, rear quarter panels, and rear valance panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive presence. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only. To honor the Z11 Pace Car model, each car would be finished identically in Dover White with Hugger Orange Z/28 stripes and Deluxe Orange Houndstooth interior. They would be factory equipped with many favorable options, leaving dealerships the option to choose the preferred engine size and transmission, as well as any other available option including air conditioning. Otherwise, the cars that appeared at the track were all SS Rally Sport convertibles equipped with cowl induction hoods, white taillamp panel & lower body sills, Rally wheels, deluxe seat belts & steering wheel, rear spoiler, and power steering. Just 3,675 would be produced for the public, making them exceptionally unique and special to see on car shows today!
We are extremely excited to offer this beautifully restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Pace Car Convertible! Finished in striking code correct Dover White (50) with factory white vinyl soft top (A) and Orange Houndstooth custom cloth seat interior (720) and matching orange body striping, it comes well equipped with factory options! Powered by its original, number's matching 350ci V8, TH350 automatic transmission, and 12-bolt rear end with 3.07 Posi-Traction gearing! Options on this stunning example include the Super Sport package that includes power front disc brakes, upgraded suspension, cowl induction hood, simulated rear quarter louvers, 14x7" Rally wheels, and SS badging; Rally Sport equipment group featuring concealed headlamps with washer system, body sill molding, wheel lip molding, bright exhaust tips, white tail panel with reverse lights below the rear bumper; and additional options that include power steering, Rally gauges with in-dash tachometer, power convertible top, front & rear spoilers, custom front & rear seatbelts, all tinted glass, and AM pushbutton radio.
A close look at this magnificent Camaro will show stunning new exterior paint, Pace Car graphics and pinstriping, along with new interior upholstery & padded carpet. The convertible top is also new along with fresh weather stripping throughout and supplied with a new orange boot cover. It has upgraded stainless steel mufflers, custom painted under hood accessories like the Winters aluminum intake and finned aluminum valve covers, and BF Goodrich Radial T/A white letter tires on the ground. A set of standard painted valve covers are included with the sale.
This factory Pace Car bears the correct Z11 on the original cowl tag making it one of only 3,675 examples ever built with a 02D production date, referencing the 4th week of February. According to the NCRS Shipping Report, this Camaro Pace Car was used as one of the 75 "Official Cars" used during the Indianapolis 500 festivities for visiting press, dignitaries, and VIP guests throughout the week's events. It lists the Dealer as 000 in Zone 25 which is the Chevrolet Zone Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, shipping on March 6th, 1969. Our car has had just 4 owners from new, with the second maintaining possession from 1971-2014, then owned by his wife until 2024 after his passing.
It has always been properly cared for and serviced as necessary over recent years. This included rebuilding the front end suspension components and all new brake equipment, tires, and fuel pump in early 2018. In 2024, the convertible top motor was resealed and fitted with new hydraulic hoses as well as a new battery installed. It remains very solid throughout making for an outstanding driver investment and very special weekend show car! Please feel free to call with additional questions, or to schedule an opportunity to see it in person! Thanks for looking!
