Vehicle Description
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car Convertible
In February 1969, General Motors held a press conference to unveil
the modified Camaro SS/RS convertible that would serve as the pace
car for the 1969 Indianapolis 500. This was the second time a
Camaro would serve in this role since it had previously done so in
1967. However, this time, GM was pulling out all the stops. Two
cars would be built for the actual pace car duty, a primary vehicle
and a backup, each thoroughly inspected and specially modified by
top Chevrolet engineers, but GM also built one replica that would
be given to the winner of the race. Additionally, a large fleet of
130 replicas and support vehicles were brought to the track. This
fleet was used by race officials, media, and VIPs. After the Indy
500, Chevrolet dealers offered the Pace Car replica package as
option code RPO Z11, "Indy 500 Pace Car Accents". The Z11 package
cost a mere $36.90. According to Camaros.org, a total of 3,675 Z11
Camaro Pace Car replicas were produced for the 1969 model year. A
Z10 coupe version was also offered at certain dealers in the
Southwest; approximately 500 vehicles were built with that
option.
Imagine yourself behind the wheel of one of the best year Camaros,
leading the field of 33 with the likes of Andretti, Unser, Foyt,
Gurney, and Donahue behind you! Then imagine being the only front
engine powered car on the track! A mere 4 owners since new and a
restoration done prior to our consignors purchase in 1983, we
present to you a real deal 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car
replica.
Exterior
Dover White covers the straight steel slabs on this car, which are
all minding their gaps very well and it's really nicely buffed and
has a glass like presentation with only a few faults upon close
inspection. Also, adorning the exterior are dual wide Hugger Orange
painted on racing stripes, which.... well race up the long hood of
this pony car stopping at the front windscreen and continue on the
small rear deck and cool spoiler atop. At the front of its body, a
satin black grille hangs a familiar "SS" emblem above clean parking
lamps, a small black spoiler, chromed bumper and correct RS hidden
headlights. Behind that grille, a requisite Camaro header fronts a
cowl induction hood, which flows to a tinted greenhouse that's
dressed in polished mirrors, polished wipers and straight stainless
trim. All this topped by a tear free but slightly stained white
canvas convertible top. On the sides, stainless trim frames the
wheel openings and a rocker spears between them, correct quarter
louvers are on as well as traditional door handles and ornate
fender emblems. One cannot miss the huge door decal noting this car
as an Official Pace Car, and at the back of the car, an "SS"
branded filler panel, RS taillights, and a second chromed bumper.
14" deep dish rally wheels are on along with raised white letter
Firestone Wide Oval tires in F70-14 configuration.
Interior
Swinging open the well balanced door and we are met with an orange
vinyl covered molded door panel with a swoopy armrest and bright
chrome strip following suit. The bottom of the panel is dressed in
clean black carpet and gives nice contrast. Smooth orange vinyl
bolsters with orange and black houndstooth cloth inserts covers the
recovered front buckets and rear bench, this interior is fab! Up
front there is a new dash pad, very clean instruments and some wood
applique on the steering wheel, in nice condition, and a factory
tilt mechanism is also on. Also, the original AM radio, which
works, is within the resorted dash. A wood applique center console
races from rear to dash and houses an aircraft throttle inspired
horseshoe shaped shifter. A sea of calm black carpet douses the
floors and is in nice condition.
Drivetrain
A hoist of the hood, and we note a 350ci V8 in good shiny
condition. This engine carries a correct 3982388 casting number
along with the correct 300hp HB stamping code but a different VIN
is on the block. This is topped with a 4bbl carburetor and correct
cowl induction air cleaner assembly. A non-stamped or tagged TH350
3-speed automatic transmission is on back which connects to a 3.07
geared conventional 12 bolt rear. Everything in the engine bay
looks just fab with an orange/red painted block and supple black
hoses.
Undercarriage
A very small amount of surface rust is seen on the usual suspects,
however unremarkable. Solid unibody, and floor pans, and correct
stock style dual exhaust can be seen underneath. Independent front
suspension with coil springs and power disc brakes is on the front
while on the rear we see leaf springs and power drums. A very nice
presentation down below.
Drive-Ability
It isn't often that I clamor to drive a muscle car but when the
chance to drive this came up, I hopped over my desk and swiped the
keys right from my crack decoder's hands. Slipping into the
driver's seat was a breeze thanks in part to the tilt column and
the houndstooth is just heavenly to sit in. With a turn of the key
the engine came to life and settled into a nice healthy rumble. I
slid the shifter into drive and off to the test track I went. Here
it performed well with ample acceleration from the 350 cubes and I
kept glancing in the rearview mirror hoping to see Foyt, Andretti,
and Unser bearing down on me waiting for the green flag, but I
digress. On the track the car handled very well, and braking was
smooth and bias free. All in all, a great drive with all functions
operational, including the headlight door mechanism which have been
rebuilt.
We get lots of Camaros through the door here at the Classic Auto
Mall but none quite as unique as this Pace Car Convertible. Having
not only a detailed list of the 4 owners but also the
Protecto-Plate and the original body broadcast sheet showing the
Z11, Z22, Z27, Z87 and ZL2 options. Rarely seen and rarely do these
cars come up for sale, but now holding its own in our North
mallway...Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!!!
VIN DECODE
124679N613796
1-Chevrolet
24-Camaro V8
67-Convertible
9-1969
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
613796-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 69 12467-1969 Camaro Convertible
BDY NOR276696-Norwood Body #
TR 720-Orange Houndstooth
PNT 50A-Dover White, White Top
02D-4th Week February Build
Z11-Indy Pace Car Accent Group
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
