HISTORY OF THE 1969 Z11 CAMARO:
Originally developed as Chevrolet's answer to the Ford Mustang, the
Camaro debuted in September 1966 as part of GM's first-generation
F-body platform. While the Mustang initially dominated the emerging
"pony car" market, the Camaro quickly established itself as a
serious contender thanks to its performance-oriented image, wide
range of drivetrain options and successful promotional
campaigns.
Part of the model's early success stemmed from Chevrolet's
strategic partnership with the Indianapolis 500. Following Camaro's
appearance as the official pace car for the 1967 Indianapolis 500,
Chevrolet once again secured the honor for 1969 to promote the
redesigned Camaro Convertible. The official pace car featured a
striking Dover White paint scheme accented by bold Hugger Orange
striping across the cowl induction hood and rear deck lid.
To capitalize on the publicity surrounding the event, Chevrolet
introduced Regular Production Option code Z11, allowing dealers to
offer showroom versions of the Indy Pace Car Convertible.
Officially announced in February 1969, the Z11 package combined the
Super Sport package (RPO Z27) with Rally Sport equipment (RPO Z22)
and unique pace car ornamentation. Buyers could choose between
350ci and 396ci V8 engines along with several manual and automatic
transmission options.
In total, only 3,675 Z11 "Pace Car" Camaro Convertibles were
produced for 1969. Today they remain among the most recognizable
and sought-after variants of the first-generation Camaro.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS "Indy Sport Convertible" featured
here is finished in its factory-correct color combination of Dover
White (Code 50) with Hugger Orange striping over an Orange
Houndstooth interior (Trim Code 720) beneath a White manually
operated convertible top (Code A).
Decoding the VIN and Fisher Body tag confirms assembly at
Chevrolet's Norwood, Ohio facility during the fourth week of April
1969. The trim tag further verifies this Camaro as an authentic
factory-built Z11 Pace Car Convertible incorporating both the Super
Sport (Z27) and Rally Sport (Z22) equipment groups.
While its early ownership history remains undocumented, the
Camaro's presentation leaves little doubt that it benefited from a
thorough, high-quality restoration under previous ownership.
Documentation on file shows the car was acquired by a long-term
owner outside Dallas, Texas in 2012 before undergoing an extensive
multi-year refurbishment focused on both authenticity and
drivability.
Accompanying invoices dated between July 2012 and April 2019 total
more than $7,800 and include purchases from respected industry
suppliers such as Ecklers, Classic Industries, JEGS and others.
Additional accompanying materials include the Owner's Manual,
service manuals and an assortment of removed original parts
including factory-style steel valve covers and a rear axle assembly
believed to have been removed during the car's conversion from a
3-speed to 4-speed manual transmission. Receipts dated 2012 further
document the acquisition of a correct tilt steering column and
related 4-speed components to support the conversion. When viewed
collectively, the documentation and retained components reflect the
level of detail, pride of ownership and ongoing investment this Z11
Pace Car received throughout more than a decade of enthusiast
stewardship.
A May 2014 service invoice from a Texas Chevrolet dealership
records the odometer at 69,324 miles. Today the Camaro displays
just over 71,600 miles, indicating fewer than 2,400 additional
miles traveled during the past twelve years. The modest mileage
accumulated during long-term ownership speaks volumes about the
care and preservation this car received.
Following the long-term owner's unexpected passing in 2023, the
Camaro was offered through a Texas dealership on behalf of the late
owner's estate before being acquired later that year by a St.
Louis-based businessman and collector. Upon purchase, the car was
shipped directly to IT'S ALIVE! for inspection and servicing.
Upon arrival at our facility, the IT'S ALIVE! team was thoroughly
impressed by the car's overall fit, finish, and road manners.
Service work performed by our in-house specialists included routine
oil and filter service, replacement of the spark plugs, carburetor
tuning, and repair of the vacuum-operated hideaway headlight
system. Following discussions with the owner regarding future
consignment opportunities, the decision was ultimately made for
IT'S ALIVE! to acquire the vehicle outright as part of our
collection of offerings.
Beneath the "Super Scoop" cowl induction hood resides the car's
Numbers-Matching 350ci (5.7 Liter) L48 Small Block V8 originally
rated at 300 horsepower. The visible engine casting number of
3956618 appears adjacent to the bellhousing behind the carburetor,
while the Tonawanda assembly stamp "T0124HA" identifies a
350ci/300hp engine assembled on January 24th, 1969 for use with a
manual transmission.
Although the engine pad VIN stamp was removed during prior machine
work, inspection of the factory "hidden VIN" stamping located along
the left side of the engine block confirms the engine as the car's
original Numbers-Matching unit. The visible hidden stamping reads
"1N637075," corresponding correctly to this Camaro's VIN
sequence.
Feeding the L48 V8 is a HOLLEY 4-barrel carburetor mounted atop a
desirable Chevrolet aluminum intake manifold (Casting No. 3932472).
This period-correct upgrade provides improved performance while
maintaining an essentially stock underhood appearance with the air
cleaner installed.
The Muncie M20 "wide ratio" 4-speed transmission, while not
original to the car, carries stamping "P9B24A," denoting a
correctly dated February 24th, 1969 assembly.
IT'S ALIVE! is proud to offer this exceptionally well-presented and
highly desirable 1969 Camaro Z11 SS/RS Indy Pace Car Convertible.
Combining iconic first-generation Camaro styling, documented
long-term ownership, desirable factory equipment and a
Numbers-Matching L48 V8, this rare Pace Car Convertible represents
an outstanding opportunity for the collector or enthusiast seeking
one of Chevrolet's most recognizable muscle-era offerings.
If you are the next caretaker of this distinctive and well-sorted
classic Camaro, please contact us at (314) 710-6600 ext. 140 or
email
[email protected].
Please note that this vehicle is not located at our main facility
in Bridgeton, MO 63044. Vehicle is available for inspection by
appointment only.
