Vehicle Description
The Camaro Z/28 has always been a favorite among bowtie faithful,
but today they're also an A-list collectable poised on the cusp of
a big run-up on prices. Matching-numbers examples like this Cortez
Silver 1969 Z are already seeing some strong gains in the market,
and that totally overlooks the fact that they are quite likely the
best-driving first generation F-bodies of all.
This one offers a nice restoration of a quality car, with few
liberties taken along the way. They were obviously well aware of
the Z/28's rapid appreciation rate, so they focused on quality,
getting the body straight and smooth before applying correct code
69 Cortez Silver with black SS stripes, which is this car's
original color. The results are impressive because the car stands
out without being an extrovert, a hard thing to do in the bright
Streetside Classics showroom. It shows good gaps all around which
are pretty close to the way it would have come from the factory
when it was new and, of course, it includes details like a ducktail
spoiler and gill inserts on the quarter panels. It also carries a
correct cowl induction hood, which was actually optional on the
Z/28 but makes a big difference in value and desirability. The "B"
on the cowl tag also denotes a black vinyl top, which gives the
Z/28 a grown-up look that also adds to its subtlety and we like it
a lot.
All the same standards apply inside, where the code 712 black
bucket seat interior is pretty much the way it would have been on
the showroom floor in 1969. This car was clearly a street car, not
destined for combat, so it has a few luxury items like the
wood-rimmed steering wheel on a tilt column and a center console
with white-faced auxiliary gauges, more options that push this Z/28
up the desirability ladder. Oddly enough, even a tach was optional,
but this car has one and it's hard to imagine a Z/28 without it,
especially given its high-winding nature. A proper Hurst cue ball
shifter manages the Z's standard 4-speed manual gearbox and few
cars are as satisfying to run through the gears as this one. The
original radio remain in the dash, but it's augmented with a
Kenwood AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo radio hidden in the glove box, so you
can have your cake and eat it too. Even the trunk is correctly
detailed with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare tire assembly
with jack.
The heart of the Z/28 is its engine, a bespoke 302 cubic inch V8
that loves to sing. This is the car's original, numbers-matching
DZ-code engine, rebuilt to stock specifications and cackling with a
unique small block snarl that's a big part of the experience. Under
that cowl induction air cleaner there's a Holley 4-barrel
carburetor on a nicely detailed Chevy Orange block with finned
valve covers, correct tower hose clamps, reproduction hoses, and a
set of long-tube headers that certainly help with the high-RPM
breathing. The transmission is a correct Muncie 4-speed powering a
rugged 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears inside, so you'd better hold on
tight when you crack the throttle. Clean floors, a recent
Flowmaster exhaust system and correct Rallys with 215/65/15
BFGoodrich redline radials round out the package.
Quality Z/28s will not be this affordable for much longer, and if
you want one that's also ideal for driving and hitting the local
show scene, this is a fantastic choice. Call today!
