Choosing a classic as a project candidate can be challenging because it can be easy for an enthusiast’s heart to overrule their head. It is possible to become blind to the scope of the work and cost as visions of the finished product dance in our imagination. That leads us to this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. It is a dry-climate classic that requires a total restoration. No aspect of this vehicle will escape the new owner’s attention, regardless of whether they pursue a faithful or custom approach. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Hesperia, California. They set their BIN at $17,500 with the option to make an offer.

The 1969 model year marked the last hurrah for the First Generation Camaro. Sales volumes had grown slowly but consistently since Day One, cementing the badge’s place in Chevrolet’s product range. The Cowl Tag confirms that the first owner ordered our feature car in a combination of Glacier Blue and Dover White. It would have looked attractive in that form, but much water has passed under the bridge since it left the showroom floor. The exterior carries a reasonable layer of surface corrosion on many surfaces which is the type typically found on cars from dry locations. Actual penetrating rust is less apparent, with the most obvious confined to the lower rear quarter panels. Initially, the car’s worst problems appear to be confined to the floors and trunk pan, but it is worth remembering that sourcing replacement steel isn’t difficult or expensive. More worrying is the heavy corrosion on the dashtop, which might be a sign of deeper issues that will be expensive and time-consuming to address. Many trim pieces require replacement, and I think that there may be issues with the windshield.

The theme of total restoration continues inside this Camaro. The seats have been removed, but are present. The great unknown is the dash because there is no evidence of gauges, heater controls, a pad, or any trim pieces. The seller is short on information, leaving potential buyers reliant on the photos to draw their own conclusions. A retrim is the minimum required, although I suspect that the shopping list is going to be long and fairly expensive.

The VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this Camaro with a V8 under the hood, but not which engine they selected. The lack of information extends to this aspect of the car, although we know it also features an automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. The health of the small-block in residence is unknown, but I never like to see engines that have sat for a long time with items like the intake open to foreign bodies. Budgeting for a complete mechanical rebuild would be wise because it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.

As an entry point, this 1969 Camaro is not a cheap project candidate. It requires nothing short of a nut-and-bolt approach, regardless of whether the aim is a faithful restoration or a custom build. However, that hasn’t prevented it from generating interest, with the 130 people who have placed it on their Watch List suggesting that at least a few might be prepared to take it on. Are you tempted to join them, or isn’t this a project you would be willing to tackle?