46k Original Miles: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Buyers seeking a turnkey classic to park in their garage currently face an enormous range of choices in the market. With prices beginning to rebound after a tough year in 2023, now might be the time to strike. An ideal candidate could be this 1969 Camaro Convertible. Every aspect of this classic has received TLC to ensure it is mechanically and structurally sound, and with only 46,000 miles on the clock, it should provide decades of motoring pleasure to a new owner. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Missouri City, Texas. The solitary bid of $45,000 is below the reserve, but there is a BIN option of $60,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
The First Generation Camaro enjoyed a relatively short production run, gracing showroom floors from 1967 until 1969. This Convertible rolled off the line during the final year. Its original owner ordered it in Glacier Blue with a contrasting White soft-top. The seller confirms it received a body and paint restoration in the 1980s, and the lack of significant cosmetic shortcomings suggests it has been treated respectfully in the intervening years. The paint retains a healthy shine, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The seller admits a close inspection will reveal minor nicks and chips, but the Camaro is unquestionably presentable and still capable of turning heads. However, the best news for potential buyers who might be unwilling or unable to undertake repairs is this classic’s lack of rust. The original exterior steel is clean, and there is no Bondo, but the underside shots reveal floors that you could eat off. The top fits tightly, and the rear window hasn’t become cloudy. The remaining glass is in good order, the original chrome and trim have survived remarkably well, and the spotless Rally wheels are wrapped in BF Goodrich tires.
Interior trim and upholstery can reveal much about the life a car has lived, with wear and abuse visible a mile away. My initial impression of this Camaro was that it had received an interior restoration. However, the seller claims that it is original and untouched. That makes its condition particularly noteworthy. There are no visible issues with any surface, and the carpet has survived exceptionally well. The dash and pad are spotless, with no aftermarket additions beyond a Bluetooth stereo. The seller includes the factory radio for those wishing to reverse the change. It isn’t brimming with factory options, but the console and its immaculate faux woodgrain add a classy air.
The mechanical specifications of this numbers-matching Camaro don’t promise muscle car performance, but its abilities should satisfy those seeking a relaxed mooring experience. The 327ci V8 sends 210hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The original owner’s decision to include power assistance for the steering and brakes will help to reduce the driver’s physical effort. The rest of this classic has provided nothing but good news, which continues when we examine its recent mechanical history. The seller is the car’s second owner, and it seems the first was meticulous with maintenance. They changed the oil every few months, even though the vehicle had limited use. This approach and a sheltered existence means it has a genuine 46,000 miles on the clock. That reading is low, but it didn’t prevent the seller from lavishing TLC on the drivetrain during 2016 and 2017. Every mechanical component was restored or rebuilt, from the engine, transmission, and rear end to the brakes, steering, and suspension. Nothing escaped the seller’s attention, and they hold invoices totaling $27,000 to support their claim. The results were worth the effort, with the seller stating that this Convertible runs and drives as well as it did the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The new owner could fly in and drive this beauty home, safe in the knowledge that the trip shouldn’t throw up any mechanical problems.
The 1969 model year saw 243,085 buyers hand over the cash to drive away in a new Camaro, but only 16,515 chose the Convertible version. That doesn’t make this the rarest car on the planet, but it is desirable. The classic market is bouncing back after a generally dismal year in 2023, although the gains have been slow. The seller’s BIN for this Camaro is above the high mark you might expect to pay, and I don’t think people will be clambering over each other to hit the button. However, I guess it can be viewed as “if you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Somebody may find this Camaro irresistible, and it is not unusual for some people to throw caution to the wind if a classic ticks the boxes for them. The bidding should top $50,000 before the hammer falls, but by how much is pure speculation. What is your view?
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Comments
What is the point of a two speed automatic, esp in the late 1960s? Today, we all know that the more speeds an auto has, the better, I assume that in 1969 they would know that too and make the 3 speed auto te standard. Was it a profit motive by the company? Was it a cost savings by the buyer? I must admit, I have never driven a Poweglide, maybe they are not as bad as I imagine, esp since so many cars had them, but realy foks, why not 3 speed auto in this fine car? Better yet, how about a cheaper standard 3 sp stick?
A three speed stick was standard, an automatic was an option. The Powerglide wasn’t the base automatic on all V8 engines but was on this. Some other “features” that were standard equipment on base Camaro, manual drum brakes, manual steering, passenger side view mirror, radio “delete” you could even delete a heater. It’s not a big deal, every manufacturer had what was then optional equipment which by now would be considered to be mandatory from a buyer’s perspective. It wasn’t until the early-60’s that seatbelts became standard equipment.
Steve R
Seat belts became law in 1968 along with many other safety requirements
Back in the day, you could walk into a dealership and order a vehicle like this Camaro with a myriad of options to choose from. And every one of them added a bit to the price. So the “standard” model of every car was pretty damn basic, and even then you could opt out of certain things for a true “stripper”.
The marketing model has changed. Now every car is loaded, and the options are overpriced packages to make the end result even more loaded. I found in the mid-90s that you couldn’t actually buy the base model, and the Toyota dealership confirmed that while they could order one, it would never show up because they factory didn’t actually build such vehicles (probably would have required reprogramming the robots).
So you are saying, it was a company bait and switch? Okay, but how were they in actual use, are the cars driveable?
Power glides were actually very smooth transmissions, light weight and and having two gears they used the torque of engine instead of spending through the gears quickly. Working better with the power band of the motor. Alot of racers figured this out and were used alot at the track.
Nice car but seems like it had a lot of unnecessary mechanical work done if that is truly all the miles it had on it.
A nice pretty fun unit here. I would drive it daily. 60k for this or 60k for some fantastic plastic cup holder laden electronic depreciation fest. Looks like the same color as my 64 Impala convertible. It gets two thumbs up and I am not a big Camaro fan.
Ot is a beauty , i wouldn’t drive it home as it would only dirty and damage it and i probably would hardly drive it , i have done this with every beauty that i have owned ,so i wont be buying it and keep looking for a less beautiful car to drive more often…
Owner must be true fan, his hobby. Bit over the top. Cars are meant to be driven, not looked at or worshipped. I owned several Firebirds and drove em all. Nice car, too pricey for few items it has…Big Block, SS or a Z-28 price. This one, 28K tops.
I know it’s a ragtop and it looks like it’s been pampered, but $60K for a 327/PG car? Maybe at the end of the decade, but not now.
At the end of the decade, many of us will be dead. Who will want these then? Besides, do you think the econoomic situation in this country is gping to get better or worse for car nuts?
There will be more than enough car nuts around by the end of the decade, it’s only 6 years away. Nostalgia and the fact that gas-powered cars will be fewer in number will see cars like this sell for $60k at Barret-Jackson or Mecum.😉
Not a virgin….so false advertizing it is….nice looking car though.
Forget worrying about electrics until charging, range and cost equals IC car, could be a year, maybe 5 or ? This is a Small block , PG, Camaro, convertible is a plus, great shape, but $60k.? That’s real money for a mundane version of a muscle car.
Inquiring minds want to know, why does the seller lead one to believe the car is original. Fenders and quarter panels replaced, the top replaced, he!!, 1/2 of this car has been rebuilt or replaced. Caveat Emptor.
The Powerglide made a distinctive whine in park or neutral (as did the Hydramatic 2 speeds used on other GM brands). I miss that sound.