The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28 remains a definitive benchmark of the muscle car era, specifically engineered to dominate the SCCA Trans-Am racing series. This LeMans Blue example, sold new at Don Allen Chevrolet in Miami, stands out as a premier collector piece due to its comprehensive rotisserie restoration and extensive paper trail. Boasting its original Protect-O-Plate, window sticker, and a certificate of authenticity from Camaro Hi-Performance, Inc., it offers a level of provenance rarely seen in the market. It represents a time when factory-built racers could be driven off the showroom floor and onto the track with minimal modifications.
Aero-Inspired LeMans Blue and Rally Sport Styling
The exterior is refinished in its original LeMans Blue, complemented by a crisp Black vinyl top and an Endura front bumper. As a dual-package car, it features the iconic Rally Sport equipment, most notably the hidden headlamps that give the front fascia a sleek, uninterrupted look. The functional ZL2 cowl induction hood and rear spoiler are not merely cosmetic; they were designed to improve high-speed stability and engine breathing. It sits perfectly on 15×7 Rally wheels wrapped in correct Goodyear wide-tread tires, preserving the aggressive stance that helped the 1969 model set sales records for the first-generation Camaro.
Deluxe Black Upholstery and Factory Instrumentation
The cabin is appointed with Black Deluxe upholstery and features a rare level of convenience for a performance-focused build. A tilt steering column is paired with a sport steering wheel, while the center console houses a full suite of factory gauges. Enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of a factory tachometer to monitor the high-revving V8, alongside an AM/FM stereo and an unusual rear window defroster. Every detail, from the woodgrain trim on the door panels to the precise fitment of the interior components, reflects the high standard of its multi-year restoration.
High-Winding 302 V8 and M21 Close-Ratio Control
Under the hood resides the legendary DZ-suffix 302 CI V-8, which was factory rated at 290 hp/PS and 290 lb-ft/Nm of torque. Despite the conservative official rating, this engine was designed for the high-RPM demands of road racing, featuring a DZ Holley carburetor and its factory-correct smog system. Shifting is managed by a Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, sending power to a 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.73 gears. The combination of power steering and power disc brakes ensures that this small-block powerhouse remains as agile and responsive today as it was in 1969.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 302 CI DZ-Suffix V-8 |
| Output (Hp/Torque) | 290 hp / 290 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual (M21) |
| Chassis Code | First Generation (N-Suffix) |
Market Context and Trans-Am Dominance
The 1969 model year was a monumental success for Chevrolet, with the Z28 package alone seeing over 20,000 units produced. However, finding an example that combines the Rally Sport (RS) aesthetic with a documented Z28 mechanical pedigree is increasingly difficult. While competitors like the Ford Boss 302 provided stiff competition, the Camaro’s victory in the 1969 Trans-Am Manufacturer’s Championship cemented its status as the “King of the Hill.” In today’s market, fully documented and certified RS Z28s are considered blue-chip investments, frequently outperforming contemporary big-block alternatives in value retention.
Documented Provenance and Investment Potential
Ownership of this Camaro is an exercise in historical preservation, as it includes the original pre-delivery checklist and dealer invoice from March 1969. The rotisserie restoration ensures that the chassis and undercarriage are as pristine as the exterior, while the Camaro Hi-Performance certification provides peace of mind regarding the vehicle’s component authenticity. This level of verification is essential for high-tier collecting, shielding the owner from the “tribute” cars often found at lower price points. For the serious collector, this Glendale 2026 lot represents a turn-key opportunity to own a verified piece of Chevrolet racing history.
Final Verdict on a Camaro Hi-Performance Certified Legend
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28 is a masterclass in balance, offering a high-revving mechanical soul wrapped in one of the most beautiful bodies ever to leave Detroit. With its exhaustive documentation and rare factory options, it remains an untouchable icon of American automotive achievement.
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Source: mecum.com
