The 1963 Chevrolet Camaro Custom Convertible, famously nicknamed BlackOut, stands as a premier example of contemporary pro-touring excellence. Designed by Maharaj Customs, this vehicle recently secured second in class at the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, underscoring its elite status in the custom car community. While the 1969 model year originally marked the end of the first-generation pony car with 376,775 units produced, this specific build departs entirely from factory constraints. It utilizes a bespoke chassis and a sectioned windshield to create a more aggressive, lower-profile silhouette. For enthusiasts at the Glendale 2026 auction, this Camaro represents a fusion of iconic sixties muscle and cutting-edge fabrication that has already earned multiple awards for its interior and individual display.
Aggressive Ultra Black Exterior Design
The visual character of the BlackOut Camaro is defined by its PPG Ultra Black Enviro-Base paint, shielded by Fusion paint protection film. Maharaj Customs integrated several unique body modifications, including sculpted side skirts and custom rear quarter vents that break up the traditional sheet metal. The rear of the vehicle features one-off, programmable Y-pattern taillights inspired by Lamborghini design, housed within a custom tail pan that also features integrated trapezoidal exhaust tips. A flush-mounted, sectioned windshield lowers the car’s visual center of gravity, while custom diffusers optimize airflow. The stance is perfected by an AccuAir management system controlling Ridetech ShockWave air suspension, allowing the deep-tubbed body to tuck 20-inch Luxor-style wheels with surgical precision.
Bespoke Interior and High-End Audio
The interior is a masterclass in modern luxury, featuring a matching Black leather environment that earned the build an Outstanding Interior Custom award. The cabin is centered around a custom Sparc Industries steering wheel and Dakota Digital HDX gauges, providing a sharp, high-definition interface for the driver. Technological integration is extensive, utilizing a Stinger touch screen interface and an Ididit wireless ignition system for seamless operation. The audio setup is a professional-grade Focal and PBX series system, highlighted by dual 10-inch subwoofers and a multi-component speaker array. To maintain cabin serenity, the entire floor and trunk were Line-X insulated, providing superior sound-deadening and thermal protection across the custom-paneled trunk and passenger floorboards.
Supercharged LS1 and 6-Speed Performance
Under the cowl hood lies an Edelbrock supercharged 5.7L LS1 V-8 engine managed by a Holley Dominator EFI system. This setup is rated at a potent 620hp (628PS) and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) of torque, delivering modern supercar levels of acceleration through a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain is built to handle this massive output, featuring a Ford 9-inch rear end with 4.11 gearing and a custom 4-link rear suspension. To ensure the car stops as well as it goes, the builders installed a Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II front clip and a CPP master cylinder with power disc brakes. A custom Flowmaster exhaust system provides a visceral soundtrack that complements the whine of the supercharger, making it a formidable presence on both the street and the show floor.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 5.7L LS1 V-8 |
| Output (Hp/Torque) | 620hp (628PS) / 590 lb-ft (800Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 3.8 Seconds (Estimated) |
| Top Speed | 175 mph (282 km/h) (Estimated) |
| Chassis Code | F-Body (Custom Maharaj Chassis) |
| Curb Weight | 3,450 lbs (1,565 kg) (Estimated) |
Market Context and Rivals
The market for high-tier 1969 Camaro restomods has seen a significant shift toward “show-and-go” builds that can compete at events like the Grand National Roadster Show. In the current 2026 climate, this vehicle competes directly with elite builds from shops like Ringbrothers or Weaver Customs. While a factory 1969 SS Convertible might sell for between $60,000 and $90,000, “full-custom” winners like BlackOut occupy a separate echelon where six-figure results are the standard. Its unique selling point is the combination of a high-power supercharged LS platform with a truly one-off aesthetic that utilizes modern European lighting cues, setting it apart from more traditional pro-touring builds that rely on factory-style trim.
Ownership and Value Trends
For the modern collector, a restomod of this caliber offers the advantage of simplified maintenance through the Holley Dominator EFI and LS1 architecture, which remains one of the most supported platforms in the industry. Reliability is a key driver of value in the 2026 market, as collectors increasingly look for vehicles that can be driven to shows rather than trailered. Investment potential for 1969 Camaros remains at an all-time high, with the 1969 model specifically being the most sought-after year for custom projects. As high-quality builds like BlackOut win major awards, they establish a provenance that protects their value against market fluctuations, making them blue-chip assets in any automotive portfolio.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Custom BlackOut is more than just a muscle car; it is a rolling testament to modern engineering and artistic vision. Whether judged on the show floor or driven on the open road, it offers a level of refinement and power that ensures its place among the most significant builds of the decade.
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Source: mecum.com
