The Legendary Big Red Camaro | The Story, the Build & Straight Piped Street Drive with RJ

To say it was an honor shooting and riding in Big Red Camaro is truly an understatement! It was beyond description for me to sit in the passenger seat with RJ and roll around So California in the Original Outlaw and the car that can be credited for what we now call Pro Touring so sit back and enjoy the ride...
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[@zwei94]

I love this car so much. It’s not just a camaro it’s a piece of American automotive history. Thanks for sharing the story Shaun❤

[@romeyrome32]

It truly is.

[@justaskmeiknow5584]

Never heard of it until now

[@Diesel257]

​@justaskmeiknow5584 It was basically the first pro touring car. It's been around years. If you read HotRod you'd know it.

[@KingJT80]

@@justaskmeiknow5584 probably been around before you were born is why...ive even heard of this car AT LEAST in the late 90s myself as i graduated HS

[@Eltalstro]

I remember reading about it in Hot Rod Magazine as a kid. KZbin is great for stuff like this.

[@drdesmo8489]

Massive thanks to RJ/Big Red and Co. for the Huge Smile on all of our faces 👊🏻 What a perfect story of American Fathers and Sons sharing a never ending passion together

[@AutotopiaLA]

Said perfectly

[@vettepilot427]

That car is an American flag on 4 tires.........respect it.

[@joshuaking34]

The fact that Big Red is still putting the world on notice speaks volumes about the car and everyone around it. Truly a piece of living history.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

Give me a car like this not some expensive car

[@drewwin794]

@@JNAMOTORSPORTSlol! 😂

[@drunkinmaster1]

Im 47 and Ive read about the legend of Big Red when I was a young teen. This is one of the most epic cars ever.

[@PatRMG]

41, same!

[@MrTBoner911]

48 here, and same deal. I remember endlessly watching a VHS tape that I had of the Silver State Classic with this car.

[@ssoffshore5111]

53 and have followed the adventures of BR for decades!

[@imperfectbeliever8127]

I'm 54 and this is the car I base my own builds on. A car that can cruise the Blvd or freeway and drag race and road race. A do it all car. Awesome.

[@hotrodder5034]

58 same!

[@andrewipp426]

What an absolute joy it was seeing Big Red it is such a piece of American racing history. The fact that is is the same car that RJ and his dad originally built as a father/son project just makes it that much more special. Listening to Mark talk through all the variations that are done to the “one and only” car for specific racing events is mind boggling. Multiple engines, transmission, fueling systems, exhaust...etc in order to run at such a variety of events. You would have thought there were multiple versions, but no it’s the original iconic Camaro for over 30+ years of being wrung out by its neck, RJ looks like he thoroughly still gets the thrill every time he fires it up...and that sound geeze the straight pipes and straight cut transmission gears just adds to the mystic! The fact you have to wear ear plugs just reminds us of how raucous it is and seeing your face as he sticks his foot in it just punctuates what a beast it is! Thank you for sharing!

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s a true legend and was an honor to make this video and get to ride with RJ in it. Still mind blown

[@PowerstrokeSynd]

Ive been following Big Red for 20+ years! Such a great story. To get all the info and details of this automobile needs a whole series of content.

[@twentyfouro-nine6016]

Met Larry 2019 in Columbus. Super nice guy. Told him I'm from Germany and that I adore this Camaro. He said they'd like to bring it to the Nürburgring and handed me a free shirt and basecap. I feel priviledged to have seen Big Red and Larry in person.

[@dkstudioart]

I remember reading about this car in Hot Rod Magazine way back in the day, made a huge impression on me, one the most amazing cars ever built by anybody.

[@cal440]

yeah, same here

[@DonVideoGuy007]

Same here... and never believed that the car would "be re-born" after the 1987 crash, and live to travel at up to 266 mph in the Mojave Mile, and still dominate more than 35 years later all different types of race courses, including the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb with a better time than most 4 wheel drive vehicles.

[@PatRMG]

This is awesome! I remember reading magazine articles of Big Red from some time ago.

[@habideenmolake]

You made it Shaun! This is THE car!!! Proud of you ma man!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you! Mind blowing that this happened!!

[@jasonkrebs1859]

By far my favorite pro touring build ever

[@thektmkid6990]

Just wow, stunning, I did not want this episode to end, I could of watched you guys all talking about the car for hours, hats off to everybody involved in the build of this car man. Shaun you killed it as always 🫡

[@solojrbb]

Notice that host didn't stop smiling once on that ride

[@montestu5502]

After all these decades, it is still the coolest car ever.

[@FYRSTFAM]

I worked on a construction job where Mark was the superintendent years ago. I remember him talking about Big Red even then. Super cool guy

[@markewing3168]

Lol what job was this crazy you still remember that

[@OneofMyTurns]

One if not the most beautiful car designs to come out of the GM factory!!!

[@christopherfriedberg6597]

"No messin' around" ! A duty-built car for its intended purpose. I Love it ! Thank you for sharing the Adventure !

[@jamesarnold998]

This is the best Camaro ever built! Bill Osborne was a genius!! Great information on this, thanks!!!

[@jerryfrederick6610]

I'm a Ford guy and I love this beautiful car. What a beast. Makes me proud to be American..

[@chrisecker9341]

I‘m following BigRed for years and this Camaro is an Universal Soldier. To me, this is one of the most impressive machines out there. This car is all about show and go!

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s truly a legend and to get a ride was beyond words for me

[@ssoffshore5111]

My first car as teen was a red 68 Camaro. Sold it after HS and bought a 67 RS/SS about 20-25 years ago, I still have it. These first gen Camaros will always have a place in my heart. Big Red has been a favorite of mine for a long time and it gave me goosebumps watching you guys drive it on the street! Thanks for featuring BR and sharing that awesome experience!

[@danielpulciani8576]

I have grown up with this car.... outstanding!!

[@JaredR1996]

Now this is something I’m gonna enjoy. This is a beast of a Camaro

[@berponteberponte3231]

Great show, a real car with pedigree, no BS , I grew up looking up to Big Red , Thank you for bringing in the Legend!!!!

[@dougperrien347]

This video chokes me up. I was a teenager when this was on the cover of hot rod magazine in the 80’s. . I cut the pictures out of this car stuck them on my wall. I literally wanted this car and it’s set up. ❤️❤️. A piece of American history as far as I’m concerned, every young teenage boy wanted this. I’ve watched and followed them since I was young. My brother in law, SCCA. He has a 69 Z/28 RS. With a professionally built DZ 302. Now that was a running machine to. He also raced his Tiger Sunbeam. With a 289 high po. Out of a GT 350. What a dangerous car that was.

[@73cam_]

I’ve been following this Big Red for a long time. My son and I had the privilege of meeting The Big Red team during the Pikes Peak event and they’re a great group of guys willing to share and talk about the car. Greatest experience ever! I’m sure the team is missing their long time engine builder but I’m sure he’s still keeping an eye on things. Great job on the video! Big Red on the streets best video to date 👊🏾👊🏾

[@MeneCenter69]

I got to meet RJ at TX2K this year and he's the nicest guy. He gave everyone that asked a rundown of the car's incredible history. And the sound it produces is unbelievable. It sounds like the car just wants to keep going. It's as if it has a soul and truly loves what it does. To say I'm a fan is an understatement

[@Epsonblade]

Emotional. Great video. I built a street car 68 camaro with my father. It was how I cut my teeth working on cars. Im 40 now, and I miss that car so much. Now I have to sell one of my modern import cars and get it back. Thanks Shawn!

[@barrycuda3769]

I reckon 67 and 68's look better than the '69 model .

[@sidefx996]

Knocked it out of the park with this one. This car has been a legend since I was a little kid (and that was a long time ago haha) and is definitely one of the top custom cars ever made.

[@daveyanderson6166]

This car is Iconic. I build all my 69's in this car's spirit in games.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Truly a legend

[@torque-ej4nu]

Shes lliterally been a race car my entire life. I have followed thus car since it was in magazines when I was a kid. Long before youtube and car shows on TV were a thing.

[@albertgaspar627]

Arguably, this is the first Pro Touring 69 Camaro, before Stietlow and the Ring Brothers and everyone else. and not even an LS under the hood.

[@TexasDragRacingVideo]

What a treat. My boys and I met RJ and Big Red at the Texas Mile. Nicest group of people we have ever met. They were giving out free t-shirts to everyone. Thank you for this. 😊

[@johngrepo9976]

Big Red is legendary! Rj and his crew single handedly created pro touring!

[@kumaquattro-le1vk]

RJ is the friendliest and most approachable guy you will ever meet . I've seen and met him at the Silver State Classic and also at SEMA, that car is legendary . I first saw BIG RED at a car show in Beverly Hills in 1989, and have been following him ever since .He's really living the dream, whatever that car needs, he has a crew of super talented people to do what it takes .

[@RTLEE1]

You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for a show on big red. I followed it when I was a kid in high school in detention when the library used to get hot rod magazine thank you so much.

[@leisurelandrvcenter]

Love, love, love Big Red! Been a fan of this car since it first came out. What an iconic machine...thanks for sharing with the community Shaun!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me. Big fan and love that I got to ride in it! Never thought that would happen

[@d-sifer7714]

How is this not the best KZbin channel.. production and quality of content is so superior .. every time…. Different.. original.. relevant.. master class .. thank you..!!

[@alansmith9948]

King of all Camaro's, I'm still impressed with this build and the history, so damn cool! Nice drive through Victorville/Apple Valley (my hometown) and it blows my mind the shop is there, no idea.

[@richardwarfield7386]

Big Red - the Legend. Luv it. Great choice to cover

[@lashss]

This is one of the most significant cars of our generation. It catalyzed the phenomenon of modern tuning and modifications. Outstanding job as always from Autotopia LA!

[@marshall60m4]

Im officially envious. What a fantastic experience. I could tell you were sitting there going..." holy shit, im in Big Red" Awesome.....

[@danielbuchanan5327]

When I was a kid (early 90’s) my Dad and I saw this car in Laughlin Nevada. So awesome to see it’s still around all these years later and hear the story behind it.

[@michaelsidhu4079]

Dude, I'd happily watch an hour + video on a vehicle like this. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion so don't hesitate to make "longer format" videos in future. 😎

[@rtkl13]

Thank you for reviewing this car and I feel like just for me. I've watched this car for almost 30 yrs. I've had 33 Camaros 5 of them 69s and it's my favorite. Thank you again, your a lucky man to be honored with a ride in Big Red

[@thomasnathan8035]

YES! Finally Big Red is In your show, the Car that was revolutionary in build and style, the car that kicked off the Pro Touring Scene, I absolutely love this car been following it since the early 90s, thanks for sharing 💯💪👍👌❤️

[@AutotopiaLA]

Blown away that we got to shoot it and I got to ride in it! Dream stuff right there

[@riveraj053]

Lots of respect and love for Big Red and the team. Really love Big Red and what the team has accomplished with it. True Legend 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@greghouser1338]

That car is amazing! It's in a class by itself. Never seen Shawn smile so much.

[@culcune]

I bought that VHS tape of the Silver State Classic back in the later 80s--I believe 1989. This was before the internet, so I ordered it from the back of a magazine and sent in a check. I believe the tape is still at my parents' house, lol. Always amazed how fast the Gottliebs had the car going on what was essentially a public highway--topped out at 220 or something crazy like that. Easily beat a Ferrari Testerossa (sp?) who topped out at 190 or thereabouts, and the other Testerossa crashed--the driver survived but his wife in the passenger seat died. The tape also featured a young Richard Holdener driving his mostly stock Mustang LX notchback 5.0. Great memory, and it is nice to see the Big Red STILL survives!

[@garretwoehl3140]

This car is a legend there is no doubt about that. It’s amazing to see it here on the channel. Thanks for bringing it to us Shaun and crew.

[@franciscovidab]

My 3year old picked this show, one that im subscribed to, there is so much love for what you do that comes from this side of the world. thank you so much for sharing the journey to the people that can't get to experience all the amazing adventures you get to enjoy.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you so much for the comment and tell your 3 year old hello from Shawn!

[@hqlion]

Shaun Great video! I don’t how you’ll ever top Big Red and the great video. Your interview style and the video production was top notch. I knew Big Red was the most versatile car, but my god I didn’t know how far they went. Big Red has an incredible crew and driver.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. My crew killed it on this and it was a true honor to shoot Big Red and get a ride in it!

[@corymagoffin8402]

Big Red on the street is the coolest thing you'll see today, guaranteed 👌

[@scotts6596]

This car is What set the bar . PERIOD. Love the story, legacy and The team of real guys behind the legend. R.I.P To the Engine master. He was a true master.

[@Blownbbc496]

The one and only legend Big Red that can do it all, and beats the pants off of $$$ exotics with brutal big block chevy monster power. Hearing the guttural 565 exhaust note barking on the street is a real treat. Love it.

[@MrTurk6988]

Out of every video I've watched this will be the one I save.... I've been in love with this car since the first time I saw it at the Riverside Casino when he did the Silver State classic and did 221 mph and I have in storage All the magazine articles every done about this monster of a car.....thank you!!!😊

[@elcantante37]

A true legend, fascinating history, I love it!

[@halweilbrenner9926]

I had a '68 RS Camaro 327 Powerglide. The 2 speed trans. made it a dog, but I still liked it much. Also had an '80 Z28 which was a black beauty. Always thought the '69 Z28 was one of the best looking cars of all time. Your knowledge of all the various configurations is remarkable.

[@knackerbags5994]

1st gear in a glide is the same as starting off in 2nd gear in a t350 or t400. That's the reason why. U need lots of torque to have a good take off with a glide

[@mcachr]

As a non American but a lover of American Cars and especially the 1st gen Camaro's, this car is the most iconic thing in the whole American Muscle world for me. Yes there are the Bullitt Mustang, 68 Charger (which is my second favorite Muscle car ever), Eleanor Mustang, absurdly powered million dollar cars, mad creations of Foose, gorgeous builds from Ring Brothers and etc. Non of them cames close to this car! Thanks a lot for this great video!

[@sru1436]

This has been my most favorite car since I was a teenager back in the 80s. I love this car so much!

[@kevinhopkins4206]

Shaun the way you spoke about Big Red and the look on your face, I could see you were moved doing this video. RJ and this monster named Big Red have made a impact on a lot of us gearheads. I remember the Hot Rod with Big Red on the cover in my middle school library, I am pretty sure I still have it in my shop. It is a big part of the reason I got my 69 in 1994 at the age of 14. This icon and the team that pushes to keep the beast alive are inspiring. I hope that I can get my Camaro back to life and back out tormenting the Prius and Tesla owners. Thank you and thank RJ and his awesome team!

[@tysonsmartialarts]

Your camera crew was AWESOME on the road trip part. Impressive to get this done with others on the road too! 👍🏎️🥋

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks and some of that footage was from the Big Red team so can’t take credit for all of it

[@TexacoCamaro]

That was awesome to hear the stories and to see Big Red on the street ripping!!!! Great work. 🔥

[@FrisellFan01]

Well, to start off this was the first time I have ever heard of this car.....but...after watching the interview with RJ the driver then the man the explained the engines and so much more.. I have never seen a car set up for more than 1 class of racing. That in itself is amazing to me....tons of technical info and huge respect for all involved in building and maintaining this car....yes this was a very special shoot.....

[@daveeyrich7524]

This car is a legend! Been following this car since I was a teenager. Now I’m 52😳

[@Nicolas_Carras]

A pure, fascinating beauty that can be contemplated endlessly, because through her it is a whole history of the American car that shines through. Thank you for keeping this story alive for new generations.

[@jasongoodwin5455]

Prolly the baddest Camaro on the planet!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@silverious1le299]

Incredible! You're so lucky to be able to say you've taken a ride in Big Red!

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

I remember reading about this car in the mid 80s. I always wondered about it and it's story. All I can say is I am beyond impressed. Drag racing is/was my first love. Road course racing is right behind it. No circling the course trying to learn it; encounter, adapt and overcome. Flying low at Bonneville is interesting to me from the tech aspect. This proves that one car as built can't do it all, but it's fun to do just that, build it for whichever challenge you point it at.

[@malibuconv1968]

The craziest part of Big Red is that there are VERY few "modern" cars that can come close to what that "old car" can do. 37 years of being a rock solid performer is nothing short of insanely amazing.

[@lestercombs1871]

An American Legend. Right up there with the Trans Am Mustang and AMX

[@kenxiong6830]

This thing is legendary!!!! I remember seeing it on “Are you faster than a redneck”. AutoTopia hits another one out of the ballpark. Idk how you keep finding these awesome machines but keep it up!

[@josephianfranklin]

Dude guys it feels so good to see my old stomping grounds of Victimville & Hysteria representing Autotopia! Had to leave Cali for my kids and haven't been back in 5 years so a lot has changed. But seeing Big Red roll out of a new building on Industrial Blvd is great! Epic episode y'all. Thanks

[@gordocarbo]

Best thing you did...that area and pretty much socal is a meth infested pit.

[@mhousto20]

So much fun to watch Big Red on the move. Timeless cool

[@superlite177]

As a hot rodder Big Red is Iconic, cheers boys!

[@justinm.791]

@AutotopiaLA I truly enjoy this channel, the cars and stories are just incredible. I've enjoyed this car over the years and seeing behind the curtain has been mind blowing! A one of a kind team that has put their hearts and souls into something and made a one of a kind world class car!!!

[@Cneal83]

I’ve been seeing the different versions of this car for years it’s bad ass

[@garneauweld1100]

This machine is very well-documented! Outrageous is what I would expect from LA Speed. Expectations have been met.

[@nyquil762]

Wow, i remember Big Red from the Silver State Classic back in the day. Thanks for the memories.

[@joserbarrientos6158]

It's about time!! Been following that culture changing- unique Camaro and R.J since 91'

[@frankhoffer3504]

Big Red is killer, hell of a good story Shawn you have the best 👌 videos of all time. Thank-you, TCB

[@pab3783]

I had that Car and Driver video on VHS in the 90’s. It was like obtaining plutonium or unobtanium. Thank god for youtube.

[@robertc4311]

This. My favorite ‘69 Camaro of all time. I love this car more than the blue Sunoco ones that won the Trans Am race series in ‘69 by Donahue/Penske. Hell, I love it more than my own ‘69 RS/SS. Glad to see Big Red lives!

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s such a legendary car. Love that we got to shoot it

[@8nfigga]

BIG RED is the baddest 1969 Camaro in the World! This is the best episode of autotopia and you have a lot of really great vehicles on here but nothing tops BIG RED! Props to RJ for letting this happen seems like a cool dude.

[@erikskaggs2651]

Great video. Really liked the history of chassis build, different engine setups, trials and setbacks.

[@WhiteManXRP]

Those Big Blocks sitting on engine stands had me drooling, what heavy duty stuff, like he said everything was beaten to a pulp and re-engineered specific....crazy awesome

[@eddiesanchez5643]

I love it !! Amazing to see that RJ was so cool to even take such an iconic race car out on the street ! Unbelievable

[@twistidsinner7869]

This car and the project x tri five where icons from hot rod magazine I was in love with these two as a child

[@MarMPB]

That one was really special! Certainly the best show about Big Red I’ve ever seen. That car inspired so many enthusiast for muscle cars. Legend!🏆 On the same object, restomod/ pro touring Camaros, would be awesome a video about Mark Stielow’s cars!

[@SPenny-my4we]

Absolutely PHENOMENAL ! I'm so glad I had a chance to watch this, I've had some great views over the years of some awesome looking Camaro's, and this "69" Takes it all ! Thanks to Autotopia, and everyone from BIG RED ! God bless you all ! Love Y'all ! 34:23

[@aarongrattafiori617]

How does this channel not have even more subscribers.

[@johnm1843]

Shawn, I was on the emotional journey with you ! RJ seems like a great guy and your respect for him and big Red is priceless!

[@s_u_b_z_e_r_0896]

Always love a 69 Camero, just seeing this make me smile knowing this is America car and the power and loud is unreal ! Big Red looks soo good. Just putting that car in all range to the use from track/drag/road even street with the same car is how it should be test it in every way and knowing it’s has endless limits 🇺🇸💯

[@justwingingit1]

I remember reading about the 19 year old in Hot Rod magazine driving this beast in the 80’s and just recently realizing that this car was located/based up in the High Desert. It was a real treat for me seeing that piece of history driving in my backyard/roads I drive everyday. Small world…

[@hotrodder5034]

I seen Big Red at Detroit Autorama. Took a bunch of pics! This has to be the nastiest custom 69 Camaro ever built! Soo much history with this car! That ride looked soo intense! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AutotopiaLA]

Amazing ride in a true legend. Blown away I got to cruise around in Big Red!

[@emeryrushmo]

LEGENDARY! I grew up with this car!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Total legend!

[@griffittsgarage]

In 1990 this car was responsible for getting me a job at the Nevada automotive test center. The guy interviewing me was also a fan of this car. Ahead of your time 🙏🏻😎🏁

[@AutotopiaLA]

That’s so cool!

[@stevenisenhower301]

My favorite Real car that ive watched for yrs in magazines. Finally get to hear it ru7n heard and see it on the street driving. Absolutely bad ass and thanks for sharing this awesome car and its history. Been a Hugh fan since car was built. Thank you so much for sharing this and to the guys who make it happen we thank you also because we know the love and pride you have for the such a cool car.

[@cmintsurfer]

Thanks, Shawn for making the rest of the world aware that there has only been one Big Red all these years. A true transformer, based on what event it attends.

[@leonard187]

@AutotopiaLA thank Shawn for sharing a piece of American race, history that car is phenomenal and this is now my #1 favorite episode on your show on KZbin. And thank you to the team of people who have been driving and working on BIGRED all the years it’s been racing.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you enjoyed this one. Truly a legend and I was obviously blown away by being close to it and getting to ride in it with RJ!! Wow!!