1969 Chevrolet Camaro | Buyer's Guide

The Chevy Camaro is a staple among American classics, a car you're virtually guaranteed to see at any Cars and Coffee event. If you're looking to lasso a Pony of your own, Hagerty Magazine Executive Editor Stefan Lombard talks you through the ins and outs of these cars in our latest buyers guide.
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[@rfm0036]

The 69 is my dream car. I don’t care how it was originally, If I get one I’ll make it the way I want it

[@kele5181]

A lot of people do that! After all, it's your car and you can do as you like. I feel that they're all special, but I must admit feeling a certain way when people irreversibly modify some of the more rare cars, like the Z28. It feels better to me when someone modifies one of the less desirable cars, like one if the straight six grocery getter style camaros. Just my opinion though

[@kenshobby5191]

I love the first gens, but will admit I favor the 69s.

[@jacklambert1521]

"Who doesn't love the sound of this?" Tree hugging Tesla owners. Seriously, this is my dream car. It has Mustangs and Chargers and Challengers all beat.

[@rollotomassi6374]

In high school I bought my 1969 Camaro…..Glacier Blue 307 automatic kind of a basic Camaro……I was able to jazz it up, new rims, raised white letter tires, rear spoiler, an 8 track……I loved that car…..unfortunately I was hit head on by a police car responding to a bank hold up, no lights, no siren etc…..we were both on a blind curve with him on my side……once the lawyers were out of it, I had it completely redone…..it looked beautiful……in 1973 I traded it on a 73 cp Corvette convertible…..red with white top…..the mystic however went away and I missed my Camaro…..fast forward to 2010, I bought a refurbished 1969 Camaro convertible, and it’s been a fun project car…..great driver..

[@Anonymous12465]

I want to buy one right now.

[@Hagerty]

Do it.

[@Anonymous12465]

+Hagerty Know of one for

[@Hagerty]

We'll keep you in mind if we come across any smokin' deals.

[@GlassTopRX7]

That would likely be a lot of work. Far more expensive than buying someone's unfinished project in long run too. In 2011 while in Tampa I saw a couple of SS clones going for $15-20k. They were both big block cars one was dressed like a 396 the other one aftermarket, I know the 396 car was actually 454 not sure about the other one. My point is that's a steal these days. In the early 90's I started restoring a 70 Nova, I worked at paint shop and knew how to build an engine. My budget was limited though so I never finished it. Few years later I purchase the RX-7 and payed someone to modify it. I will say it wasn't remotely cheap and it's certainly worth a lot but not nearly what I have invested in it. You go on the classic car sites and a restored small block can be $50k or more, with what I would call a parts car for $5-10k. If you're serious I would surf the muscle car forums and look for someone down in FL. Palm Harbor, near where I use to live is where I saw those cars. Every Friday night in the summer they would hang out in the Checkers parking lot mostly to display their cars but every week or two someone would have a for sale sign up. Find someone that frequents there and they can tell you if they see something.

[@g4g3_k95]

i found one for 500 but someone got it before i could 😪

[@brendas.1374]

I had a 1969 Camaro Z/28 back in the 2000’s. It was really nice!!!

[@johnrunion8309]

4 wheel disk was a option, 206 made , headers was a option on Z28 came in the trunk as did crossbeam of 2 fours . The standard engine on all SS 67 - 69 was 350 - 295 hp 67 , 68 300 for 69. And the 396 , 325, 350, 375 hp was optional.

[@ckryses3962]

I always superloved the shutter eyes Camaro!! Saw a video in which Finnish classic meeting had Camaro with 572_ 8.8 litre heart...and yeah it was my fav Camaro( shutter eyes)..

[@jaker805]

My dad has an all numbers matching 69 camaro ss/rs with a 396. Now it sits in his garage cause he doesnt want anything to happen to it.

[@Stolencamaro]

What a waste

[@AlejandroP1980s]

mr srb yeah imagine drive it and then you have a accident thanks to phone addiction gen z and millennial

[@squidusn71]

What a shame.

[@showmethedammovie]

Garage falls on car...

[@charleshall9755]

Had a 69 SS 396 4speed with white interior and black vinyl top garnet red. Never seen another one that had that same combo.

[@hellboys46]

Beautiful car. It's my dream car.

[@Born2RiffRock]

I drove a rally green 69 to HS. God i loved that car. Black interior 3 speed 327. Had black vinyl top. We put a 4 speed munchie in it.

[@thud9797]

Munchie lol

[@Pioneer27185]

Mine is a 68 327 automatic SS/RS. Nobody ever reviews them. It's always the 67's & 69's that get all the press:-(

[@GlassTopRX7]

That's because the perfect Camaro would be a 69' with the 67' vented front window ;).

[@ChrisBomber]

Virginia Harlow at least it's a 1st gen camaro man

[@Pioneer27185]

It's not original. It has a 275HP 2bbl 327 out of a Corvette & a Borg Warner 2 speed automatic from AAMCO transmissions Co! I wiped out 8 Powerglides before AAMCO put in the B/W.

[@Stolencamaro]

I own 69 but love them all

[@alanalonso6082]

@@Pioneer27185 68 is the most popular in movies. Fast and Furious brought the 69 back with the Yenko replica.

[@MiguelRuiz-js6gd]

A Camaro is a vicious little creature that likes to eat Mustangs, let the war begin again !!!!!!

[@markanthonylewellen3840]

@@RAZREXE ghxn

[@DavidM-zm5gz]

So like a giant dog or something?

[@kchungry821]

I swear I heard him chirp 4th gear @ the end of video!!!!! #❤Camaro

[@seanbailey317]

Would love a 67 Camaro..Beautiful cars.

[@CurlyQLink]

I owned a base (X44) Camaro back in the 70's. Like so many others, I wish I never sold it. However, I did visit the local junkyards back then and bought "several" key interior 69 Camaro parts (including an entire mint dash) which I still have today. All I need now is to find an unmolested car.

[@Boricua-ni4nb]

I had one back in77,4speed,350LT1,Hurst shift,Holley double pumper,Conv,like the one in the movie,Charlie'sAngels.wthCDiaz,DBarrymore

[@paulfrankelphd]

Just a terrific video and automobile. For me, I don't care a lot about original paint marks and correct fasteners. I just want a driver!

[@jamesbarrick3403]

I like 1970 z28 the most... The 350 was a monster at 425hp... 3650lbs car with improved suspension over gen 1. I like the style of 1970 with split bumper

[@garbagebanditdayz819]

Amazing car... I love the shape of cars from the 1950s to the very early 70s like the Plymouth fury/Cuda or the Dodge Challenger or Dodge Dart. My dream is to own a 1957 Plymouth plaza/savoy/belvedere or fury I don't care which one I get if I get one.

[@joshn938]

They're good cars, and handled the best if any American large car during thrir time. Just know that any 57-60 Chrysler product is going to be VERY rust prone, like more than usual of 1950s cars. Take extra steps to rustproof your chassis and avoid rain. Also, some oarts may be hard to find, becsuse thete are few of those cars remaining because of said rust issues, but the good news is, when you can find one, they tend to be a lot more affordable than 1960s Mopars.

[@muhammadalvi816]

my dream car !!one day inshallah

[@mauricedavila8184]

The sound on that monster wow, love hopw everything on it looks orihginal and thanks for the tips

[@gregh7457]

My father picked me up at school in 1970 in a red 1969 SS 396 like this one. Back in those days you could take a car home from the dealership overnight. He ended up getting a cat shit green RS 350 with a vinyl top and an automatic. Soon after he bought it, they recalled it to put funky little cables around the motor mounts. I guess motor mounts were breaking.

[@scootosan]

302 coupled to a M22 trans will smoke the tires off. I would love to have a 6 cylinder with a 3 on the tree just because everyone and their mother wants a big block

[@rileymaloney3934]

why a 302 it would be cheaper to build a 350 and what 6 cylinder

[@joshn938]

I'd rather build a 327 because everyone has a 350 or a big block in their 'Maro. They can be had cheap and are just as inexpensive to build as a 350.

[@sheridanproductions6233]

I have a '68 with a 3 speed on the floor and an AM radio. No other options, very basic and fun. Not fast but unique.

[@HERodriguezJr]

I absolutely love the 69 Camaro and the 70 Barracuda. (similar body design). I have a 69 Chevelle.. looking to trade it for a Camaro or just buy a Camaro project later

[@showmethedammovie]

Send me a picture I have a 68 camaro.

[@v1nc3mc]

Should've mentioned the Baldwin Motion cars and the Nickey ones... Even the yenkos....

[@williamboardman9476]

DEALER prep cars, NOT GM Factory as delivered. Insurance company video.Weren't a good risk, and ANYBODY could buy one.

[@mheller2015]

I own a 1969 Camaro 327 engine turbo 350 trans and now I learned something I have Posie slip rear end. I’m thinking the rear gearing might be 3:31. And I did upgrade the rear leaf springs to five leaf and front disc brakes with 15x8 rear rally wheels and 15x7 front . Then upgraded pipes to real chambered 1969 exhaust. And much more, too much to list. I don’t think I would sell the car less than 40k.

[@gavin9171]

My grandpa owns a red ‘69 Camaro that I am contemplating requesting to buy from him, what’s a decent off (keeping in mind we’re family)

[@tomcooper1297]

Love, electricity, shockwave central Power on the motherboard, yes Push up, overload, legendary heavy glow Sunshine, thunder roll, keep this on Yes the lantern burn, burn that easy And broadcast, so raw and neatly Thunder roll, sunshine, work it out Overload, overload, overload Comin' up to the Overload, overload, overload Comin' up to the Overload, overload, overload Comin' up to the Overload, overload, overload Comin' up to the Oh Stylo, Go forth, blossom in your soul When you know your heart is light Electric is the love When the mako flies up from the bottom in your eyes Then I know the twilight skies are not so broken hearted If its love is electric It'll be flowing on the streets Night after night Just to get through the week Sometimes it's hard Right now Sing…

[@Adthedocks]

Yourself out of depression rise above.

[@wreckemtech165]

I just got chills 😍

[@hipqban169]

Camaro = camarada - comrade - friend = bud

[@Stolencamaro]

= weed

[@rainumarlay5608]

My dream car...

[@ChrisBomber]

Forgot about yenko camaro

[@designatedmarksman9633]

Mash ReeBoot it’s the same as the z-l1 with the 427

[@Adthedocks]

Oh Stylo

[@luminol3854]

juice

[@TheDocskibum]

First time I heard headers were an option. I believe there might have been dealer installed 4 wheel disk brakes but not sure

[@mdhunter03]

For '69 the JL8 four-wheel-disc brake option added bigger Corvette disc brakes (11.75-inch rotors) and four-piston calipers at each corner of the car. This package added $500 to $700 (depending on the model) to the price of any Camaro. Considering most Camaros at the time listed for $3,500 to $4,000, the JL8 package bumped the price of the car by a huge margin.

[@asdf-fx8zi]

whatabout 68's?

[@hornetbrown]

Warm it up 4:27, then make it growl and rumble and terrorize the street 7:43. I've got a '99 Camaro Z28 ragtop, LS1 300+ hp, leather, all power-- not the same cache as a '67/'69, but, doggone it, it sure does move fast and make all the right sounds. I say that God sent me this car as inspiration when I can finally afford the real thing -- a '69/'70 Camaro/Chevelle/Nova BB that I really want to own.

[@user-my3ff5lj6m]

Where is the protecto plate and how do I decode it?

[@evelasq1]

Are their protective plates for the Ford Galaxy? How do you inspect a Ford Galaxie?

[@Hagerty]

Great question. The Protect-o-Plate was a GM feature, so your Ford Galaxie won’t have that. But there are ID numbers all over the car. A little sleuthing will help you figure out just what you have. Excellent resources include www.7litre.org and www.tpocr.com/fordvin3.html, though there are others you can find with a quick google search. Good luck!

[@evelasq1]

***** Thanks for the info and I have been looking forward into getting a classic ford car from the 1960s.

[@thomasdavison8996]

The Z28 Camaro as he mentions is not the "Top Dog" in 1969. The Z28 was built for a specific reason. It was a racing engine for the Trans-Am. It really depends on what you are looking for. Most collectors would consider the 69 ZL1 Camaro as the Top Dog. Or perhaps the Yenko 427 is more your style of Top Dog. The 69 L89 engine also a powerful drive train. Or maybe you prefer a highly optioned 69 Camaro in a convertible version as your Top Dog. In 69 there is a variety of things to look for in your collection or daily driver. AS always the condition of the body

[@richardromero2707]

I wish

[@kanervatie]

I'm looking for a restored one, RS/SS at around $50k-$55k.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

100's to choose from in that price range

[@Globalbidsllc]

still looking?

[@kanervatie]

@@Globalbidsllc Thank you, but I bought a Chevelle.

[@kanervatie]

@@Globalbidsllc Did you have a car in mind?

[@billgoldberg5459]

I want one so bad

[@mikeserrano3813]

Camero...means FUN!

[@vincegedeon6583]

Doesn't it have the automatic headlight covers or I guess that's special option you had to order🤔

[@kurtmesser6805]

I want it in matt black with off road suspension

[@cameron5334]

What did you guys do? Sneak down to my place and do a video of "MY" 1969 Camaro SS? Mine has been insured by Haggerty for many years and is also exactly like the one in the video. 1969 Camaro SS, 396 L78 375 hp, M-22 - 4 speed, 4:10 Rear, Posi Trac, Front and Rear Spoilers, Front Disc Brakes, Black and White Hounds-tooth Interior, Standard Hood, Black Vinyl top, Trim tag shows its a true X66 code, Mfg in Norwood, Ohio............EXCEPT ONE THING..............mine is cleaner!

[@rgs6819]

Do u have any advice for building my 69 camaro from scratch????? I'm 18

[@GlassTopRX7]

Save your money and buy someones project car at good price. Unless you can do all the work including body and paint it's going save you ton of cash in the long run, speaking from personal experience.

[@rgs6819]

GlassTopRX7 ok thx man

[@theyhatehimbecausehetoldth7576]

r gs these cars aren't cheap.

[@goodguygto]

r gs I started out as riding my bicycle around, go through alleys look in people's backyards passed by auto shops or auto body shops (sometimes they have car sitting there that the owners can't afford anymore "No dough No show"), and don't forget the old neighborhoods, where old folks live at for 50 years + they might have a car in the garage as in "a barn find"!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍 True story my friend back in San Diego CA. (went down an old neighborhood) he found a 1969 Porsche 911s "original owner" got it for 2,500 sold for 80,000+ (sold it not running)!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully this advice helps you!!!👍👍 I hope your search goes well!!!!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@boulonman]

Enroll in a automotive tech program followed by real hands on experience. Try to learn everything possible about metal fabrication and research GM A body engineering. Cost of parts alone will be tens of thousands of dollars. Good choice.. best of luck :)

[@jorgeabagualado6445]

Hello, I speak of Brazil! I wonder if you ever heard of the ford corcel? He is a Brazilian project at the end of the decade 70 which is based on an engine Renault 1.4, I know, does not seem exciting, but it looks like a mini maverick, I wonder if you have seen one.

[@jorgeabagualado6445]

I used a translator to write :/

[@russtowle5674]

mean lookin

[@tavmaniandevil456]

what about 1969 chargers?

[@klipstone1]

These cars are nearly 50 years old, the all rubber parts will be boned, the odometer will be wrong, and someone has been into the engine. Unless its a 1 in a million you will have to get work done. also always check the numbers :)

[@FirebirdRestores]

KlIpstOne That's why there's something called restoration -.-

[@emilyrosebelandres98]

Im looking for one!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭

[@201090qwer]

Hi friends. Good video. Send me to Russia such a machine.

[@TrinityDestroyer]

Yet, no matter what kind, trim, condition, or whatever Camaro you buy, you’ll always make the wrong choice as long as there’s a Pontiac Firebird on the market. 😎

[@edwardsabo8368]

Was your cruise in Glen Arbor?

[@Hagerty]

Nope.

[@edwardsabo8368]

I know if I had a chance to drive that that's where I'd go or on the roads around Harbor Springs.

[@AhmedHassan-jo3or]

Sounds like Ray Romano

[@reflexrampage517]

The price for a decent one I think maybe 65000

[@DrPepperAirsoft]

You can get a decent one for ~30. Depending on what you want. A perfect fully restored to the t's can be around 50-60

[@tylergervais3207]

You should do one of these for Alfa Romeo 105/115 series coupes.

[@jordanbrown1337]

Dream car, no if ands or buts , if it’s truly your dream, in your blood and you know it deep in the heart, than there is no to much money or to less of anything else, it’s all worth it, especially getting took back in the 60s , the good ol days where ladies are ladies and gents are gentlemen, I still open doors for my lady , and one day dream to be opening the door for her in this car, chivalry Isn’t dead. Thanks for reading

[@logueraps]

Now that’s a fucking car.

[@ImTHATguy...]

It's like I always say; There's more Z/28 and SS Camaros on the road these days than Chevy ever built. Same with SS Chevelles, Novas etc

[@kele5181]

I've heard that too. It's hard because people can make their car how they like it, so a lot of people have put the fancy v8 badges on straight six cars and so on. But shady car sellers are on to this and they counterfeit the super expensive Z28's and so on in order to make a quick buck. Shameful, really

[@kario45]

I have one excactly like this one but RS/SS

[@robertcalderon4098]

He docent even talk about cowl tag or dash vin number! pretty darn important when you're spending big bucks on a car you think is a true SS, Z28, COPO SS/RS.

[@JSBHP2017]

Getting advice on buying a first gen by kermit the frog

[@bluesharp59]

Thumbs Up and Liked !

[@abelard6134]

4 pedals?

[@gilbertduran1904]

I been looking for a camaro that's stock. A `69 camaro 396 or a `57 Chevy bel air either one plz anyone tell me if you guys know anything

[@kenamaro]

Gilbert Duran I have a. 69 big block 4 speed lemans blue / blue int. Show or drive...in eastern PA. 40 k

[@1g4u]

Update covid-19 market?

[@youtubesaidicouldchangemyn9851]

electric is the love

[@BerkeleyBuilt]

i own one.

[@dxpemxntxny5241]

BerkeleyBuilt me too

[@alanalonso6082]

@@dxpemxntxny5241 me three. Daily drove mine for 3 years

[@YOUR_MOTHER_WENT_TO_COLLEGE]

No a good vid coming from a 69 Camaro owner, Chevy enthusiast and die hard motor head. He should've talked more about vin codes, available options internal and external for all 3 years. As well as the super rare Yenko and COPO Camaros. Also a lot of Camaros big blocks were heavily down played in the horsepower department due to insurance companies. Based on the model and trim of the car, or even just order the higher package engine options straight from Chevrolet Headquarters and have it sent to your dealer you bought your Camaro from and have it installed. The 396 engine max was 375hp, don't quote me on that but the very rare 427 went up to as 475hp but obviously to avoid insurance issues for the buyer Chevy put on paper it was a conservative 427hp or 435hp.

[@samichhaze3873]

Dz 302 not the 327

[@GlassTopRX7]

What he's saying is the original MO\MP 302 was a 2 bold main 327 block with 283 crank used in 67 and 68. The DZ 302 was based off the 4 bolt main large journal 350 block with custom crank 3" stroke crank.

[@motojaymn4131]

I thought the z28 had a 302

[@WoodedAcres]

The car in the video is a SS.

[@v6wells]

It does

[@SchwinnXchange]

Where's the clock .I own two 67 Camaro RS SS one small block and one big block the small block is my first car purchased it for $1,000 in 1978. 1st Gen Camaros when you ordered the gauge package you got the tach clock and console gauges 67 had the clock with the console gauges 68 had the famous tick tock tack with the clock in the center of the tach silver faced the console gauges were silver face also that is why 69 has silver face console gauges and black-faced Speedo and tach if a car has black console gauges they were out of a Nova the car in the video has no clock between the tack and the spedometer it has the delete I have seen this only when the gauges have been added to a car . First generation Camaros also had a clock only option where the Clock Was mounted on the console by itself .Tell me if I'm wrong

[@Afrologge]

Joe Rogan Voice

[@dr.schmecklesbergklitnick3811]

More like John C Reilly

[@bullitt65]

A lot of mis information in the above video. Hagerty should have gotten an expert ---> to create a informational video. To much mis information to add it all in the comments. Who cares about belts and hoses?, this is nickel and dime stuff. You want to make sure the motor stamp is real, that the vin is present on engine/trans, on the high performance models, and how about checking the date of all the driveline components making sure they line up with the date the car was produced? This video looks like a insurance guy trying to be a knowledgable car guy. I can have anybody read a camaro book and recite the info this guy presents. If you are interested in purchasing a Camaro do not use this video as a tool. TeamCamaro, or Camaro research group, both have good research articles. Learn all that you can about the camaro. Know that most of them have moisture issues, and where to look for them. I would say most important is step one: find a good body, with correct vin and title. Hagerty please do your customers a favor and do not put out any more videos with a bunch of blather. To many people get taken thinking they are aware after watching something like this.

[@RedFerrari01]

I think this is the first step, have money falling out of your butt.

[@rogjackson]

But unibody.

[@55pillsbury]

2nd Gen Camaro is way better looking especially the Z/28 split bumper with RS headlights

[@Stolencamaro]

Heavy on fuel terible to drive even worse in corners too hot through firewall without air leaking water when it rains but it gives u great experience and every day driving is different difrent individuals from young kids to old grandmothers wana tallk or just wave and u never know when and what’s going to break down but never anything tht u cant fix it on side on the road:)

[@onlyonewhyphy]

Scottish viewer here The 69 Camaro is the most beautiful ugly car ever, hands down

[@jacklambert1521]

Ugly is not an acceptable spelling of Fucking.