At RK Motors Charlotte, we sell more first gen Camaros than just about anyone on the planet. While there are a few pro-tourers in the mix, the vast majority of those cars are immaculately restored numbers matching rides that charge for their pedigree accordingly. For those of you looking for a killer Camaro without the numbers-matching surcharge, take a closer look at this 1969 Camaro Z/28 tribute. Originally an automatic-equipped V8 model, this F-body received a full Z/28 conversion good enough to fool most Camaro experts at first glance. Featuring an authentic DZ302 V8, Muncie 4-speed and a 12-bolt differential, this Z offers a completely authentic driving experience without forcing you into a second mortgage. If you’re ready for a first gen that can be shown and driven without fear, don’t miss out on this one.

Externally, the Hugger Orange body has plenty of time invested in it, from the straight panels to the painted, not tape, stripes buried under the clear coat. Purists will note that there are some differences from using the paint – namely that the Camaro badge sits on top of the stripe instead of the stripe being cut around the badge, but most enthusiasts are sure to like the highly-detailed look of this car. Panel fitment is well within GM factory specs with acceptable gaps all the way around.

With classic pony car proportions and modernist body panels the first generation Camaro is an inherently good looking design. At the front of this awesome F-body a glossy, stainless trimmed grille centers a vertically oriented bowtie emblem between clean parking lights and bright halogen headlights. Below those headlights, a show worthy chrome bumper perfectly complements a Trans Am style front spoiler. Above those headlights, a standard Camaro hood flows toward satin finished stainless windshield wipers. At the sides of the car, great looking rocker spears combine with straight fender trim, traditional door handles and driver’s mirror to provide some much needed visual flash. At the top of the car, clean glasswork is outlined in dent-free stainless and bright chrome drip rails. At the back of the car, an option D80 decklid spoiler rides above chrome trimmed tail lights and a second show worthy chrome bumper. Naturally, this top notch Camaro wears all the right Z/28 ornamentation which includes a pristine “Camaro by Chevrolet” header badge, red and chrome “Z/28” emblems and chrome “Camaro” fender scripts.

Open the cowl induction hood and you’ll find the legendary DZ302 V8. GM brass rated the engine at 290hp though they probably had a hard time keeping a straight face about it. This one has been dressed to factory specs with a black single snorkel air cleaner concealing a Holley 4-barrel carburetor mounted to a correct factory intake. At the sides, double hump heads are dressed with finned valve covers straight out of the Corvette parts bin. On the left of the motor, the brake booster for the factory optioned power disc brakes hangs above the gear box for the optional power steering. In front of the motor, a correct heavy duty radiator sends water through correct GM hoses with correct clamps and sits in front of a correct fan that’s housed in a correct shroud. The small block 302 snarls and barks like a real competition piece and sounds especially good through the cars correct chambered exhaust system and cast iron exhaust manifolds. All of the little details are present as well – things like the shift stamps on the firewall and the correct Delco battery.

The high-winding small block engine is backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Power flows from that M20 to a 12 bolt corporate rear end, which has been completely rebuilt to factory specifications. The suspension is fully restored with Z/28 specific heavy duty suspension which includes: a correct fast-ratio power steering box, tuned coil springs, correct reproduction leaf springs, fresh shocks and completely rebuilt front power disc and rear drum brakes. Like its engine bay, this Camaro’s chassis has been nicely restored and presents well with clean satin black floors contrasting well to detailing such as completely stainless hardware, a fresh fuel tank and straight stainless brake and fuel lines. At the center of the car, there’s a factory style chambered exhaust system that gives the 302 a factory correct rumble. At the corners of the car, correct Chevy Rallye wheels with stainless center caps and trim rings are wrapped in 235/60R15 BFG Radial T/A’s.

The 1969 Camaro was gifted with a great interior from the factory, so this one has been returned to stock form. The firm black seats are in fantastic shape and look great combined with black molded door panels, wood grain dash applique and bright pedal trim. At the front of the car, a straight and pliable dash hangs beautifully restored gauges, an electric clock and controls for the cars heater above an AM/FM radio. Below the dash an option D55 center console props option U17 four pack gauges in front of a completely chrome Hurst short throw shifter which is anchored by a great looking wood trimmed shift plate. Below that console, correct black carpet is bordered by chrome Fisher Body sill plates and protected by color-keyed rubber floor mats. Above the seats, a tight black headliner stretches around a functional, chrome trimmed dome light. In front of the driver, a great looking option N34 rally wheel wraps a nice rosewood rim around satin aluminum spokes and a red, white and blue Chevy horn button.

Included in the sale of this Camaro is the original Protecto-plate, owner’s manual and even a complete wiring diagram printed by GM.

Numbers matching cars are great but, for most of us, just aren’t as fun to own as this factory spec street fighter. If you’re ready to relive 1969 in a Camaro you can actually drive, don’t miss the change to bring home this awesome Hugger Orange Z/28.