Chevrolet Camaro 1969, Estados Unidos

Chevrolet Camaro 1969, Estados Unidos
Fotografia

The truth of the matter was that Chevrolet was supposed to be out of racing by 1969. Camaros like this existed solely because management at the corporate offices knew that “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” still held true. Roger Penske and Mark Donohue were doing just that in SCCA sports car events using the specialized equipment that this RPO code added to the F-body model. Moreover, the production Z28 was not some mild-mannered model, but a serious street car that, with some minor upgrades, could be road- or drag-raced. Dealers shied the uncommitted buyers toward SS models, but those who had read the magazine reviews knew that this version of the Camaro was exactly what they wanted.

The most famous part of the Z28 package would be its high-compression, free-winded 302 CI small-block that boasted “only” 290 HP—true, yes, but someplace far lower on the RPM band than redline. This engine mandated the cowl-induction hood (RPO ZL2) as part of the package, with the air cleaner mated to the functional hood opening via a rubber seal. The engine had excellently matched reciprocating parts, special heads, a large-port intake and a high-volume Holley 4-barrel carburetor.

Backed by the Muncie 4-speed and a 4.11:1 Positraction rear end, this Camaro is painted in LeMans Blue with contrasting white stripes and a black vinyl interior that features bucket seats, a deluxe center console with gauges and a Hurst shifter, optional tachometer and 140 MPH speedometer, an in-dash clock and an AM radio. In addition to these pieces, this Camaro has the F41 sport suspension, front fog lamps, and the SCCA homologation front air dam and rear spoiler. The 15-inch Rally wheels are a great touch, upgraded to BF Goodrich Radial T/A white-letter-tires.