Description
This car is Lot 176 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 176
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/ 28 Coupé
Registration no.
Chassis no. 124379N645735
Nickey Chicago Certificate of Authenticity
Manual transmission
2011 complete restoration and recent enhancements
Faithful colour combination
Monaco registration document
Ostensibly an answer to Ford's sensationally-popular Mustang, Chevrolet's Camaro has roots that date back to 1962, when then-Chevy design chief Irv Rybicki suggested a small 'personal car' based on the Chevy II. General Manager Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen, however, was unconvinced, feeling that the Corvair, Chevy II and the upcoming Chevelle had the bases well covered. Rybicki, however, continued to work on proposals, and his 'Super Nova' made it to the 1964 New York Auto Show, a few weeks before Mustang's introduction. Once 100, 000 Mustangs had been sold and the market for such a car firmly established, GM management gave the Super Nova a more favorable glance. The rush was on to develop a pony car in less than two years.
Mechanically derived from the second-generation Chevy II, the Camaro was similarly a unibody design, with a stub frame ahead of the cowl. Front suspension came from the Chevelle, the single-leaf rear springs from the Chevy II. Engines and transmissions were from the company catalog; in 1967, there were seven engines offered, from a 230 cubic inch, 140bhp six to a 396 cubic inch, 375bhp V8, and a myriad of transmissions and axle ratios. Exterior trim could be augmented with a Style Trim Group consisting of stripes and chrome, or one could choose the Rally Sport option to add disappearing headlamps and special taillights. Introduced on September 12, 1966, the Camaro was available either as a coupé or a convertible. Of the nearly 221, 000 sold about a quarter were soft tops; three quarters were V8s. The desirable Z/ 28 option cost $458. 15 and included the 302ci high performance V-8 engine that met the Trans Am's 5-liter displacement limit rated at 290hp (but routinely delivered pulling 350hp plus on test!)
Delivered new in the USA in 1969, this Chevrolet Camaro Z/ 28 is finished in its original Fathom Green with white stripes and a black interior, powered by a V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. In 1976, it was parked with only 35, 000 miles on the odometer, and in 2011 it underwent a meticulous restoration bringing it back to its prime. The restoration is well-documented with over 400 photos on a CD. After completion, the car scored an outstanding 999 out of 1000 points at the 2012 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago.
The previous owner decided to enhance the Camaro for street use while maintaining its show-winning quality. A total of $25, 000 was spent on reversible upgrades, including installing period-correct Koni shocks, replacing motor mounts, U-joints, and the brake booster. This Camaro Z/ 28 blends extraordinary restoration, show accolades, and thoughtful usability for modern driving and is waiting for its next owner.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
