1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American muscle car introduced by Chevrolet in the fall of 1966 for the 1967 model year. It rode on a brand-new rear wheel drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, hardtop, and convertible. The F-body was shared with the Pontiac Firebird for all generations. A 230 cu in Chevrolet straight-6 was standard, with several Chevy V8s available as options. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.
By 1969, Chevrolet had refined its prized response to Ford’s Mustang in a way that proved the GM pony car was a worthy competitor. More than 75-percent of all Camaros sold that year were V8-powered and almost 25-percent were the top-of-the-line Z/28 and SS models. Buyers had realized that they could get a better built, more powerful sports car for less. Even when comparing apples to apples the Z/28 was relatively equally balanced with the Boss 302 but cost quite a bit less.
The Z28’s heart was a unique small block DZ-code 302ci V8 paired with a replacement Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission, designed for maximum output, with four bolt mains, a forged steel crank, new pistons, solid-lifter camshaft and 11.0:1 compression ratio. Conservatively rated at 290 horsepower at a comparatively high 5800 rpm, cold air induction was needed to keep the motor cool and this resulted in a unique cowl plenum induction system and tubular headers. A four-speed manual and power disc brakes were standard (four wheel discs were a new $500 option) and Chevrolet recommended its Positraction back axle.
Replacement black vinyl upholstery with channeled inserts covers the front bucket seats and the rear bench. Equipment includes manually operated windows and a Delco radio, and further equipment includes a comfort-grip steering wheel, and a center console housing a Hurst shifter and a quartet of supplementary gauges. Interior materials, equipment, and instrumentation.
Its road-racing roots were evident in a peaky engine that was ill-at-ease on the street, but the Z28 was one of the best-handling rides of the muscle car era.
