May 23, 2017
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Roger C

CAMARO COUSINS: These three coupes will be the stars of any family gathering

CAMARO COUSINS: These three coupes will be the stars of any family gathering

May 23, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This custom 1969 Camaro (Lot #645) is one of several Pro-Touring models set to cross the auction block in Connecticut this June. This custom 1969 Camaro (Lot #645) is one of several Pro-Touring models set to cross the auction block in Connecticut this June.[/caption]

Although all three of these remarkable Pro-Touring Camaros have different owners and different builders, a certain family resemblance from their Chevrolet genetics is maintained. At the top of the market in the late ’60s, the 1969 Camaro is a dream car or must-have for many hobbyists and collectors. Each of these on offer at the June 21-24 Northeast Auction represent a similar bloodline, but present their very own unique pavement-pounding feats of modern engineering.

Industrial Chic: 1969 Camaro

Lot 645 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE_front34Few cars speak more convincingly than a supercharged big-block 1969 Camaro. You should skip right over this car if you’re not interested in dominating the streets and highways of the state in which you live. This Camaro (Lot #645) was treated to a complete restoration, then built from there.

Mini-tubed rear wheel wells for larger tires were a salute to the supercharged, 540ci big-block Chevy that would power this machine. The transmission is a Tremec TKO 5-speed so you can manhandle the horsepower if you choose. A custom aluminum driveshaft leads the way to 12-bolt rear with Moser axles, a Yukon posi-unit and 3.73 gears.

The braking system incorporates aerospace disc brakes with 4-piston aluminum calipers at all corners. A Wilwood master cylinder and proportioning valve manage the action.

Lot 645 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE_interiorA Flaming River power steering rack and pump, along with their tilt steering column, give the car modern driving characteristics. Foose Nitrous wheels with Michelin tires have a great look and help produce that perfect stance.

Corbeau leather front seats have been added and rear seat recovered to match. Door panels have also been reproduced in leather by TMI. A custom-made center console and a billet leather-covered steering wheel finish off the cockpit with style.

With striking black paint, it’d be hard to imagine that such a sinister-looking vehicle could provide so much driving pleasure in such a civilized manner. But if you’re interested in realizing your wildest dreams in no time at all, this is the car you’ve been hoping for your entire life.

More Than Meets the Eye: 1969 Z/28 Resto-Mod

Lot 639 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 CUSTOM COUPE _Front_3-4This tantalizing Daytona Yellow Z/28 Camaro (Lot #639) can actually fly under the radar – some of it, anyway. This frame-off build incorporated a Pro-Street approach, but has maintained all the classic ’69 Camaro lines ‒ with the real mods lurking underneath and out of sight.

At the heart of the matter is a ZZ427 big block making the same advertised horsepower as the original L88s in the late ’60s. Current technology has enabled this engine configuration to adapt nicely to modern upgrades. New aluminum oval port heads and a hydraulic roller cam bring it up to anyone’s expectations with ease.

Lot 639 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 CUSTOM COUPE _engineYou are shifting a manual 5-speed Tremec Viper transmission, so you can spread out the power in any gear you like. A MagnaFlow exhaust gives this car the distinct sound it deserves considering its L88 heritage.

Like any fantasy car, this one is air-conditioned with a fully integrated system. The remainder of the interior is as-new and retains a factory appearance. Power brakes and steering add to the joy-ride factor. Classic 5-spoke American mags support BFGoodrich T/A tires and offer the perfect period-correct modification. This super strong driver is waiting for you now.

Overdog: 1969 Camaro Custom Coupe

Lot 674 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE_Front34If you see traces of a late-1960s Trans Am racer here, you’ve got the picture. It’s a Pro-Touring version of a serious G-machine designed to deliver positive, negative and lateral Gs any time you like. This total package build is fondly referred to as the “Underdog,” although the list of this car’s accomplishments puts it more in the category of “Overdog.”

Born to be street-driven ‒ even auto-crossed ‒ this Camaro (Lot #674) has proven itself in a variety of competitions and other events, including Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year finalist, Popular Hot Rodding magazine feature car, Muscle Car of the Year contender and an Optima Battery Ultimate Street Car Faceoff contender.

The dazzling paint job is Mercedes-Benz Silver with an eggshell clear coat along with Subaru Blue accents. It was sprayed over a perfectly smooth body to create an instant international racing look.

Lot 674 - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE_EngineAn extremely well-detailed engine bay houses a potent fuel-injected LS2 V8. A set of Edelbrock ceramic-coated headers and a NASCAR-style side-exit exhaust are functional to look at and amazing to hear.

The body has received countless alterations, including a new L88-style fiberglass hood, custom side mirrors, RS headlight covers, custom front and rear spoilers and sequential taillights with a third brake light in that rear spoiler.

To make room for the wheels and tires, a mini-tube treatment was performed at the rear. Custom 18-inch Bonspeed wheels and BFGoodrich tires fill the space with convincing authority and impressive style. GTO bucket seats, a tilt steering column with power windows and door locks give this radical machine all the pleasantries you’d expect from a gorgeous canyon-carving hooligan.

A 4L65E 4-speed automatic transmission connects to a Moser-prepped 12-bolt rear end. Corvette ZO6 brakes at all corners with four-way adjustable shocks round out a remarkable creation. Right when it looks like every kind of Camaro imaginable has already been created, an overachiever like the Underdog raises its beautiful head. To own it, all you need do is raise your hand.

For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the Northeast Auction docket, click HERE.

Heritage Partners