Car: Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
Year: 1969
What makes it special: The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year’s drivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-new sheet metal, except the hood and trunk lid, gave the car a substantially sportier look. The grille was redesigned with a heavy “V” cant and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rear quarter-panels, and rear valance panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive look. This styling would serve for the 1969 model-year only.
What made it famous: The Super Sport or “SS” performance package consisted of a 350 cu in or 396 cu in V8 and chassis upgrades for better handling and to deal with the additional power. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging. To increase competitiveness in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series, optional four wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers were made available during the year, under RPO JL8. This system used components from the Corvette and made for a major improvement, simulated rear fender louvers, front and rear wheel opening moldings, black body sill, RS emblems on grille, steering wheel and rear panel, Rally Sport front fender nameplates, bright accented taillights, back-up lights below rear bumper. This option could be added to any other option making the model an RS/SS or a RS/Z28.
Why I would want one: Never had a Camaro of any year or generation, but I’d certainly start off with a first-generation if the opportunity ever afforded itself.
Fun fact: Collectors often debate the merits of smooth, rounded lines of 1967 and 1968 model versus the heavily creased and sportier looks of the 1969.
