Frame Up Restored Camaro SS 396/375 HP 4 Speed 12 Bolt

There’s not much more sinister than a black-on-black big block Camaro, like this 1969 SS. Beautifully finished, exceptionally well detailed, and packing a healthy 375 horsepower 396 under the hood, this is the kind of car you would have bought new if your goal was to break hearts on the street. To be honest, this one is probably even better than new in every way you can measure, from that inky black paint that’s about a mile deep, to the thoughtfully upgraded engine that surely puts out more power today than it did in 1969. If you’re looking for a potent, fun, fast car that will still draw an appreciative crowd, look no further than this Camaro.

According to the cowl tag, this one was originally code 57 Dark Green Metallic, but the black is much more suitable in its current guise. There’s a lot of truth in the old adage that black cars show every imperfection, so you know the builder got this one right. New quarters, floors and a rear valence were installed, reducing the number places for flaws to hide, and the workmanship is first rate throughout. Excellent gaps, good alignment, and a lot of block sanding have resulted in one exceptionally slick black F-body. A cowl induction hood is an OEM upgrade that looks right on the car, and doesn’t draw a lot of attention to itself, just like the spoiler on the decklid. Adding to the car’s brutal look is a lack of stripes and decals, which were, of course, optional in 1969. If you like your cars subtle and effective, this one fits the bill.

Trim and other detailing was all restored at the same time. That means fresh chrome on the bumpers, and new emblems on the body. All the stainless pieces were professionally restored, and those items that were too far gone to salvage were replaced with excellent reproductions. Most enthusiasts seem to appreciate the wonderful contrast between the black paint and shiny chrome, and that’s why the restorer left everything as it was when it left the factory.

Horsepower is provided compliments of a 1970 350 horsepower block that has been rebuilt to L78 375 horsepower specifications. This highly detailed engine compartment is made to show off, and is correct from the Chevy orange paint on the block to the SS-correct chrome valve covers. Up top, an open element air cleaner features the proper decals, and inhales cool air thanks to the cowl induction hood. Beautifully finished cast iron exhaust manifolds feed the exhaust system, while reproduction hoses and clamps give it a fresh 1969 feel. Also note that this car is equipped with power steering and power brakes, making it easy to drive every day despite its brutal nature. All the little things are right, too, from the shift stamps on the firewall, to the reproduction Delco battery, to the wiring harness. Clearly built by experts, it runs and drives extremely well, and there’s nothing more distinctive than a big block Chevy rumbling through two big exhaust pipes. There also aren’t many more reliable engines, so once you’re done collecting trophies with this black F-body, you’ll grin like an escaped convict every time you get behind the wheel and actually put it on the road.

No black-on-black Camaro restored to this level would be complete with a shift-it-yourself transmission, and this one carries a Muncie 4-speed, as original. Rebuilt during the restoration, it hammers through the gears easily with that indestructible feeling that you only get from these old rock-crushers. Out back, there’s an equally rugged 12-bolt that will survive any kind of abuse. As I mentioned earlier, the floors are new, and they have been finished to OEM levels with satin black paint. Suspension and brakes are all new, from the front discs to the beautifully finished rear leaf springs. Hardware is correct, from the bright cadmium plating on the sway bar brackets to the new brake cables and clips. The only deviation from stock is a pair of Flowmaster mufflers, but after you hear this car run through the gears, you won’t complain. Wheels are 15-inch Chevrolet Rallys wearing reproduction F70-15 Goodyear Polyglas bias-ply tires.

Inside, the fully restored black interior with woodgrained dash and console looks a lot more upscale than you’d expect from a Camaro. It’s the standard code 711 black bucket seat setup, but the contrast between the wood and the black is inviting and looks much more expensive than it was in 1969. New seat covers are stretched over fresh foam, making these seats as comfortable today as they were back when a gallon of gas was a quarter. There’s a new headliner overhead and new carpets underfoot, along with fresh door panels and a dashboard full of restored gauges with green backlighting. The console includes the quartet of auxiliary gauges which look so cool that the new 2010 Camaro copied their design. The woodgrained steering wheel fits right in with the rest of the first-class accommodations, and the shifter falls easily to hand from behind the wheel. The trunk has also been restored, and includes spatter paint, a full-sized spare and complete jack assembly.

This car also comes with a complete photographic record of the restoration, which shows you every step of the car’s rejuvenation, as well as details like the numbers on the transmission, which are difficult to see once the car is assembled. It also includes an original owner’s manual and Norwood assembly plant banner.

This is an ideal hobby car—the expensive work is already done, and the car is ready to show and enjoy at any level. You simply couldn’t build your own for the asking price on this one. No, it’s not an exotic, numbers-matching, limited production F-body, but it is an extremely well done Camaro with a big block engine and high-quality details throughout. You can show it with pride, then drive it without worrying about destroying an unobtainable piece of history. And honestly, is there anything cooler than an all-black Camaro? Sinister and sleek, this SS is the one to take home if you’re about substance over flash. Call now!