MacNeish Certified Camaro Z/28 302 V8 4 Speed 4.10 Posi

Christmas of 1968 was especially good to Ontario resident, M. Vanderloos. It was the year he picked up his factory fresh Rallye Green 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 from Maurice Carter Chevrolet/Oldsmobile in Hamilton, Ontario. Rolling out of the Norwood, Ohio plant sometime in mid-December, this was one of only 6,067 V8 Camaro coupes to be imported into Canada for sale. Recently authenticated by noted Z/28 expert Jerry MacNeish, this Z/28 was the recipient of a recent frame-up restoration and has its original VIN tag, original cowl tag, original engine block and original Muncie M21 4 speed manual transmission. All hidden VINs are present and accounted for as well.

Looking over the fairly limited option list, it appears that Mr. Vanderloos ordered his Z/28 as most of us would have – with a focus on performance. Here are all the selected options:

A82: Head Restraint – Seatback
D80: Auxiliary Panel & Valance (Spoiler) Rear
G80: Rear Axle – Positraction
G84: Rear Axle – 4.10 Ratio
J50: Brakes – Power Assisted Brakes
J52: Brakes – Front Disc
M21: Transmission – 4-speed Manual – Close Ratio
PU6: Tire – E70-15-B – Highway – Nylon – Black Wall/White Lettering
V48: Engine Coolant – Increased Protection (Antifreeze)
ZK8: Label: Tire Pressure
ZQ7: Canadian Warranty Booklet & Literature
Z28: Special Performance Package

While very few of the 18 colors GM offered on the 1969 Camaro could qualify as “high impact” in the Mopar sense, GM code 79 Rallye Green is definitely a contender. When applied to a remarkably straight body like this one, it becomes a show stopper. Accented by twin white rally stripes, the car retains all the edge of the Z/28 package, but seems a little more spirited than others for its bright paintwork. Panel fitment is significantly better than anything the factory offered while the overall look remains stock. If this car ever displayed rust in any of the usual first-gen Camaro trouble areas (front of the dash, under the window, quarter panels, etc.) a frame up restoration performed in 2009 handled all those problems correctly. The body is rock solid and shows well from any angle.

Being a true Z/28, all the SCCA-inspired fare is present. From the Z/28-specific front valance to the ZL2 cowl induction hood, the front end is familiar and aggressive as a Camaro should be. The D80 high-rise spoiler adds a bit of track-bred flair while the rear bumper guards round out the external elements of the Z/28 package. Chrome pieces such as front and rear bumpers and door handles are showroom quality. Stainless steel trim appears to be original with exceptionally clean pieces framing the rear window. Even the rocker trim remains largely free of the typical flaws associated with living inches above the pavement.

Underneath the hood, the original DZ 302 cubic inch SCCA spec V8 remains planted in the subframe. Branded with the correct 3932386 casting number, a December 1968 date code, a V1211DZ engine code, and the correct 19N563276 partial VIN, you can rest assured the block is absolutely authentic. Highly underrated at 290 horsepower and 290 lb./ft. of torque, this hot small block utilizes a forged steel crank, a solid lifter '097' camshaft, high performance moly rings, hardened pushrods and double hump heads with stiffer valve springs to turn 11:1 compression into approximately 376 horsepower. At the top of the engine, a satin black single snorkel air cleaner directs air into the original 780cfm Holley 4-barrel carburetor which is bolted to the correct Winters aluminum intake. Finned aluminum Corvette valve covers offer a bit of style and hint at the 302's performance potential. The high-revving small block breathes through correct cast iron exhaust manifolds that connect to a factory-appearing exhaust, giving this Z/28 an authentic growl rarely heard among today's aftermarket systems. With correct chalk markings, new hood insulation and a well detailed block, this is one engine bay you can show with pride.

Power application is handled by a close ratio Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission. Like nearly every other piece of this car, the Muncie carries all the correct stampings including a 3925660 casting number, correct partial VIN, and a P9S18B date stamp that decodes as: Muncie (P) built in 1969 (9) on November (S) 18th (18) with a 2.20 close ratio (B). The numbers continue falling into place all the way back to the rear axle. On the passenger side, facing forward, the correct BV1101G2 stamp shows it was a 4.10 Positraction unit built on November 1st during the second shift at the Detroit Gear & Axle assembly plant. These numbers matching pieces are complimented by an undercarriage restored to factory specifications including the J52 power front disc brakes and F41 heavy duty suspension. At the corners, 15” x 7” rally wheels, complete with stainless steel beauty rings and finned center caps with black Chevrolet logos, are wrapped in Firestone reproduction E70x15 tires.

In keeping with the performance theme of this car, interior options were kept minimal. A standard black interior provides everything necessary without sacrificing good looks. The black bucket seats show well and provide just the right amount of support to make aggressive driving comfortable. Since the car was sold in Canada, you may be wondering if the gauges read in kilometres per hour. The answer is no. As a Norwood-built car, the gauges are standard American mile-per-hour units. Mr. Vanderloos opted against a center console and, in this case, it was a good choice. Not only does that free up some interior space, it makes the inside that much more reminiscent of the SCCA race cars that informed the Z/28's design. If the 302's noises ever lose their entertainment value, there is a factory AM radio that pulls its signal through a fender-mounted antenna. Unlike some Z/28's, there is no rosewood trim or wood applique. This car was built for business. In the trunk, a correct spackle finish covers the wheel wells, seat braces, and roughly half of the hinges, just like the factory applied it. A correct trunk mat and spare tire finish the look.

Documentation consists of historical information from GM of Canada, an original owner's manual and two cd's full of images. All important pieces such as casting numbers, partial VIN's and date codes have been photographed and laminated for quick reference. A complete Jerry MacNeish report and certification is in the works. Jerry has certified this car as 100% numbers matching as noted above.

With Z/28 values skyrocketing, this is an ideal time to buy a good example. This 100% numbers matching '69 features an eye-popping factory color, a unique Canadian history and a price that can hardly be argued with. If you're in the market for a low mileage first-gen that you can show and drive on the weekends, we have your car. Call now!