Classic DREAMCARS Mount Dora, Fla. (352) 385-1945 www.classicdreamcars.com

 

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SORRY, THIS CAR SOLD WITHIN 48 HOURS TO SOUTH FLORIDA

1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO RALLY SPORT Z/28 JL-8 CROSSRAM

This is a car that was originally part of our Museum Collection, that we reluctantly sold back in the Early Nineties to enable us to move and remodel a large showroom in Jupiter/ Tequesta FL. It is a really nice Los Angeles built tapered rear-axle JL-8 4-Wheel-Disc Brake Z/28 (only 206 made) and one of 100 with the original set of Crossram Manifold w/ 2-4 carbs. It is heavily optioned for a JL-8 and Unique because it is one of 1.4% built in Tuxedo Black with a matching 'Deluxe:712' / 'Comfort Weave' Bucket Seat Interior w/ Rosewood trim. It carries the White Lemans Stripe and Spoilers Front & Rear, as well as, the optional Endura Front Bumper. This car was fitted with the WideBase Crossram Air Cleaner and Glass Hood from new.... w/ the Prop Rod and Chrome Hood Pins. It not only is the Rare Rally Sport Edition but, also has Speedminder, Rear Window Defroster and Console Gauges, Center Dash Clock (working), Power Steering, 3:73 "UX" Code Positraction, AM/FM with Dipole Antenna & Rosewood Steering Wheel. The usual Z/28 equipment is included as: Goodyear Polyglas GT Tires, Variable Steering, 8,000 rpm Tach, Fuel Light, 4-Speed Transmission, and Rear Bumper Guards. Mileage is 76,403 miles. The original owner found us back in the mid-90's and told us the car had a SCCA racing history in Los Angeles and explained some of the rare options. We sold this car to a great customer from Ocala in the mid-90's who kept the car two years ( we were told he spent $10,000 'detailing' the car). He then sold it to a collector in Ohio who resold it after several years (with our assistance) to another Buckeye State resident. We have followed the car for over 7 years until it became available due to economic times. This car was apparently shown, driven amd enjoyed...remaining in a significant Car Collection till now. 'STIMULUS' Priced to sell: $160,000

THE STORY:

Unlike today, the only mass-produced car that had 4-wheel disc brakes in 1969 were the Corvettes. The concept was considered 'new' and 'exotic' at the time. Camaro added it as a RPO JL-8. It was not only remarkable but, expensive. The option was actually available as of March 1968 as a Heavy Duty Service Package. Not just a coincidence but, mandated by the SCCA / FIA that it had to be "optional equipment on any production car and available to the general public" to be used on the hybrid race cars. Therefore, to comply (and, I'm sure keep the cost down) Chevrolet initiated the "Limited Production Service Option". For the First Time the average schmoe could upgrade his street machine Camaro with a set of race-bred brakes. Unfortunately, there is no official, published number cast in stone because they were built in short, off-line batches and not well documented. However, Chevy does admit to an arbitrary production figure of 206 units ( we assume that means 'tapered axle units' only). That can be taken with a grain of salt though, as it was generally known these numbers were inflated in order to satisfy FAI / SCCA minimum requirements. Costing $500.30 to $630.50, depending when you ordered it, it's easy to understand why so few were sold ( afterall, Cokes were just 10 cents!). Couple this feature with the Two-Four Crossram Manifold Set-up and it's enough to bring tears to most Camaro Club Owners eyes.

Chevrolet had to play a hard / fast game of catch-up after Mustang entered the picture in order to compete nose-to-nose. They had to create a "winning image" and translate that into sales on the showroom floor. They did this by First, introducing the Z/28 model. Then when the SCCA changed and added to their rules to read.... "not more than 2-four barrel carbs", Chevy jumped at the chance to create the Ultimate Carburetor Set-up. Chrysler had already beat them to the punch by creating the Crossram in the late 50's so, it was a no-brainer for Chevrolet to simply build a Better Mousetrap. By adding ther "Cold-Air' Induction Hood through the Cowl area via a Fiberglass Hood ( first seen on Chevrolet Z-11 race cars in 1963) Chevrolet was able to create the Ultimate Performance Package. They changed carb configurations several times but, finally landed on a pair of Holley RPO 3957859's rated at 600cfm. It is written it kicks up horsepower (with the aid of an LT-1 Cam) up to 458 and increased the Power Curve ...."beyond your wildest expectations". It translated into: Winning Season after Winning Season at the SCCA Races Nationwide...and again into Superior Sales for Chevrolet. Today, it translates into 'money-in-the-bank for Collectors and Car Lovers in kind.