Steel '69 Crate Camaro

[427TJ]

People who value original cars, especially Z's and SS's, will pay top-dollar for originals. People who just want a nice driver car, an eye-popping street machine, or "Power Cruiser" will pay top-dollar for well-built (Steilow, for example) cars no matter what the origin of the car is. We're already seeing collectors paying large amounts for LS-6 clones, etc., knowing that the car is not an original LS-6. That yellow '69 Z/28 that sold at B-J this year for what, $112K?, was surrounded by questions as to its originality. Still, some guy with big bucks (and a matching yellow jacket) dropped 112K on the car, on TV, and he probably has had fun with the car since buying it. This is one of those permanent back-and-forth discussions that can never be resolved--some guys will demand originals and others won't care either way. Money flows like water and it goes wherever it wants to. It's more an issue of honesty. There will definately be "clones" built from these new bodies, we all know it, and it's up to all of us to watch out for the guys who will try to pass these new cars off as originals. But, many will fall through the cracks and it's not too far-fetched to imagine a day when we won't be able to tell the fakes from the originals. Iced tea-stained "paperwork" such as buildsheets, etc., new Protect-O-Plates, new trim tags, dealer window stickers downloaded from the Internet--it's already here. Couple that with a new '69 Camaro body and all the new parts and the money will flow. I've already predicted that Hemi Cuda convertible clones will grow in numbers once new bodies are produced, even though all but one of the originals has been accounted for. Collectors and enthusiasts who can't get or afford an original will no doubt gladly pay for very well built clones using new bodies.

When I saw the new Hot Rod and read the article on the new '69 convert bodies, my first thought was "cool!" I immediately 'built' one in my head: a "COPO" convertible. LeMans Blue or Dusk Blue, white/black interior, Bill Mitchell "Hardcore" 509-inch Rat dressed as a factory engine, M-22, 12-bolt 3:73 Posi, 15-inch Rallys with Firestone Oval 70s, discs all around, D80, rosewood, slightly lowered. Okay, maybe a new ZL-1 block with Dart aluminum heads. Nope, it wouldn't be a "real" car but it sure sounds like fun to me and it's not a Faberge egg that can never be taken out in the sunshine and DRIVEN---HARD.

[Hylton]

That's what I like best about the crate cars - I am going to build one heck of a torque twister and won't worry about damaging a classic muscle car. My cars always end up being full resto's because I want them to be as delivered from the factory. Finally! I can get a car that can be painted whatever color and have whatever options and drivetrain.

[StealthBird]

I'm curious, wouldn't these "Crate-a-maros" have to be titled as a kit car? There's no way it could be titled as a legit Camaro, could they? Yes, I know, ethics will go out the window on a few of these, and VIN tags will be transferred, but I would think when someone applies for a title on a 35 year old car that never existed before, they would not be able to get a title stating it was actually a 69 Camaro because it would not have a VIN.

"Is this a real Yenko Camaro?"
-No, it's a clone. Reproduction stripes.

"Is this a real 427 engine?"
- No, it's a crate 502.

"Are those the original wheels and tires?"
- No, repro wheels, repro tires

"Umm...is this a real Camaro?"
- No, it's a kit car.

"Wow, this is a real classic!"

[ANDY M]

Demand creates supply. The market wouldn't exist without it. Since just about any part can be repoped, why not make it a kit. Unless someone tries to creat a salvage title, the kit maker has the burden on how it's sold, not titled.

[BARN FIND]

Four rivets and presto...it's a 1969 Camaro with the title to prove it (yes I know there are some "secret vin #"). OKAY four rivets and a set of number stamps. <font color="red"> </font>

[Supercar_Kid]

I've yet to see anything reproduction that is totally undistinguishable from the original. Somehow I doubt these "crate Camaros" will fool anyone who knows 69 Camaros well, with real Camaro body and VIN tags or not. It will just be something more for Camaro enthusiasts to look for when checking out a car, just like repro parts and sheetmetal can be spotted if you look for it. I also don't think it'll do much to the value of "real" 69 Camaros, except for the $8500 plain jane putty bomb project cars that will get passed on in favor of fresh shells for a bit more coin. Those cars may never get the restoration or revival that they otherwise may have received, because the pickings will simply never be that slim with reproduction bodies in the works. There were over 243,000 Camaros built in '69, they're hardly obsolete as a model in particular. The SS, Z/28, RS and so on will continue to be the cars people seek out and restore, while these crate cars will undoubtedly open the door to new project ideas for the pro-touring/custom/drag racing crowd. I think both parties can live harmoniously, if anything the purists may have been spared a few good cars from the cut and hack gang. Only time will tell I guess...

[camarojoe]

I know they say they have tons of orders and interest, but does anyone know of anyone actually planning to buy one of these if and when they are made readily available? Most guys I know won't even put a taiwan fender or doorskin on their car, let alone an entire body for 12 g's.