Author Topic: Daytona: 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396 Conv. Pace Car for NASCAR Daytona 500 1969 (Read 6061 times)

SMKZ28 · « **on:** February 20, 2020, 04:17:29 PM »

The same white 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396 convertible that paced the Citrus 250 was also used to pace the 1969 Daytona 500 NASCAR Grand National event held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday, February 23, 1969. Interestingly, these first two photos demonstrate that the car was originally delivered to NASCAR with white steel wheels and chrome "dog dish" hub caps. Subsequent photos will show that sometime prior to Speedweeks these wheels were swapped out for the optional Rally Wheel.

LeeRoy Yarbrough won the race in his 1969 Ford Torino Cobra.

1) Pinterest
2) Jon Mello photo, possibly from event program. Interesting that the ad mentions "Services" because to me it looks like the front spoiler is broken and hanging off on the drivers side. I wonder if it was damaged during shipping??
3) cropped version of #2

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:23:23 PM »

Here is a color picture of the Camaro sitting in front of several NASCAR Grand National race cars prior to the start of the first qualifying race held at the track on Thursday, February 20, 1969. Notice that the Rally Wheels have been added by this date. You can tell the picture wasn't taken on the day of the Daytona 500 because of the empty infield devoid of parked cars and spectators.

I found it on Flickr. The second is a cropped version.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:34:19 PM »

1) Appeared in November/December 1990 issue of Muscle Cars of the 60's/70's magazine.
2) russoandsteele.com (2014 auction)
3) russoandsteele.com (2014 auction) This picture shows the former (1963-1967) and future (1971-1979 & 1983-1987) Alabama Governor, George Wallace riding in the back seat (drivers side). I'm not sure who the man in the sunglasses to his right is.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:40:17 PM »

Several photos from the Petersen Automotive Museum Digitization Project show the Camaro pace car: archive.petersen.org

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:43:13 PM »

More of the pace lap from the Petersen...

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:45:12 PM »

These photos of the pace lap came from the Revs Digital Library. Notice the second 1969 Camaro RS/SS convertible off to the side down below the race cars. It is probably being used to take photos and film of the pace lap.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:49:02 PM »

This photo shows the Camaro on the pace lap. It appeared on the cover of the February 1970 edition of Speedway Special magazine. It came from worthpoint.com

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:51:29 PM »

These photos show the Camaro pace car sitting in a break in the pit lane wall waiting to be summoned for a caution period. They came from the Petersen...

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:53:45 PM »

This photo shows the Camaro behind the winning car of LeeRoy Yarbrough after the race. It came from Getty Images.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:58:06 PM »

Some great color home movie footage of the 1969 Daytona 500 can be found on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap_3lGSuoV4

The Camaro pace car and the Camaro used for taking photographs and films appear several times in the footage.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2020, 04:59:29 PM »

More from the home movies...

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:03:18 PM »

Footage from the ABC Wide World of Sports coverage of the event can also be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgEkoQKtq2Q

Footage shows that there was a possible third 1969 Camaro convertible used during the parade laps. You can see it just as the field is exiting pit lane. It is probably the car that was used to pace the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Permatex 300 earlier in the month.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:06:09 PM »

Apparently a base model 1969 Camaro coupe lettered up to promote Falstaff beer was also paraded around the track during the pre-race festivities. This picture came from Flickr.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:08:23 PM »

Here is the front cover for the souvenir event program as well as a Z28 ad that appeared inside. They came from worthpoint.com

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:12:41 PM »

The cool thing about the 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396 convertible Daytona 500 pace car is that it still exists! An article documenting the car appeared in the Spring 2000 issue of Super Chevy - Camaro Performers magazine.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:15:44 PM »

The car has come up for auction several times since the article was published. I'm not sure who owns it now. Here are some more recent photos of the car.

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:16:50 PM »

Russo and Steele 2014 auction picture

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2020, 05:26:48 PM »

Model toys have even been created of the car.

1) 1:64 scale
2) 1:24 scale

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2022, 03:21:07 AM »

This Camaro will be up for auction again at Mecum Kissimmee 2022. It is lot #S94: https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-487667/1969-chevrolet-camaro-rsss-convertible/?fbclid=IwAR03LJS49zqAXgT8JzTD2kgexj3jUjcYE0Kj1rYtl_ejUEGy8jq825kFAWw

SMKZ28 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2022, 05:30:19 PM »

Quote from: SMKZ28 on January 10, 2022, 03:21:07 AM

This Camaro will be up for auction again at Mecum Kissimmee 2022. It is lot #S94: https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-487667/1969-chevrolet-camaro-rsss-convertible/?fbclid=IwAR03LJS49zqAXgT8JzTD2kgexj3jUjcYE0Kj1rYtl_ejUEGy8jq825kFAWw

This Camaro just sold at Mecum for $130,000

News:

Author Topic: Daytona: 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396 Conv. Pace Car for NASCAR Daytona 500 1969 (Read 6061 times)