I live in east central Illinois, I have been watching for any 1969 Z28's that come up for sale around the midwest for a while now. I don't want to spend $90,000+ for a full blown rebuilt car. But I don't want a patched up piece of crap either. I'm sure there are 69's out there that have sat in the garage for years that are for the most part still original and solid that the owner has gotten tired of, or his family has decided it was time to get rid of it. I myself have a 1976 Corvette with less than 30,000 miles on it that has been driven less than 100 miles in 10 years and wander why I keep the damn thing. I am curious what kind of price range I would be able to buy one for. I had chances to buy a few of them back in the 70's and never did, although I did own a 1974 Z28 for a while in the late 70's, Thanks
Price depends on: 1) How original, 2) Condition, and 3) Equipment ... and of course on who's buying and who's selling... :)
How important is originality? If that is not what you are after, you would probably be better off getting a non Z Camaro set up to your liking. If you after a Z with thee original engine, etc., be prepared to get out your wallet. And have an expert verify that you are buying what you think you are buying. Probably a lot more fake Z's out there today than real ones.
Quote from: jdv69z on July 16, 2020, 09:28:35 AM
How important is originality? If that is not what you are after, you would probably be better off getting a non Z Camaro set up to your liking. If you after a Z with thee original engine, etc., be prepared to get out your wallet. And have an expert verify that you are buying what you think you are buying. Probably a lot more fake Z's out there today than real ones.
X2 on the fakes
They are currently on sale Minus about 5k due to COVID!
Buy a Done Clone if the details do not matter & shiny paint and stripes are all you desire.
However if you are searching for a REAL deal car, you have Much Homework to accomplish in learning the part numbers and correctness to be an informed buyer.
The market has changed, Those "SAT in a garage untouched cars actual bring a premium now vice 1980-90 when we ALL wanted a Glossy fame and shiny paint.
It will take work to sort out a decent purchase and a widened search geographically to snag a Z at a fair price and condition.
I was involved a bit (IN a small way) with a 69Z Kentucky to Washington transaction within the last 6 mo.s
Happy Hunting.
JIM
When you go to purchase take someone with you that knows 69 Z cars. Many guys get taken. There is a lot to know
ditto on someone in the know. Many people out there do not even know their cars are not real. They price it as real because they think it is. Of course these are added to the crooks.
To add to my original question, I understand the copies as I have known of a few Over the years. If the car was a really clean and well done copy with the 302, 4 speed, and 12 bolt differential. Plus had all the cosmetic items RS, etc. of the Z28, I think I could live with it. And I realize this also opens up the market to more cars available. I sure don't want to pay top dollar for a clone.
if a copy is ok, Well then all you have to do is find the cheapest 69 Z/28 real or not, and just look for good metal and paint. That makes it WAY easier for you
That way you are just purchasing what makes you happy. If you like the looks and the sheet metal looks good, in relation to the price, then hard to go wrong. Also you could always do what most people on a budget do: Find the best looking 69 Camaro you can afford, then just add the Z/28 emblems. Guys have been doing it since 1969...😁
Take your budget and look around. It will guide you into the zone you need to look.
Great deals are rare and there are more "numbers matching" z28s out there for sale than were originally built.
The most expensive thing to "repair" is going to be rust. So look for a great rust free car. Take someone with you that knows what to look for.
If your budget takes you into more original condition cars, the higher priced cars should have enough original parts on them to support the higher price over a comparable car. Hunting parts is fun, but gets expensive. Sellers generally know what they can get for a dated correct distributor or carb to the right person. A lot.
If you start looking at high end cars, get an expert involved to verify.
In the end, if it's the car you want to drive and have your love affair with, that's the car.