Just got my childhood dream Camaro

[markinnaples]

I grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, and 1979 and there were a ton of old cars in South Hills of Pgh. About that time, there was a silver '68 Camaro being built down the street from my house by a guy I only knew of, but I did know the guy who painted the car as he dated a friend of my sister. They really did a job on the Camaro with the paint designs for the time by pulling the body off the frame and painting multi-color stripes over the hood, trunk, and under the gas tank, rear end, floors and firewall. I remember seeing the Camaro and as I was about 12-13 years old at the time, I could only dream and drool.

I occasionally (but pretty rarely) used to see the Camaro when I went by the shop but after going to college, getting married, divorced, and moving to Florida, I lost complete knowledge of the car for probably 30+ years, but I never forgot about it. So, against all odds and just for my own wonderment, about 6 months ago I was on a couple Facebook groups and posted the question whether anyone remembered the car with a description just to see if anyone knew whatever happened to it. No responses online except for a guy on Yenko.net who happened to know the original builder and painter, and we discussed the car but he didn't know whatever happened to it either, as the original owner, Norm LeBlanc, had passed away quite some time ago. Seemed like the end of the line for the Camaro.

But, about 3 weeks ago, I got tagged in a Facebook response to my post about the car, and David Miller, stated that he saw a similarly painted Camaro on eBay. Sure enough, when I looked at the link, there it was, looking almost just like it as I remembered it from 1979-ish. So after talking it over with the wife, doing some creative juggling of finances and bargaining with the current owner in Indiana, I was able to buy it. It was delivered a week and 1/2 later and it looks like there was some paintwork done to it, and there's at least one spot that could use some body work but for the most part, it's pretty solid. The Camaro was pretty much destined to be an ISCA show car, I think. So, I've gotten the car cleaned up a little (still needs the underside go over), and I've started to go through the mechanics of it but yet need to take it to a mechanic to go over the engine and make sure it doesn't need anything (it runs and drives fine, but I want to make sure it's safe). And it needs some required items like seat belts, power steering, and disc brakes that I want to get done very soon (then I'll address the wheel issue). Sorry so long, but thought I'd share the back story to give you an idea of what the car means to me. Thanks, Mark

[DBHWT]

Now that's a good story !!!!!!

[Stingr69]

2x4's like a BOSS!!!

Amazing score to get that same car after all these years. Bought mine way back then and still have it. Congratulations to you.

Do you plan to change it much? The period correct look is cool. Not enough of them around in my opinion.

-Mark.

[markinnaples]

Thanks gentlemen. The body, frame, etc. are perfect, so no changes planned there except for one small spot on the lower passenger side quarter behind the wheel that someone tried to fix and just didn't do a great job, but unless it gets worse, it's staying as-is. I do plan on putting in power steering and disc brakes eventually (prob within the next year), but it runs great now and I am in the process of changing out the fluids, etc. and putting in seat belts so the kids can ride in it. Longer term, not sure. Would consider putting the '69 DZ 302 in it in storage and putting in an LS with a blower and a 6 speed so I can take it on long hauls, but that's in the extended future. Just plan on driving it now. A couple more pics:

[ragzl1]

Congrats on owning this car. Amazing that you were able to find it. I too was able to find a car similar to my first Camaro.

John

[chuckstacamaro]

Awesome... Love the 70's style paint design......

[BigRedCamaro]

Mark,
Very cool car and story. You didn't include any pictures of the engine. Do you have any?

[markinnaples]

Yes. A '69 DZ302, roller cam, double hump heads, gear drive, two 750 holley's, 12.5-1, etc. Needs a new set of headers, as these have seen better days.

[sherob]

AMAZING!

[markinnaples]

Thanks, most of the time I can't believe I own it. And congrats to those who have also had the opportunity to own their own dream car as well. I know how Blessed I am.

[Fred 6528]

Nothing like having your dream car that still looks the same. I always remember riding my bike and racing my neighbor in his 69 Pace Car, every time I see one now I just smile.

[BMR Sales]

Better grow your Mullet back so you can truly Rock those 70's colors!

[Z/28Dan]

That. Is awesome.

Congrats on a beautiful Camaro. I wouldn't touch a thing.

[trainedkilla]

One of a kind!!