Sell a 1969 SS/RS and buy a ZL1?

[Timmy11]

I currently own a 1968 SS/RS Camaro. It is a non-original Champagne gold with black Z strips and a black vinyl roof. It has a 383 Stroker motor with a T-10 Borge-Warner 4-speed and a 12 bolt posi rear end. The car is completely restored, but need a few finishing touches to be excellent. I attched a picture.

It sounds amazing and gets looks and thumbs up everywhere I take it.
I also have a modified 1963 VW Beetle. It is almost like a street rod VW. It is a lot of fun and looks awesome. I am having a motor built for it right now.
I do not drive the SS/RS very much. I think that I drove it 3 times last year. I was also building and addition and couldn’t get it out of the garage for a couple months. It is a great car, but not one that you would hop in and drive to the mountains, cruise the back roads for fun, spend the night and drive home. It is more of a parade and show car. I like the 5th generation Camaro but I was not considering selling the ’69 until I started reading about the 2012 ZL1 and then started reading this forum and seeing real pictures of the ZL1. I am now seriously considering selling my ’69 SS/RS and trying to find a slightly used 2012 ZL1 next year (when a coupe owners realizes that they want a convertible) or ordering a 2013. I don’t have to have the 1st ZL1. I would really like a blue one also.
If I got a ZL1 I would still drive it sparingly. I have a work car (Ford Taurus), a SUV (Lexus LX 470), a gas sipper (Chevy Prism) and a show car (Custom Beetle). I would take the ZL1 on an occasional trip to the mountains or beach and a few shows each year. I could also taking to Quarter Aces or Beaver Springs for some drag racing.
My wife likes to travel but doesn’t enjoy car shows. With the ZL1 I could go to shows at the beach or somewhere else she wants to go and we can both be happy. Having a car like the ZL1 that I can just drive, cruise the back roads, take to the track (occasionally) and show would be great.
The performance and looks of the ZL1 are just amazing. It is just not a pretty super charged Camaro but boarders on super car status in my mind. If I got a ZL1 I would most likely use it sparingly (not at 1st) and keep it for a very long time. Let’s just say that I keep it for 20 year s and only averaged 2000 miles per year (which is what I average on my SUV) it would still only have 40K miles after 20 years and probably not even 60K in 30 years.
So….The big question is – can I bring myself to sell the ’69 SS/RS to buy a ZL1?
What are the thoughts of this group?
Is there anyone in Central PA or Western MD that will be getting a 2012 ZL1? I would love to see 1 in person?

[Taintedveins]

I personally wouldn't it may be a non original color but it is a beautiful car

[Fightinfire921]

Since the classic car market sucks right now you may want see what kind of money you can get for the 69. :(

If I could get the money back I have invested in my 69 it would be gone.

[OldJedi]

It is a tough question. I elected to keep my 67 Vette and buy the ZL1, but everyone's situation is different. I get to have the best of both worlds, a vintage car for short rides and the most technically advanced Camaro ever built. It is like having a horse and buggy and the Starship Enterprise.

[mr02Z/28]

I wouldn't sell a '69 Camaro for a 2012 ZL1.... the 1967-1969 style will always be more desirable... I have a feeling the 5th Gen ZL1s will be plentiful..... Don't do it...

[ToolFan66]

I wouldn't do it you are a crazy man if you do it..

[gm_joe]

I sold my 69 camaro to buy a ZL1. But if my car looked as good as yours, I would have to rethink my decision.

[camaro2lt]

that pic looks like it was taken at coscto???? lol

[brian-nicola]

Nope, wouldn't sell it. Wait for a year no doubt there will be ZL1's used on the market, then you can have both!

[willhe64]

I would, if I could get a decent price for it. Non-original small blocks are a dime a dozen.
But that is me personally. I'm sick of old muscle cars. Drove them my whole life. Crappy handling rattle buckets when you compare it to the new Camaro there is no comparison.

[mechanic1]

I just sold an original 1969 BOSS 302 mustang to get my zl1, which I may not even get now it seems.........it was yellow with black c stripes........and owned it for 35 years...........ditch the car as they are all now mechanically obselete, great to look at and take to cruise meets, but down the road the market for them will dry up........next gen kids dont even know what they are....one ride in a zl1 will be a spiritual awakening!!!

[Prime]

First, let me say that is a really nice car, man. I always wanted a '69 Camaro, and still hope to get one someday. A few of you guys said the market isn't too hot for them, how much would one cost now? Assuming it is in really good shape like the photo.

Back to your topic. You obviously have to make this call, but it seems like you don't really use the '69 too much and would probably have more fun more often with the ZL1. Based on your comments, I would say go for it, get the ZL1. If I were you I would get rid of the bug and one of your other cars and keep the '69 though!

On Chevy.com, you can't custom build an IBM, so I think they aren't making Blue ones. If that is true, maybe you can order one in 2013 assuming blue returns. This way you get another year out of enjoying the '69.

[Taintedveins]

Originally Posted by mechanic1

I just sold an original 1969 BOSS 302 mustang to get my zl1, which I may not even get now it seems.........it was yellow with black c stripes........and owned it for 35 years...........ditch the car as they are all now mechanically obselete, great to look at and take to cruise meets, but down the road the market for them will dry up........next gen kids dont even know what they are....one ride in a zl1 will be a spiritual awakening!!!

I have to disagree with you, They are Iconic I have had 4 year olds talk about wanting a 69 camaro, I wasn't a car person til I was 14, but I still recognized cars, it don't see any original muscle car losing its shine until we have hover craft or something like that...

[lbls1]

Try very hard not to let it go. Tough question to answer, as your car looks great. If storage and your current overhead isn't a problem then I would try to keep it.