REAL Z28, #'S MATCHING DZ 302 V8, MUNCIE 4 SPEED, GREAT COLLECTOR, GREAT CAR!

Description

The Camaro Z/28 has always been a favorite among bowtie faithful, but today they're also an A-list collectable poised on the cusp of a big run-up on prices. Matching-numbers examples like this Cortez Silver 1969 Z are already seeing some strong gains in the market, and that totally overlooks the fact that they are quite likely the best-driving first generation F-bodies of all.This one offers a nice restoration of a quality car, with few liberties taken along the way. They were obviously well aware of the Z/28's rapid appreciation rate, so they focused on quality, getting the body straight and smooth before applying correct code 69 Cortez Silver with black SS stripes, which is this car's original color. The results are impressive because the car stands out without being an extrovert, a hard thing to do in the bright Streetside Classics showroom. It shows good gaps all around which are pretty close to the way it would have come from the factory when it was new and, of course, it includes details like a ducktail spoiler and gill inserts on the quarter panels. It also carries a correct cowl induction hood, which was actually optional on the Z/28 but makes a big difference in value and desirability. The "B" on the cowl tag also denotes a black vinyl top, which gives the Z/28 a grown-up look that also adds to its subtlety and we like it a lot. All the same standards apply inside, where the code 712 black bucket seat interior is pretty much the way it would have been on the showroom floor in 1969. This car was clearly a street car, not destined for combat, so it has a few luxury items like the wood-rimmed steering wheel on a tilt column and a center console with white-faced auxiliary gauges, more options that push this Z/28 up the desirability ladder. Oddly enough, even a tach was optional, but this car has one and it's hard to imagine a Z/28 without it, especially given its high-winding nature. A proper Hurst cue ball shifter manages the Z's standard 4-speed manual gearbox and few cars are as satisfying to run through the gears as this one. The original radio remain in the dash, but it's augmented with a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo radio hidden in the glove box, so you can have your cake and eat it too. Even the trunk is correctly detailed with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare tire assembly with jack.The heart of the Z/28 is its engine, a bespoke 302 cubic inch V8 that loves to sing. This is the car's original, numbers-matching DZ-code engine, rebuilt to stock specifications and cackling with a unique small block snarl that's a big part of the experience. Under that cowl induction air cleaner there's a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on a nicely detailed Chevy Orange block with finned valve covers, correct tower hose clamps, reproduction hoses, and a set of long-tube headers that certainly help with the high-RPM breathing. The transmission is a correct Muncie 4-speed powering a rugged 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears inside, so you'd better hold on tight when you crack the throttle. Clean floors, a recent Flowmaster exhaust system and correct Rallys with 215/65/15 BFGoodrich redline radials round out the package.Quality Z/28s will not be this affordable for much longer, and if you want one that's also ideal for driving and hitting the local show scene, this is a fantastic choice. Call today!