1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible replica in Danville is a pace setter

The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced as a 1967 model motivated, I think, by two factors: Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe at Any Speed” and the terrific success of the Ford Mustang, introduced in late 1964.

Manufacturers typically make 2,000 to 3,000 replica models of the pace car that are sold through their dealers. That is the situation with our feature car today. Danville’s Bill O’Connor has owned this issue’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible replica for about 14 years. “I found the car online out of San Jose, and it had just come out of an estate sale. It was pretty much done. Just little things needed to be done, like the power top didn’t work.”

O’Connor claims he is not really mechanically inclined, but I believe he has more than pliers and a screwdriver in his tool box. Over the years, he’s worked on 30 collector cars and currently owns half a dozen. O’Connor’s had different makes but is partial to Camaros. The first Camaro was purchased soon after he married in 1979, when he found one at the College of San Mateo parking lot with only 60,000 miles and he bought it for $1,500. “That kind of got me interested in Camaros. Then I bought a ’67 Rally Sport Camaro, then we bought a ’67 Camaro convertible, then a ’68 Camaro convertible, then this one popped up and I thought the price was right.”

The proud owner paid $40,000 for the car and estimates the current market value in the $60,000-to-$70,000 range. And he takes good care of this car. “I drive the car often in the summer, and not much in the winter months. It’s never seen water since I’ve owned it. I clean it with detailer and keep it waxed. The car is really reliable, and it is geared for freeway driving.”

O’Connor’s car is equipped with a 350 cubic inch V8 with a manual 4-speed transmission with power brakes and steering. It is nicely upholstered in orange and white matching the exterior colors. The owner thinks when new this car would have sold for about $3,000.

The car has been repainted and O’Connor installed the “OFFICIAL PACE CAR” decals on the doors. He gave me a ride; the car is quiet, tight and quick plus it has the beautiful sound of a Chevy V8 engine that is music to most car nut’s ears.

Have an interesting vehicle? Email Dave at [email protected]. To read more of his columns or see more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.

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