I'm hoping to get a Camaro sometime this summer, and am in love with first gens and early second gens. However, I don't have $12,000 to buy a fully restored, mint-condition 1969 Camaro.....I really want to find one for about $4,500 or less thats in good running condition that may need a little TLC, is it possible? I'm not really into the whole mid-70's, emmision-raped cars; so could someone please recommend a solid year for the camaro that can be had for around $4,500? Any advice/suggestions/recommendations are needed. Thanks.


Edit: Or maybe theres a different muscle car I should be looking at for that price????

 

I was also wondering if there was a site like this dedicated to first gens. Kinda like nastyz28.com is for 2nd gens, and thirdgen.org is for third gens. thanks

 

I believe theres lots of first gen owners at www.camaros.net

Hope that helps.

And yes, you can find a first gen for ~4,500, but it will need some TLC. You might be better off saving up a few thousand more and buying a more solid car.

 

Thanks for the reply, and the the link is just what I was looking for.

How much more do you think a good solid car will cost? $6,000? $7,000?? I don't wanna get too carried away here.

Thanks

 

For $5000-$7000 you can get a 1st gen car that won't have the original engine and probably will have a bondo'd up body. It will be something you can drive for a year or 2, but when the body starts to fall apart you'll need to decide what to do and how much to spend. You can find a 71-74 Camaro in the same condition for $2500-4000. But no matter what, you're going to need to do some work to one to make sure it's safe to drive and it isn't going to leave you stuck somewhere.

 

Yes, unfortunately the days of a fully restored 69 Camaro for $12K appear to be long gone. You can get a decent car for that price, but it certainly won't be restored and super nice.

The last two I bought were in the $13K to $14K range and were very clean and straight, no rust, and still had their original drivetrains, although that was not a factor for me. Good clean drivers with everything working, but not restored. Still needed little odds and ends which really add up but could be done over time.

Good luck in your search.

Jody

 

I believe Timberwolf has one for sale that is in good shape and in your price range.

 

I've seen a few priced at $4500 or under, but with one exception they needed serious bodywork. They're out there... you just need to hunt for them.

A great starting point is http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/ I found my 67 RS there. Keep in mind, I'd been searching that site daily since September and just found what I wanted and could afford last week.

Take time and research what it is your looking at and like me you can be rewarded.

Here's another great resource for all generations....
http://www.chevy-camaro.com/
Trim, cowl, rpo and other codes for all years.

Keep in mind when your looking at 1st gen Camaros in the sub $10,000 price range... you're probably better off buying a car that's got old paint and where you can see the rust problems. Bondo and a new paint job can hide a lot of problems... trust me, I've been there and its no fun finding out that so called jewel is a bondo-buggy with a cheap driveway paint job on it.

Remember with 1st gens check the rear window corners, rear quarters behind the wheels, door bottoms, trunk pan, and floor pan. These are the areas were rust begins to form first... so look there for signs of cheap repairs.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the replies guys.




Well theres a reason I'm waiting until the summer to buy a camaro, because I need time to save some good money up. I really with I had $7,500 right now

 

maybe you can make payments.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't have a credit history so I can't get a loan without a cosigner, and my parents won't budge, they think I should have the full amount blah blah blah.......

 

have you ever tried talking with the owner about making payments.

 

I've actually thought about this, but was afraid i'd sound like an a-hole or something. Have you, or anyone here, ever tried this? If something like that would work I'd be a happy man

Thanks

 

I would have to agree with your parents. I wouldn't want to get a loan on a car that I know I would have to pu teven more money into as time went on. Making the choice between making a car payment, and paying for repairs so the car will run is not very fun.

 

I totally understand what your saying, and think it's the best route for me. Mostly because I would have to pay for my own insurance and gas....So that would be car payment + gas + insurance=