1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 Convertible

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: This is a V8 convertible (VIN 124679N520643) with RS/SS 396 equipment, a Muncie 4-speed with a Hurst shifter, and a clean Ohio title. It was refurbished a few years ago with factory-correct parts, and it is offered with no reserve, so it will sell. The current $40,000 bid is about 42% below the middle of recent convertible sales.

The engine is a 396 with a JA suffix that the seller believes came from a 1969 Chevelle, so it is not the original motor, and the listing does not show a build sheet or other SS paperwork. That keeps it out of the collector tier, but it makes it a strong base for a driver or a mild pro-touring build. No-reserve auctions usually climb in the final days, so set your limit before you bid.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $53,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $58,000–$80,000, so the middle of the market is about $69,000. That put this car 22% under.

Recent 1969 Camaro convertible results run about $58k for modified cars to $79k for original-category cars, and RS/SS 396 cars have brought around $62k. This car has a non-original 396, so we put it in the middle of that range rather than at the top.

Where the numbers come from:

• Mecum Monterey 2026: 1969 Camaro convertible, $79,200
• Mecum Indy 2025: 1969 Camaro convertible (modified), $58,300
• Mecum Harrisburg 2025: 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396, $62,700

What to check

• The SS is not documented. Ask for the cowl tag and any build sheet, and check for SS-specific parts (12-bolt, big-block mounts, staggered shocks).
• The listing gives conflicting engine ratings (L78 375 hp vs. a 325 hp JA-code block). Confirm what is actually in the car.
• Check the floors, trunk pan, lower quarters and the rear frame rails. First-gen convertibles also rust at the cowl and the top well.
• Inspect the convertible top frame, the top motor, and the body for the flex and door-gap sag that topless F-bodies get.
• Sold as-is through an agent who did not build the car. Get a pre-purchase inspection; the seller welcomes one.

Making it drive like new

Keep the big-block and four-speed, and add subframe connectors and a convertible-specific stiffening kit first. Then do a bolt-in tubular front subframe or upper and lower arms, multi-leaf or four-link rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a five-speed. Keep the original parts so the car can go back to stock.

9 builders make a complete chassis for the 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.

How it ended

It sold for $94,160 on Oct 27, 2026, against a market value of about $69,000 when we found it.