1969 Chevy Camaro SS: A Passion Project Revived

A Childhood Dream, A Muscle Car Legacy
Growing up in the presence of his racing enthusiast father, Daan Boonzaaier, Allen was immersed in the world of speed and horsepower. Daan's record-setting '70 Camaro, which dominated tracks like Tarlton and Rainbow Dragstrip, left an indelible mark on young Allen. He spent his formative years at the track, absorbing the sights and sounds of roaring engines and burning rubber, fueling his passion for muscle cars, and igniting a dream of one day owning a Camaro of his own.

The Quest for the Perfect Camaro
Allen's journey to find his dream Camaro led him to a chance encounter at the Creative Rides showroom. A 1969 Chevy Camaro SS, imported by a pilot and later put up for sale, caught his eye. Trading his 1995 Corvette, Allen made the Camaro his own, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.

Crafting a Masterpiece
With a clear vision in mind, Allen embarked on a meticulous restoration, aiming to create a one-of-a-kind Street Rod. His vision included clean lines, a slightly lowered suspension, a narrow wide wheel setup, a 350 V8 Carb engine, stainless steel exhaust with cutouts, and a luxurious yet understated full leather interior.

The Restoration Process
The restoration was no small feat. While the body was in fair condition, areas like the driver's door, quarter panels, roof, and firewall needed attention due to rust. Eight months of painstaking work followed, including stripping the body down to bare metal to address four layers of paint and replacing rusted doors with new panels.

A Paint Job to Remember
Inspired by the vibrant red of a passing Mazda, Allen chose Kapci 2k Soul Red for the Camaro's exterior. Gunmetal gray rally stripes added a touch of aggression, completing the Camaro's striking appearance.

Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Camaro retained its original 350 turbo gearbox and 650 Holley Carb-equipped engine, now producing around 350hp. The exhaust system featured ceramic-coated branches and full stainless steel piping for optimal performance and durability.

Interior Elegance
Inside, the original seats were refurbished with new foam and padding, while the dashboard was reupholstered in black leather with red stitching, echoing the exterior's color scheme. A hidden toolbox under the boot lid, complete with a light and a '69 Camaro sign, added a touch of practicality and flair.

The Final Touches
For wheels, Allen opted for Rev Classic 100s from MK1 Motoring, giving the Camaro a unique stance with 18-inch fronts and 20-inch rears wrapped in performance tires.

A Tribute to Talent
Allen credits Vic Hatting, the mastermind behind the bodywork, paintwork, and engine rebuild, as the best all-round car builder in South Africa, underscoring the camaraderie and talent within the country's automotive community.

Acknowledgments
During the restoration, Allen relied on several companies for support, including Sartor Brothers for ceramic coating, The V8 Shoppe, and Alberton Spares for parts, Classic Chevy USA for additional spares, and Sheffield's in Johannesburg for chroming.

Allen's Camaro is more than just a car; it's a symbol of passion, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of muscle cars. It stands as a testament to Allen's dedication to his childhood dream and a tribute to the legacy of muscle cars that inspired him.