The Chevrolet Camaro, already a hugely successful and beautiful muscle-car, had been chosen as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500 on several occasions, including in 1967, 1969, and 2010.

Buyer or Seller Questions? Let’s Talk! 310-975-0272

And the 1969 Camaro was a notable pick, as that year there were two ‘official’ pace cars built for the event: one to start the race and another to lead the field under caution.

The principal pace car would lead the Indie 500 starting field on 3 un-scored warm-up laps – two ‘parade laps’, one ‘pace lap’. During the ‘parade’ laps, several replica festival pace cars would join the field, usually carrying celebrities or special guest drivers.

After two laps, they would pull off and the lone pace car would lead the final ‘pace’ lap until it also would pull off, allowing for a rolling or ‘flying’ race start.

In 1969 the pair of cars designated for actual pace duties were identical with the exception of the vehicles’ tires – one was equipped with Firestones, the other with Goodyears. One Camaro paced the actual start, while the other handled yellow flag pace chores. Driving duties for the principal pace car were handled capably by former Indy 500 winner and Chevrolet dealer Jim Rathmann.

To give Camaro enthusiasts a chance to own a car that looked like the Indy 500 pace car, Chevrolet offered the RPO Z11 option – officially designated RPO Z11 Indy Sport Convertible Accents – which included the same paint, graphics, and interior as the official pace cars.

In all, Chevrolet built 3675 replicas of the 1969 pace car.

These were known for their Dover White paint with Hugger Orange stripes, RS/SS packages, cowl induction hoods, and fifteen-inch ZJ7 rally wheels.

The lower body sill and the taillamp panel were painted white instead of the usual black. The custom interior included wood-grained accents on the dash and steering wheel, molded plastic door panels and orange and black houndstooth check seat upholstery.

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Cars are of course a variant of the 1st Generation Camaro, which had been introduced in the fall of 1966 for the 1967 model year.

These Z11 Pace cars also came with front and rear spoilers and – new for 1969 – a ‘Super Scoop’ ZL-2 (cowl) hood. Some dealers installed the Indianapolis 500 decal kit on the doors while many did not.

Learning from their experience marketing the 1967 Camaro Pace Car, Chevrolet made a larger splash with the ’69 Pace Car with ads and promotional items, which led the car giant to produce more of these special cars. Transmission options were also similar to the SS with a manual 3 speed, Muncie 4 speed, or the option of a 2 or 3 speed automatic, some of which were column shift.

Approximately 85 per cent of Z11 Camaros were built at Chevrolet’s plant in Norwood, Ohio, with the remaining 15 percent assembled in Van Nuys, California. (Also built at Norwood was a very limited run of Z10 hardtops. These looked identical to Z11 convertibles and carried most of the same equipment. They were built from April to May 1969 as a special promotion for Midwest dealers.)

Presently at Beverly Hills Car Club, we have a first-generation 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car Convertible that is finished in its factory color-scheme Dover White (Z11) with Hugger Orange Pace Stripes complemented by its striking Orange Houndstooth (720) interior. To further enhance the exterior, this RS comes with a convertible soft top, giving you the option to enjoy the open air on a sunny day.

Highlights of this car are its factory color scheme; its Z11 option; its distinctive rally wheels; and – of course – its Camaro pace car style decals.

The car is powered by a 383 Stroker V8 engine, a 3-speed automatic transmission with shifter between the seats, and Edelbrock AV2 four-barrel carburetor. Additional equipment includes power steering, dual exhaust outlets, front-wheel disc brakes, SS badging, wood steering wheel, wood dash, chrome bumpers, rally wheels, and a fender-mounted antenna.

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll find bucket seating, dual-side rearview mirrors, and a Chevrolet retro stereo, perfect for long drives or cruising around town. Featured amenities include manual crank windows, quarter windows, and an analog clock.

If you’re in the market for a true American classic that is a symbol of power and optimal performance, look no further than this eye-catching Z11 Pace car.

-Alex Manos, Owner