Summer of ’69 – Celebrating 50 Years of the 1969 Camaro
Goodguys gathered a collection of the most ground-breaking and historically significant 1969 Camaros in history for a special display inside the Kasich Hall this weekend during the 22nd PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Being showcased was a full spectrum of ’69s, from ultra-rare COPO and Yenko examples, to some of the most influential custom builds to come from the hot rodding community through the decades.
While the 1969 Camaro wasn’t the first version of the venerable pony car, it has become the most celebrated and was the top seller of the pony car’s first generation. Available in a multitude of trim packages, the all-aluminum big block-powered ZL1 was considered the top of the Camaro food chain for many enthusiasts – especially drag racers and street racers. The popular Z28 model offered buyers a sportier ride with its road course inspiration and is perhaps the most cloned and copied example.
The display was commemorated with a VIP party held at 3pm on Friday. On behalf of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, two representatives presented a proclamation during the ceremony followed by six workers from General Motors Norwood Assembly Plant speaking of their time working the assembly line in 1969 building these machines. The ceremony was capped off with a Happy Birthday sing along, and birthday cake of course. It was truly a spectacle to see!