Recently found by our friends over at Cars in Barns, is a highly neglected first generation 1969 Camaro that is slowly weathering away. Currently residing under a carport for at least two years, it appears to be in fair condition from what we can gather from the photos. An all matching numbers car with only 80,000 original miles, the current owner is saving this classic ’69 beast for his son when he turns sixteen.

Concerned with the Mustangs runaway success, the first generation Camaro was launched in September 1966 as Chevrolets entry into the pony car wars. With the negative publicity Chevrolet received from Ralph Nader’s book, Unsafe at Any Speed, they knew their current compact sport car, the Corvair, would not be able to generate the sales needed to compete with the Mustang. The Camaro was promoted has having the same front engine configuration and the conventional rear wheel drive as the Mustang and the Chevy II Nova.

The Camaro was designed to fit a variety of power plants, and was an instant success. The first-generation Camaro would last until the 1969 model year and would eventually inspire the design of the retro fifth-generation Camaro. We are unsure of the specifics on this first gen Camaro, bet we can gather that as first rides go a sixteen year old wouldn’t care about the power plant – this is a dream ride for most anyone. However, looking at the condition of it this sixteen year old will have some work ahead of him before it hits the pavement.

With that said, this could be why this 1969 Camaro is patiently awaiting its re-birth under this old carport. Possibly intended not only as a first ride for this kid, but as a father son project as well. We can only hope that is why someone might neglect this beauty for over two years. He is definitely one lucky kid. Would you put your sixteen year old behind the wheel of this classic creation, or do you think this is a ride better preserved for those with more street wisdom?