It’s not uncommon for kids to find certain cars cool. But it isn’t common for kids to follow through on those daydreams of cool cars. For most, it’s just a phase, but Tom Nance wasn’t going to let his dream slip away. For the last 37 years, he has owned his seventh-grade dream machine, a 1969 Chevy Camaro Z/28 Rally Sport. Despite its non-perfect condition, Tom heard that classic 427 big-block, saw those curvy body lines, and immediately fell head over heels. It was just like seventh grade all over again. From earning a spot at a prestigious Goodguys event to turning heads on the street, this Camaro’s journey is a testament to Tom’s inner child.

It’s pretty obvious how those curvy body lines were enough to make Tom fall head over heels.

While Tom knew that he had a thing for Camaros in the seventh grade, the flame wasn’t quite ignited yet. It wasn’t until high school that Tom knew that the Camaro was where his passion lay. In 1974, Tom’s friend got a 1969 Z/28 Camaro in Rally Sport trim. No matter what generation you fall into, we can all agree that a car like that would make any red-blooded American teenage boy do some crazy things. Tom admits that they didn’t fall far from that stereotype as they had times when they were just a couple of “long hairs” away from getting pulled over by the police.

Popping the hood of Tom’s Camaro not only reveals a 427 big block, but also a set of BBK Performance headers, and a Holley Sniper EFI unit. The things you can’t see would be a Comp Cams‘ Mutha Thumper, a Tremec TKO-600, and a 12-bolt posi rear end with 3.73 gears. Taking a closer look with the hood popped, you’d see it has tubular control arms with coilovers, A/C, power steering, and hydro-boost brakes. Tom’s Camaro might have a big-block in a 55-year-old car, but he isn’t missing out on any modern amenities.

A 427 has never looked more at home than it does in Tom’s Camaro. It’s almost like it was meant to be.

Just like a good education, building your dream car takes some time. After getting the Camaro, Tom dug deep into the rebuild process. He took this time to work on the interior and methodically install all the goodies it has today. He went as far as building a rotisserie stand for the body. This allowed him to install “tons” of heat and sound control products throughout the car’s body. He put all that soundproofing down so that his aftermarket sound system would have perfect harmonics. The sound system consists of a 1000-watt amp, Custom Autosound’s hidden stereo system, and Infinity Component speakers.

The Deluxe package for Tom’s Camaro calls for a dark blue interior. However, Tom felt a black interior was more fitting for his Camaro. Tom also installed Dakota Digital RTX gauges to top off the interior

With a new and improved sound system, new interior color, and fresh Cortez Silver paint, Tom installed the drivetrain and suspension. That’s when he replaced the Muncie close-ratio transmission for the TKO-600 transmission with a Mcleod hydraulic clutch. This was also a perfect time to add some new shoes to act as the cherry on top. Tom paired his American Racing wheels with some Sumitomo tires.

The Cortez Silver paint shows off the Camaro’s body lines perfectly.

While many childhood dreams fade away, Tom Nance is living proof that some fantasies do come true—with enough dedication, that is. After 37 years of ownership, his 1969 Chevy Camaro isn’t just a classic car; it’s a capsule that transports him back to those seventh-grader, Ed Roth-style drawings. Whether it’s gathering the gazes of people at an event or simply cruising down the boulevard, Tom’s Camaro remains a physical manifestation of a dream realized. It’s not merely a vehicle; it’s a rolling testament to one man’s commitment to keeping his inner child alive, thrilled, and forever in love with those curvy body lines and the rumble of that 427 big block engine.