Sinkhole Camaro. All photos from www.carsinbarns.com

We found this sad news item on the www.carsinbarns.com blog with a brief explanation and a couple of photos. According to upstate New York Jeff, who is a self described die hard Mopar guy, “Been watching this 302 badged Z28 sink into the ground for the last 15 years or so. Owner has a home made pipe style chain fall in the yard in front of the car. Looks like a 4 speed car with console. No motor or tranny in it. Hope its in the house. Interior is all there and the body looks very respectable for sitting outside in upstate New York. Finally stopped to take a look and now after looking I think I will stop more often and try to catch the owner home.”

Simply by looking at the photos, this sinkhole Camaro could be one of the very popular 1969 Z28 models. Over 20,000 of these models were made, of which a smaller percentage of 302 cid engine option were still available. The 302 engine was fitted into the Z28 for the SCCA Trans Am racing series (the engine requirements to race in SCCA was limited to 305 cubic inches). Upstate Jeff is probably correct about the car being a four speed car because the 302 cid engine was backed by a Muncie four-speed in 1969. There was no automatic transmission option available in the 1st Generation Z28 models.

The 1969 Z28’s were available with Rally Stripes which are clearly shown in the photos. Z28 and 302 badging is in line with the 1st Generation 1969 Camaro Z28’s. Not all, but most of the 1969 Z28 models had a special hood, which we can see in these photos as well. 

This Camaro has the redesigned grille with a heavy “V” cant and deeply inset headlights. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only, which seems to be what upstate Jeff has found.

Perhaps Jeff will find the owner and make the purchase, if he doesn’t, we’d like to know what the selling price is!