1967 Chevrolet Camaro Race Car (FIA)

As the 1960s roared on, so too did the introduction of a new generation of powerful, big block V8 saloon cars in the United States that came to be known as 'Muscle Cars'. Ford claimed 'bragging rights' with its dramatic new Mustang, destined to become one of the all-time greats, whilst other 'Motor City' favourites included the Dodge Charger, Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Barracuda and the Chevrolet Camaro. Introduced in 1966, the Camaro was offered in 2-door form with both coupé and convertible body styles to choose from, as well as a range of different engine sizes, and trim and styling packages. Top of the pile at Chevrolet was the macho Z28 powered by a rumbling 302cu.in. 5-litre small-block V8 and this was their chosen contender for the battles that lay ahead... Whilst salesman in car dealerships across the States fought it out for units sold, Chevrolet decided that it wanted to take the fight to Ford on the race tracks of America and prepared cars that complied with the 'Group 2' regulations drafted for the Sports Car Club of America Trans-American Series allowing cars with up to 5.7 litre engines to compete. Famous Camaro drivers included Mark Donohue, ex-F1 pilot Ronny Bucknum and Jerry Thompson. It was Donohue though, who took the spoils in the 1968 and '69 seasons driving a Penske-prepared Camaro with utter domination in the Trans-Am series. It wasn't long before European teams and drivers spotted the successes of their American counterparts and these cars soon appeared at race circuits across Europe.

This fabulous example left the Van Nuys Plant in August 1967 and was supplied new to Dana Motors of California, a well-known Trans-Am Specialist. We understand that it had a successful race history in the past and was owned for some years by well-respected US racer, Bob Mortimer. He responded to a request for more information with the following;

"All I know about the car was by word of mouth from the guy I got it from. He said it was raced in the San Diego SCCA region in the early '70s for a few races, then sat for some years before being sold to someone in San Francisco where in was raced only three times then some sat some more before being sold to a guy  in Sacramento where it sat for years before I got it in 2007 as a roller. Log book did not come with the car as the last owner had just moved, but he would send it when he could find it, of course it never showed up. I started racing it in 2010 with SOVREN here in Seattle and Spokane. 1st entry  in the new log book was Seattle 15th May 2010. The car has raced only 15 times since."

We understand that the Camaro was mechanically rebuilt in the States prior to its arrival in the UK in December 2020 but can't confirm the extent of this at the moment. It has not been raced since, as our vendor has been concentrating on preparing the car to qualify for an FIA Historic Technical Passport 'Cat G2' which was rubber stamped in January 2022 as all the requirements have been executed. We understand that this will make it the only FIA race-papered Camaro currently based in the UK.

It's powered by a rare 302ci 4,956cc V8 built to Trans-Am spec with a high nickel content, 4-bolt block, a second-generation Z28 solid-lifter cams with stud girdle and an Edelbrock cross ram intake topped off with twin Holley 1850 carbs. It's fitted with a brand new free-flow side-exit exhaust system which complies with UK circuit noise regs. The anticipated power output is around 430bhp at 8,000rpm and this is fed through a Tex Racing Super T10 gearbox with magnesium casing and the rear end is a 12-bolt fitted with a 3:90 ratio ‘positraction’ diff. Suspension is by Global West with aluminium adjustable shocks, steering is power assisted with a 12:1 rack and the disc brakes on all four wheels are covered by 15 x 8 powder-coated AR Torq Thrust magnesium wheels.

The interior is fully prepared for circuit racing with a full cage, plumbed in fire-extinguisher, sealed battery box, OMP seats, full harness, removable steering wheel and window nets. Further specification details on request.

It's finished in Royal Plum with white stripes, a factory colourway in 1967, but probably not its original paint. This car will get you on to the grid in the AMOC Intermarque Series, Bernie’s V8s and CSCC Future Classics and now that the long awaited FIA HTP has arrived, there are lots more options including Peter Auto and Spa Classics.

It has just returned from a 50-lap 'shakedown' at Snetterton and we understand that it ran well. Very attractively guided for a competitive classic 'Muscle Car'.