I started looking for a ‘69 ss L78 or L89 a while back and it is a challenge. So many fakes out there. Z28’s are the same way. Is there a database anywhere to verify vin #’s?

I just came across this one but head supports were required in ‘69.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-48...camaro-rs-z28/

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

 

The only way to be sure is a direct history of the car dating back to when the car was new. The next best thing is a certification from someone known in the industry. That would need to happen before a complete restoration.

It would be nice if the Camaro had a registry like the Firebird does but sadly it does not exist. There has been several attempts to create a database of know correct cars but its just a matter of time before bad info gets in there.

Faking numbers matching is nothing new. Even before camaros where valuable enough to fake people where faking rare Corvettes and 57 chevys. It was nice when you could trust the cowl tag on the 67 camaro to show all options but now they even fake that.

It was a decade or so ago but a guy one the net built a completely numbers matching 1969 Convertible Z28. He had all the original documents including the break down of the price from GM. All the document appeared to have the correct age. This would easily fooled any judge at a show if the judge did not know GM never build a Z28 ragtop 1969 and everyone on the net did not know the car started life with an I6. The guy did it just to show it could be done.

 

Mike

That Mecum listing is full of pretty pics.....but none are of the VIN, Cowl tags or hidden VIN, engine, trans & rear end stamps or a pic of the "protect o plate" (aka build sheet) and window sticker. That 411 would be needed to at least determine build dates/location/equipment....and even then, all that can be faked (re-stamped)

If that documentation could be gathered by a physical inspection that would be a starting point to confirm what it is presented to be.

This site has some very good 411 about what that info would mean
Camaro Research Group (camaros.org)

With this said there is nothing wrong with a "clone", aka "tribute" car as long as it is presented that way and $ accordingly. Unfortunately, there are more "Z28" now than were ever made.

The Mecum listing from a $ standpoint should be a real one....but you need a very through direct inspection to verify