Trio of Rare 1969 Camaro Z/28s Surface in Illinois Barn Find Sale

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Stumbling upon just one authentic 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is enough to send collectors into a frenzy. But when three genuine examples emerge from the same seller, at the same time, the discovery borders on the miraculous. That is exactly what unfolded recently in Aurora, where a local collector began liquidating a treasure trove of classic cars. The revelation drew national attention from enthusiasts and investors.

The seller, known simply as Tim of Mr Wonderful Motorsports, opened his doors to Parker Blubaugh of the popular Backyard Barn Finds YouTube channel. Arriving at the dealership, Blubaugh met more than just a collection of Camaros, a diverse lineup of American classics spanning decades. Yet the undisputed stars were the trio of Z/28 coupes — each verified as authentic Trans-Am homologation cars, each carrying the provenance that makes them among the most coveted Camaros ever built.

Chevrolet introduced the Z/28 package in the late 1960s to meet Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing regulations, which required engines under 305 cubic inches. Engineers responded with a unique 302 cubic-inch V8, created by marrying the bore of the 327 with the stroke of the 283. Officially rated at 290 hp, the engine’s true output was closer to 400.

This effectively made the Z/28 a track-ready weapon disguised as a street car. In 1969 alone, Chevrolet produced 20,302 Z/28s — the highest volume of the first generation — utterly dwarfing Ford’s rival Mustang Boss 302, which saw just 1,628 units that year.

Among the Illinois collection, each Z/28 tells a unique tale. The most compelling is a Dusk Blue coupe, fire-damaged but retaining its original, numbers-matching DZ-stamped 302 V8, Muncie transmission, and 12-bolt rear end. Though the body suffered in a garage blaze, the powertrain escaped the carnage because the owner had preserved it in a crate to safeguard the car’s authenticity. The $50,000 Tim is asking for this project car sounds like a bargain given the intact documentation.

A second car, finished in Hugger Orange and equipped with the Rally Sport trim, carries its original drivetrain and hails from New Mexico. Its vivid color and RS package make it especially desirable. This one comes with an asking price of $52,000. The third, a Cortez Silver coupe from California, boasts exceptional body integrity, offering restorers a rust-free foundation for a meticulous rebuild.

Tim’s sale doesn’t stop at the Z/28s. His inventory includes a project-grade 1971 Dodge Challenger with a 383 V8, listed at $29,000; a custom 1967 Pontiac GTO show car with a massive 469 cubic-inch engine; and a freshly unearthed 1969 Chevrolet Nova barn find, priced at $12,500. Perhaps most intriguing is a numbers-matching 1965 Buick Riviera GS, powered by a dual-quad 425 cubic-inch engine. Tim is asking $25,000 for it.

$50,000 for a project car sounds steep to the uninitiated, but seasoned restorers know the economics. A rusted-out shell with a title can cost $10,000 to $15,000 before any sheet metal is replaced. Skilled labor for bodywork alone can run into tens of thousands. By contrast, acquiring a documented roller with intact provenance often proves “money ahead” once restoration costs are factored in. And the payoff is substantial: concours-quality Z/28s routinely fetch six-figure sums at auction, with the best examples surpassing $150,000.

This Illinois sale represents more than a chance to buy cool cars. For fans and enthusiasts, it's a memorable chance to own a slice of American racing history. The Z/28 was not merely a Camaro variant but Chevrolet’s answer to the Trans-Am challenge, a car engineered for competition yet sold in staggering numbers to everyday drivers. That three such cars should surface together, each with its own story and potential, is a reminder of why barn finds continue to captivate the automotive world.

Tim made it clear he is willing to negotiate, thank goodness.