But every story faces a defining choice: Do you restore it or restomod it?
Both paths have their devotees. One is about historical accuracy; the other is about evolution. Either way, the journey starts with a dream — and usually, a pile of parts.
Above and below: The lead photo is of an unrestored, original 1969 Yenko Camaro! The Yenko Camaro just above and the details and photos below depict a fully-restored 1969 Yenko Camaro Prototype that has the following attributes (photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions):
“Restoration is about preserving history — a tribute to the way Chevrolet built it the first time.”
For the purist, a Camaro restoration means returning every nut and bolt to factory-original condition. It’s not about upgrades — it’s about time travel. Restorers chase date-coded components, correct finishes, and proper fasteners like archeologists piecing together automotive DNA.
Classic Industries has made that pursuit possible for decades, offering OEM-quality reproduction parts — from trim and emblems to interior kits and weatherstripping — that make it possible to build a car that could have rolled off the line in Norwood or Van Nuys.
Above: 1973 Camaro Z/28
True restorations follow GM paint codes — Hugger Orange, LeMans Blue, Cortez Silver — and stick with numbers-matching drivetrains. Interiors are reupholstered in original grain vinyl, dashboards are renewed, and even the hardware finishes are spot-on.
When done right, the result is breathtaking: a Camaro that looks, sounds, and feels exactly as it did in its glory days.
Above and below: 1978 Camaro Z/28 (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)
Authenticity has a price. Drum brakes, manual steering, and carbureted small blocks feel primitive today. Restored cars are often showpieces, not daily drivers. But for many enthusiasts, that’s exactly the point.
Above: 1967 Camaro SS restomod
“Restomodding isn’t rebellion — it’s evolution.”
The restomod philosophy is simple: classic looks, modern performance. Builders respect the Camaro’s heritage but aren’t afraid to give it a 21st-century heartbeat.
Above and below: 1969 Camaro restomod (photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions):
Under the hood, you might find a Chevrolet Performance LS3, LT1, or even LT4 crate engine with fuel injection and modern reliability. Suspension upgrades — coilovers, tubular control arms, and subframe connectors — transform the Camaro from a straight-line bruiser into a corner-carving machine.
Disc brakes from Wilwood or Baer, 18-inch wheels wrapped in modern rubber, and electronic power steering bring confidence that the factory engineers of 1969 could only dream about. Inside, digital gauges, cold-blowing A/C, and Bluetooth audio make every drive a joy.
Cutting into a clean shell or modifying a rare Z/28 can upset the purists — and originality, once gone, can’t be replaced. But for those who crave performance and usability, the restomod route offers freedom and function.
Above: The Art of Restraint: LS7-Powered 1970 Z28
Both approaches honor the Camaro’s heritage — they just speak different dialects of the same language.
Either way, you’re contributing to a legacy that began in 1967 and shows no sign of slowing down.
At Classic Industries, we believe both paths deserve perfection. Whether your goal is a concours-level restoration or a track-ready pro-touring restomod, our catalogs (both digital and printed) cover every base — from OEM-correct parts to modern performance upgrades.
No matter your vision, Classic Industries helps you bring your Chevrolet Camaro to life.