Car Feature: An RK Motors Built ’69 Chevrolet Camaro SS With Sass

RK Motors began life as a collector car dealer with one of the most impressive showcases that hobbyists and enthusiasts have experienced in the modern digital age. Because of their tremendous success in elite collector car marketplace, the dealership has branched out into a full performance center that can manufacture and sell performance parts or completely restore highly sought after cars for enthusiasts.

The RK Motors crew has taken another step into the world class status by building cars that were destined to become showcased at the annual SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada. We spotted one of the RKM Performance Center builds at the Mobil 1 display at the SEMA show, which is a highly coveted display area on the tradeshow floor.

Most people think we are just a classic car dealer, but we are much more than that.       – Jeff Spiegel

This Camaro Pro-touring project car build set out to show the world that anyone can have a classic car that is as comfortable and outperforms any modern car on any dealer showroom – and “oh-by-the-way,” it also looks twice as nice as any showroom car. Unlike many of the showcars that find their way into a SEMA display, this Camaro could easily be driven to the show and back home afterwards, with no trouble.

The Camaro held prime real estate at this year’s SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas.

Modern Vintage

Nothing says vintage muscle like a 1969 Camaro SS, but nothing says “wow” like a vintage musclecar with current technology woven into the fibers of the build. That is the emphasis of this, and the other builds from RKM’s Performance Center.

Despite the menacing look, fans stopped by to gawk at the Chevy all four-days of the show.

“When we build, we like to use the best performance parts at our disposal and in the case of this car, we wanted it to not only be able to tear down a straight line, but handle the curves, provide plenty of stopping power, have beautiful form and full modern function,” explained Jeff Spiegel, RK Motors’ Marketing Director.

“Our team is very small and all builds are a collaborative effort. Decisions are made as a team and all credit is shared amongst the team,” Spielgel said. Finding the right components for each project build isn’t that difficult because of the team’s cohesive nature, not just the build team but the manufactures as well. “We have great relationships with our vendors and are a distributor for some of them,” he explained.

Charcoal Steel Camaro 

Designed to be a Pro-Tourer, this ’69 Camaro was chosen for its vintage appeal and enormous aftermarket support. With a wide range of products available, the RKM crew had a virtual smorgasbord of proven mechanicals to choose from.

Beginning with a frame-off restoration that ensured this Camaro had a great foundation to work from, the crew was rewarded with a chassis that was in better-than-new condition. Using a combination of OEM sheet metal and high quality replacement panels, the RKM crew assembled a body that is ripple-free and perfectly aligned. The finish is simply “understated perfection” with a custom blended charcoal steel paint.

Nothing says vintage musclecar like a Camaro SS.

With an appearance that “talks-the-talk,” there needed to be some muscle in the drivetrain that could “walk-the-walk. A Corvette Racing inspired LS7 engine, complete with forged main bearings, forged steel crank, titanium connecting rods, high lift cam and flat-top, aluminum pistons backs up the tough talk. The short-block is topped with CNC-ported cylinder heads fitted with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves.

The stock LS7 intake is capped with a stock GM throttle body and polished air tube with a Spectre reusable filter element. This combination of internal and external engine components pumps out a measured 513 horsepower at the rear wheels on a chassis dyno – more than enough to “walk-the-walk.”

No detail left undone.

More Goodies

This isn’t just another very cool LS engine swap project car either. The proof is in the details. In addition to the immaculate body panels, the RKM crew added flush fit bumpers on the front and back. A satin black grille with vintage 1970 D80 chin spoiler complete the sculpted look up front. A two-tone, cowl induction hood, new windshield framed in satin black trim, and body-matched drip rails add to the show car details.

The build has just the right amount of fine points to make it a unique, one-of-a-kind car without overdoing the appointments. Each addition is well thought out and skillfully done. Black Detroit Speed wipers, a 1970 Camaro door mirror, and black Ring Brothers’ door handles are perfect examples of additions that other project cars miss.

Complete, from any angle.

The Camaro’s rear features a black deck lid spoiler with color-keyed Chevrolet emblem and two new stainless exhaust tips. For function, as well as looks, Ring Brothers’ hook supports and billet Marquez trunk hinges are used in the build. Lighting is completed with Marquez halo headlights, LED parking lamps, body-matching marker lamps and flush-fit Marquez tail lights.

Under the hood is a large Be Cool aluminum radiator with quick-spinning Spal puller fans, a polished Vintage Air Front Runner system, a custom radiator shroud, and carbon fiber fuel rail covers. Even the Ring Brothers’ master clutch reservoir makes the total engine bay appearance very distinguishable.

Wrapped in leather and suede from top to bottom, the interior is warm and comfortable.

Interior

If the exterior of the car can be called “badass discreet,” the interior is seriously “classy comfort.” Upholstery Unlimited Interior starts with leather seats and a custom leather-topped dash. The custom leather covered side panels combined with the suede headliner, suede sail panels, and suede sun visors complete the rich, warm look. A high quality carpet covers the floors with color-keyed floor mats.

A modern push button start and full set of Stewart Warner Maximum Performance gauges highlight the dash. The custom center console supports illuminated window switches and LED courtesy lamps. A Billet Specialties steering wheel mounts to a Flaming River steering column with finishing touches that include Marquez jamb vents and custom sill plates.

Even from below, this Camaro is spectacular.

Finish Line

This Camaro is one of those rare cars that you can drive – not tow – to any summertime car show, compete and win in the autocross event, take home the trophy for best in show, then drive the car back home.

The dark, menacing theme ran throughout the car, even the wheels.

Anyone that wants a timeless car with modern comfort can buy one and have it customized through RKM’s Performance Center. Spiegel assured us,  “A car like this can be built by us from an existing Camaro in inventory for a customer if they chose to do so. That actually happens from time to time here, but most modifications are more subtle, like adding A/C, disc brakes, rims & tires, crate motors, etc.”

Anyone wanting more information about RK Motors and the RK Motors Performance Center can visit them at rkmperformanceparts.com

Car Specs: Pro-Touring 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS

  • Mileage: 209
  • Engine: LS7 with stock cylinder heads
  • Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection
  • Exhaust: Dual Exhaust. Kooks header into custom, true-dual pipes that breathe through an H-shaped crossover and polished SLP mufflers
  • Transmission: Tremec T-56 6-Speed Manual
  • Entertainment System: Sony AM/FM/CD/IPOD player with Sony Xplod speakers
  • Battery Location: Trunk mounted Optima gel cell battery
  • Power Steering
  • Vintage Air climate control
  • Interior Color: Black
  • Seating Type: Bucket
  • Seat Material: Leather
  • Shifter Type: Floor mounted Hurst shifter
  • Gauges: Stewart Warner Maximum Performance gauges
  • Body Style: 2-door hardtop
  • Body Color: Charcoal Steel with stripes
  • Front Suspension Type: Detroit Speed Double A-arm
  • Rear Suspension Type: Detroit Speed 4-Link
  • Shocks: Full set of Koni coil-overs
  • Front and rear brakes: Baer power disc with 14″ drilled and slotted rotors. Detroit Speed brake booster and Baer proportioning valve
  • Rearend: Moser 9-inch with Moser axles and 3.31 gears
  • Wheels: Painted Rushforth Night Trains
  • Tires: Front: 245/35ZR19 Nitto NTO5 Rear: 335/30ZR19 Nitto NTO5

About the author

Bobby Kimbrough

Bobby grew up in the heart of Illinois, becoming an avid dirt track race fan which has developed into a life long passion. Taking a break from the Midwest dirt tracks to fight evil doers in the world, he completed a full 21 year career in the Marine Corps.
Read My Articles

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