If I had to give this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro a definition, it would be "combat ready." First of all, just look at it! One of Chevy's best F-body designs wrapped in black from roof to contact patch. That's just brutal. Secondly, there's big horsepower on tap, courtesy of a freshly built 355 cubic inch small block and it's just nasty, cackling and snarling when you start it up. And finally, it's minimalist—no fake Z/28 stripes or badges, no performance-killing extras, just the stuff you need to go fast and enjoy doing it.

Yeah, this Camaro knows how to have a good time.

You can see by looking at the photos that this car has earned its high-gloss black paint. No ripples, no waves, no misaligned bodywork, just laser-straight steel that does the Camaro's shape justice. The quarters are replacements and the fenders are NOS, but the rest is GM, so it fits together rather well. It was originally code 53 Glacier Blue, but we can understand the desire for black, especially when the results are this nice. It's not perfect, of course, not at this price, but we have to admit that we really like the look. It doesn't snow many signs of use and most of the work was recently done, so you'll be the one to put the first mark on it. A few subtle tweaks help with the hardcore look, including shaving the gutter moldings above the windows, removing the emblem from the center of the grille, and the addition of a cowl-induction hood. Out back there's a familiar ducktail spoiler, as well as a smattering of 'Camaro' script emblems as needed, but we're pretty sure everyone will know what this is when they see it. And just for some contrast, you get some nice chrome bumpers, optional gill trim in the quarter panels, and just one chrome side mirror. The guy who built this car certainly had his priorities in order.

The interior is so new that the blue protective plastic is still on the door sills. Reproduction seat covers, new carpets, replacement door panels, and a fresh headliner all make this car look and feel decades younger than it is. High-back buckets got headrests by law in 1969, and the Camaro interior is better for it. This car also features a small-diameter Grant GT steering wheel on the original steering column that makes a difference in road feel. The original gauges only covered speed and fuel level, so a tach was tucked in on the left side of the steering column with a set of vintage Stewart-Warner dials hanging underneath. There's a new dash pad up top and it uses what is arguably the coolest shifter ever invented to manage the freshly rebuilt TH350 3-speed automatic underneath. There's also a Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo in the original radio's slot and it sounds decent (although we bet you'll never use it after you hear this sucker run). The back seat has never been used and the very neat and clean trunk features a reproduction mat that fits remarkably well.

There's good stuff going on under the hood, starting with a freshly built 355 cubic inch small block V8. Rebuilt about 300 miles ago, it's been sorted out but not abused so it's ready to rock right away. It wears a big Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor on top of a matched aluminum intake, as well as a set of aluminum heads that not only shave weight, but increase compression and help keep the engine cooler. Chevy orange paint on the block is tradition and there's an electronic ignition system to light it off reliably. Turn the key and it fires quickly and easily, settling into an easy idle that has enough of a lope to it to remind you that there's a good-sized cam inside. It isn't fussy and it doesn't get hot, largely thanks to a brand new radiator up front, as well as proper tuning. An electric fuel pump reliably delivers the gas and there's a brand new power steering system, including the box and pump. Long-tube headers feed a great-sounding Flowmaster exhaust system, which uses a proper transverse muffler out back.

The aforementioned TH350 3-speed automatic transmission should not be considered a performance liability, because this Camaro is wickedly quick in traffic—just stomp and steer! Out back there's a tough 10-bolt rear end with 3.55 gears inside, making for a good compromise between acceleration and easy cruising. The unibody tub has been reinforced with beefy subframe connectors and there are fresh floors so rust is a non-issue. The torque boxes are in excellent condition, the factory rockers and pinch weld don't show any signs of previous damage, and there are new shocks at all four corners. Yes, it's a little grimy and dirty under there, but it's far from rusty and the dirt and grime means you won't be afraid to use it as intended. You're not one of those guys who only takes his car to shows on a trailer are you? Cool black wheels and staggered 215/65/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials give it an awesome stance.

This Camaro delivers everything that matters: killer good looks, big horsepower, and a comfortable interior that invites you to drive. It's everything that's awesome about a vintage Camaro, just amplified. And woe be unto him that decides to give this car at the next stop light grand prix. It is most definitely combat ready. Call today!