Summary

This 'Z/409' Bubble Top coupe custom concept car was a seven-year, 5,000-hour build envisioned by artist Steve Stanford. A Hot Rod magazine cover car, it is powered by a 472ci V8 engine that produces 498hp, mated to an automatic transmission.

Details

This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro 'Z/409' Bubble Top coupe features a bored and stroked 1962 SS 409ci V8 engine that was bumped up to 472ci. It has dual Carter carburetors and a 1962 date-coded aluminum intake. Once built, the engine produced 498hp and 466 ft/lbs of torque. The Chevrolet engine is backed by a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end. This Camaro has modern components, including 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes, a complete Heidts subframe and 4-link suspension with subframe connectors. It also has mini-tubs in the rear. The red exterior has a custom roof line that was incorporated from a 1965 Chevrolet Corvair. The rear third of the Corvair's roof was added to the Camaro in a seamless transition to make this a truly custom endeavor. The exterior also features recessed waterfalls cut into the decklid to accommodate the 1961 Chevy emblems, flush-mount taillights, redesigned front and rear valence panels with recessed aluminum ribbed plates and integrated rocker moldings. To develop the unique flush-mounted rear glass, a custom mold was sent to Finland for its production. The Roman Red interior features a 1961 Chevy dash crafted to fit in the interior, and it has an original 1961 steering wheel, SS 409 tachometer, air conditioning with factory-style ducts, stereo system and tilt steering column. A 409 4-speed shifter arm was adapted to the Turbo 400 transmission. The bucket seats are upholstered in 1961-spec Seville Grain Red vinyl with matching headliner, and it also features custom door panels, quarter-panels and a rear package tray. In 2009, a rendering was created in the September issue of Hot Rod magazine by artist Steve Stanford. In 2017, after nearly seven years and over 5,000 hours in the build, The 'Z/409' was born. It has been featured in numerous publications, including the cover of Hot Rod magazine.