300 bhp, 350 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and front-disc, drum-rear power hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 108 in.

In 1969, Chevrolet was given the nod to supply the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. A Camaro SS convertible was selected and prepared for the race. This was the fourth time that Chevy had received the honors, the previous races being in 1948, 1955, and 1967. The ’67 race, just two years earlier, had also been paced by a Camaro in its introductory year.

The pace car designation entails a lot more than just supplying a car. There’s a backup car, in case the primary pacer cannot perform, a replica for the race winner, and a fleet of courtesy and support vehicles, some of which are pace car replicas. In addition, manufacturers typically produce replicas, usually not precise replicas, for sale to the public through select dealers.

For the 1969 Indy 500, the actual pace cars had L89 aluminum-head 396 engines, automatic transmissions, power steering, sport steering wheels, console gauges, and AM radios. They were shipped from the Norwood, Ohio plant to the GM Tech Center for preparation. The Chevy support fleet included 130 Camaro SS pace car replicas, 16 Impala station wagons, 18 pickups, two Suburbans, and one van. Most of the support Camaros were SS350 automatics, but a few had 396s with four-speeds. All the official Camaros were Dover White with Z28-style Hugger Orange stripes and orange houndstooth cloth seats. They all had the cowl hood.

In February, Chevy announced RPO Z11, the pace car replica package. With windows stickered as “Indy 500 Pace Car Accents,” Z11 consisted of a Z28 hood and deck stripes, orange D96 fender striping, white rocker panels, and white rear tail panels on SS396 cars. Door decals were included but were shipped in the trunk for application as desired. Z11 listed for $36.90.

But that wasn’t all, for other options were required to complete the package: a C06 white top, D80 spoilers, YA1 Deluxe seatbelts, ZJ7 rally wheels, the ZL2 Super Sport option, and Z87 custom interior. These were the only cloth seats available in a convertible. The base drivetrain was the SS350 with a three speed manual, but most had either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic. The console and gauges were optional, as was a power top. In all, 3,675 pace cars of all types were produced.

This 1969 Camaro SS Pace Car Replica is a 350 automatic version, with power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, windshield washers, and a cassette stereo. It has the orange houndstooth cloth seats with a black vinyl convertible top, indicating the latter has been replaced. The boot cover is the correct orange vinyl. Notably, the sun visor also bears the signature of 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti. The car has console gauges and rally wheels, the latter sporting B.F. Goodrich T/A radials. The body and paint are excellent, with pace car lettering on the side, but the brightwork shows its age. The underbody and chassis are clean and painted black. The engine compartment, however, shows use and has not been detailed. The odometer shows 41,575 miles, which are believed original.

This is not a known official or festival car from the Indy 500. It fits the pattern for one of the other 3,532 replicas however, and has the correct cowl tag showing the Z11 code, 50A paint, and the pace car-unique 720 trim option. Its 02D date code indicates a late February build.

While not a member of the Indy inner circle, this is a genuine pace car replica with all the special touches.