This 1969 Chevelle Is Essentially A Contemporary Chevy | Carscoops

      A contemporary Camaro convertible is wrapped in a classic GM A-body dress-up kit.

      Mecum is offering a modern Camaro with a nostalgic touch.

      The 2012 convertible has been modified to resemble a 1969 Chevelle.

      Beneath the carbon-style Chevelle hood lies a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.

      We’re familiar with restomods, which involve updating classic cars for better handling, performance, and modern comforts. However, some vehicles, like this Chevelle imitation, do the opposite by retrofitting a new car to appear older, in this case, mimicking a model from about 43 years ago.

      At one time, the muscle car depicted here was simply a standard fifth-generation Chevy Camaro convertible, featuring a powerful V8 and a smooth automatic transmission.

      When it goes under the auction hammer at Mecum’s Kansas event in December, bidders will largely perceive it as a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, the larger, midsize sibling of the first-generation Camaro.

      Consider it as a 2012 Camaro SS enhanced with an aggressive body kit. While the core unibody structure, interior, suspension design, and powertrain remain unchanged, the Chevelle body panels create the illusion of an older vehicle.

      In these types of conversions, the modern windshield angle and prominent A-pillars make the deception somewhat obvious, and while the proportions are decent, the overall appearance is further enhanced by a 3-inch (75 mm) suspension drop that elongates the body.

      From the front or rear, you might be momentarily fooled by the ruse, although the car’s carbon-effect wrap on the trunk and cowl-induction hood (a feature that didn’t show up on Chevelles until 1970) may not appeal to everyone.

      The engine compartment houses a 6.2-liter LS3 V8, which, in SS automatic form, produced 400 hp (406 PS) when fresh and likely retains most of that power after 34,000 miles (55,000 km). Even if there has been some loss, the muffler delete modification will help conceal any shortfall.

      Is Nostalgia Worth the Cost?

      I'll be upfront; I don’t really understand this type of reverse restomod, especially at the $187k price tag that the ZL1-based Chevelle fetched a couple of years ago, despite the excellent work by Vision Retro Designs.

      That amount could purchase a significant number of high-quality original Chevelles, whereas the red and black Mecum car shown here is unlikely to garner anything close to that.

      While I see the attraction for those who want vintage aesthetics without the challenges of owning and driving an old car, the allure fades once you're behind the wheel, as it drives and feels just like an average 2012 Camaro that could have been bought for much less.

      Ultimately, everyone has their preference. I would lean towards saving for an authentic model, but if you appreciate the idea of this car’s faux vintage exterior greeting you when you lift the garage door on a Sunday morning for a Cars and Coffee meet, you can place your bids here.