Why This Insane 1969 Camaro Restomod Took 3,000 Hours To Build
Some people might consider a 50-year-old car a thing of the past. But for some, they see such car as classics and something very valuable. Thus, there are people who would consider a classic 1969 Chevrolet Camaro more worthy than a modern 2023 model. For these people, classic cars are works of past engineering that managed to pass the test of time.
Nevertheless, because classic cars are so old, they may need some restoration works. Many car owners and shops implement more than just restoration works, as they also make a number of modifications. This so-called restomods maybe the best way to restore a car, making it look and feel extreme, but without losing its classic appeal.
This certain 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a restomod unlike others. Restored and modified at Finale Speed, this Camaro comes alive with a whole new existence. In fact, Finale Speed spent around 3,000 hours to complete this build from start to finish. Of course, it’s a wonder why it took the Yukon, Oklahoma-based company a long time to finish this Chevrolet build.
Restomods aren’t easy to complete, especially when it involves a lot of intricate details and elements. Simply due to the sheer complexity of this project, Finale Speed had to spend thousands of hours to transform an old Chevrolet Camaro into a great-looking modern classic. Doing so means paying attention to detail. Additionally, this restomod also isn’t cheap, the build also took a lot of money to complete.
Interestingly, this restomod, which Finale Speed dubbed as Viral, is not a one-off creation. The shop is actually offering further examples to interested classic car fans, either as a roller body or a turnkey complete vehicle. Finale Speed also offers a carbon fiber Dodge Charger. However, the price is quite high, as this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro restomod is available starting at $429,000.
The huge amount of time needed to complete the build reveals how extraordinary Viral is. After, this restomod interprets one of America’s most iconic muscle cars to a whole new level. Even most modern cars nowadays don’t have its features and elements, including its carbon fiber body, bespoke interior and modern drivetrain.
Camaro Restomod Features OEM-Finished Carbon Fiber Body
At first sight, this 1969 Chevy Camaro restomod would not fail to impress onlookers. It boasts a dark, menacing appearance from all angles, with its classic looks helping deliver a more sinister aura. At a glance from afar, Viral seems wearing matte black exterior. But a closer look reveals that its body panels – including its roof, doors and hood – are of lightweight carbon fiber with exposed weave pattern.
The carbon fiber body of this 1969 Chevy Camaro restomod stunner features an exposed weave that aligns almost perfectly across the panels. This makes it looks like Finale Speed crafted the Viral out of a large chunk of carbon fiber. According to Finale Speed, they produced the body from prepreg carbon fiber. Cured in an autoclave, the prepreg carbon fiber delivers maximum lightness while offering greater strength, thanks to epoxy resin pre-impregnation.
To protect the carbon fiber exterior and let the public gaze over it in full glory, Finale Speed coated it with BASF’s Glasurit Clear. Completing the exterior are flush-mount windows, modern LED lighting, billet hinges and handles, as well as 18-inch Forgeline three-piece VX3C-SL wheels. The company is also offering optional carbon fiber wheels for an additional $12,000. Toyo R888R 18-inch tires hug the wheels.
650-HP LT4 V8 Delivers The Thrills With 1,000-HP Upgrade Available
The attention to detail that Finale Speed paid to the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Viral is likewise evident on its powertrain. This restomod has a modern GM Performance LT4 crate engine under its hood, delivering around 650 hp of max output. This modern LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 crate engine features Ultimate Headers stainless-steel long-tube headers and a custom-fabricated exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers.
Finale Speed didn’t say anything about the sprint and speed performance of its Camaro Viral restomod. However, it revealed that the engine sends power to a 9-inch Positracion rear-end via a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission connected to a 9-inch Positracion rear-end. There is an option to upgrade to a Wegner LS3 engine delivering around 1,000 hp, although this would cost a customer $12,000.
Providing suspension support are front and rear Speedtech sub-frames, JRi coilovers, oversized sway bars, big Wilwood calipers with 14-inch rotors. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro restomod also features Ultimate Headers stainless-steel long-tube headers and a custom-fabricated exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers.
A Modern Premium Cabin With Classic Looks
Inside, Finale Speed’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Viral impresses with a modern and premium cabin with classic touch and extra protection. The company deleted the rear seat to give way for carbon fiber paneling and braces for the four-point roll bar. Both the driver and the front passenger ride on Alcantara and leather-covered VXR Pro-Series seats, as secured with four-point harnesses.
Finale Speed also employed Alcantara on the door panels and headliner. Old Air Products climate control keeps the occupant comfortable while an Alpine head system, a Mosconi five-channel amplifier, as well as Focal speakers and subwoofer deliver the audio experience. To keep the classic car experience, Finale Speed installed gauges from Classic Instruments.
Source: Finale Speed