TUBE CHASSIS GROCERY GETTER

This 1969 Camaro Is a Race Car Built for the Street

- Steven Rupp

TUBE CHASSIS GROCERY GETTER

Tony Rock is like most gearheads in his age group. While growing up, he took a particular liking to muscle cars as a result of the influence from a family member. He notes, “I’m sure it was something that I got from my father, Rich.” Not only did he get that from his dad, but both parents were complicit in feeding that burn when they dropped some cash on a 1968 Chevelle for him as his first ride at the age of 16. That act of kindness was repaid in a matter of weeks when Tony decided to take the engine completely apart because he wanted to “make it faster.” He eventually did put the car back together, and drove it for a while until selling it to a friend.

At that point, Tony also began making frequent trips to the local dragstrip and became enamored with the look and power of a purpose-build door-slammer. In particular, he became fixated on 1969 Camaros—to the point that finding one became a goal. That desire set off an intense search at local car shows, newspapers, and countless trips chasing down leads on possible candidates. As is often the case with most intense things, it all came down to something as simple as a phone call from a friend that made the difference.