By Fuelish Media – Images by the Author
Every now and then we are all left dumbfounded by the first impression of a car. This ’69 Camaro built by Finale Speed in Yukon, Oklahoma, is definitely one of those cars. From a distance, it obviously boasts the form of a well-built custom vehicle but there is so much more to explore. Its menacing, dusky appearance starts at ground level with the luxury wheels and up to its monochromatic body color, but upon closer inspection, one will notice that the car’s graphite-toned hue isn’t what it appears to be from afar. Every single body panel is pure carbon fiber—some panels are even double sided! It’s kind of mind blowing to let that fully sink in while admiring this car, but it is in fact the world’s first exposed-weave, carbon-fiber ’69 Camaro. This is a big feat on multiple levels but the shaving of roughly 750 pounds off a factory-spec model is surely the most impressive.
Finale Speed is the shop behind the project, which made its grand debut at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Of course, the Camaro stole the show. It’s not like a car like this is made available for sale every day. Sure, you could contract a full build through Finale, but that would take the better part of a year to complete. This carbon-clad masterpiece rolled in 100 percent ready to rock.
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Before the car could make it to the auction block, the Camaro underwent an extensive build process that started with its chassis system. The main objective with the frame overhaul was to not only dial in an aggressive stance, but the car had to perform to its highest degree while on the street or track. To create the ideal balance of looks and agility, the Finale crew reached out to Speedtech Performance for a combination of beautifully designed suspension components to do the trick. The front end was outfitted with Speedtech’s Extreme subframe that promotes pure autocross and road racing prowess. The bolt-in package includes new control arms and springs, JRi coilovers, Rod & Custom Motorsports’ 2-inch drop spindles and features a proprietary geometry design that allows 30 degrees of turning with a 315 series front tire. Speedtech’s F-body suspension package with torque arm finishes out the car’s chassis overhaul at the rear end. The Camaro was soon upgraded with a Wilwood Aero disc braking system complete with six-piston front and rear four-piston calipers. Staggered width, 18-inch three-piece Forgeline wheels were mated with high-performance Toyo R888R tires and attached to the hubs for an exhilarating cherry on top of the Camaro’s renovated frame.
To untap the full potential of the car’s race-ready foundation, a ’21 Chevrolet Performance LT4 376ci crate engine with a factory-equipped 1.7L Eaton supercharger was added to the equation. Ultimate Headers 1 7/8-inch headers with 2-1/2-inch stainless piping, and MagnaFlow mufflers handle the expulsion of high-octane exhaust fumes. With a few more aftermarket accessories bolted onto the LT4 mill, the Camaro’s power output peaked at 650 hp with 650 lb-ft of torque. That energy is then transferred to a TREMEC T56 Magnum six-speed transmission and controlled by an Eddie Motorsports shifter to create an exhilarating driving experience. Fit and finish within the engine bay is also as clean as it gets.
Brothers Composites of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, was contracted to fulfill flawless carbon-fiber body panels for all of Finale’s project needs. The molds for these panels are pulled directly from factory ’69 Camaro parts, hence their true-to-form OEM shape and fitment. A common misconception about this Camaro’s finish is that the carbon finish is merely a wrap due to the perfection of the weave alignment. That myth couldn’t be more false. Custom billet/LED taillight housings were installed to update the car’s appearance with bright illumination and modern sequential signal functions. Flush-mounted glass gives the car a subtly smooth appearance, as does the billet door handles and mirrors.
The interior of the Camaro was slated to be just as impressive as the rest of the car. To help set the pace for a sporty restyling, TMI Products was sourced to provide fully upholstered door panels and leather-covered racing bucket seats that have since been equipped with four-point harnesses. A custom center console was then fabricated and wrapped to match the rest of the textiles present. A leather-wrapped aluminum steering wheel, Classic Instruments gauges, and an Old Air Products heating and cooling system have been installed to provide next-level control and comfort. To up the ante with the list of top-shelf amenities featured on the Camaro, a killer sound system comprised of an Alpine head unit, Focal speakers and subwoofer, and Mosconi amplification elevates the car’s level of excitement.
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While this ’69 Camaro is obviously one of the most unique of its pedigree, Finale Speed does have the capability of recreating multiples. Aside from having the option to purchase individual carbon-fiber body panels from Finale, complete Camaro bodies on chassis can also be ordered—not to mention a full turnkey car, if so desired. Of course, upgrades and options abound. Spring for a Wegner LS3, carbon-fiber wheels, or even a painted finish over the exposed carbon panels for a truly unique sleeper version. With Finale, there are many ways to piece together the muscle car of your wildest dreams.
Tech Check
Owner: Danny Prosser, Costa Mesa, California
Vehicle: ’69 Chevy Camaro
Engine
Type: LT4
Displacement: 376 ci
Bore: 4.065
Stroke: 3.622
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Cylinder Heads: A356-T6 rotocast aluminum
Crankshaft: Forged steel
Camshaft: Hydraulic roller (0.492/0.551 lift, 189/223 deg duration 0.050)
Induction: GM-Eaton TVS R1740 1.7L supercharger
Assembly: Chevrolet Performance
Exhaust: Ultimate Headers, 2.5-inch stainless exhaust, MagnaFlow mufflers
Accessory Drive: Wegner
Dress Up: Wegner, LMP supercharger lid, Eddie Motorsports hood hinges, Eddie Motorsports fender braces
Fuel Tank: Rick’s Tanks
Output: 640 hp at 6,400 rpm, 630 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: TREMEC T56 Magnum by Silver Sport Transmissions
Driveshaft: Precision Driveline
Rear Axle: 9-inch rear, Eaton Truetrac limited-slip posi, 3.70 gear ratio
Chassis
Chassis: Speedtech Extreme
Front Suspension: Rod & Custom Motorsports 2-inch drop springs, Speedtech control arms, JRi coilovers shocks
Rear Suspension: F-body with torsion bar, JRi coilover shocks
Brakes: 14-inch Wilwood Aero disc brakes, six-piston front, four-piston rear, adjustable proportioning valve
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 18×9.5 and 18×12 Forgeline VX3C three-piece forged
Tires: 295/30R18 and 335/30R18 Toyo R888R
Interior
Upholstery: Black Alcantara leather
Seats: TMI Products
Seatbelts: four-point
Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering, Flaming River column
Shifter: Eddie Motorsports
Instrumentation: Classic Instruments
Pedals: Silver Sport Transmissions
Shifter: Eddie Motorsports
Climate Control: Old Air Products
Trunk Hinges: Eddie Motorsports
Exterior
Bodywork and Paint: 32 total prepreg carbon-fiber panels by Brothers Composites (Sheboygan Falls, WI) for Finale Speed (Yukon, OK)
Lighting: Custom billet/LED taillight housings
Click on this issue’s cover to see the enhanced digital version of The First Carbon Fiber Bodied 1969 Camaro.
