Few cars embody the golden era of American motorsport like the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Trans-Am racers. In January 2025, two of these iconic machines, steeped in history and performance, will hit the auction block at Mecum’s Kissimmee event. Each is expected to fetch more than $1 million, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of racing legend.
The Camaro Z28 rose to prominence during the late 1960s, when Chevrolet battled Ford and Mercury in the fiercely competitive SCCA Trans-Am championship. The 1967 season marked the debut of the Sunoco-liveried Z28s under the expert guidance of Roger Penske and driver Mark Donohue. Though Chevrolet narrowly missed a championship win in 1967, these cars laid the groundwork for the dominance that followed in 1968.
The No. 16 Camaro: A Trailblazer
The no. 16 Camaro, built on the first day of Z28 production, December 29, 1966, was pivotal to Chevrolet’s Trans-Am journey. Driven by Donohue, it claimed Chevrolet’s first Trans-Am victory at Marlboro Motor Raceway. This car also inspired Donohue’s famed book, The Unfair Advantage. After decades in disrepair, it underwent meticulous restoration between 2016 and 2020, returning it to its former glory.
The No. 15 Camaro: Championship Hero
The no. 15 Camaro played a starring role in the 1968 championship, winning eight of 10 races and securing Chevrolet’s first Trans-Am title. Known for its innovative acid-dipping process and disguised 1968 grille during its final 1967 race, this car is both a technological and strategic marvel. It remains a centerpiece of vintage racing, with accolades including a class win at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Both cars are in racing condition and are eligible for prestigious events like the Monterey Historics and Goodwood Festival of Speed. As icons of American motorsport history, these Camaros promise to ignite fierce bidding wars and rekindle the legacy of a bygone racing era.