George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

I need to preface this Members Ride by thanking George for being so patient with me...as I have been really busy at work (I know, that's no excuse https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif). He sent me this pics and the write up a LONG time ago...and not once did he ask me when it was going to be put up...So Thanks George!

And I also have to apologize to the group as a whole as well!

That being said...here we go!!! Enjoy...







Bruce,

I found the car in Hemmings in 1986 but the owner changed his mind and decided not to sell. I was persistent and was able to purchase the car August 8, 1988. It sat in storage for 18 years and was never driven while I collected as many NOS parts as possible.

The car is a 1969 RS-SS 396/375 hp 4-speed with 4:10 rear axle convertible. This car has many options which include endura bumper, deluxe interior, tach and gauges, cowl induction hood, D-80 spoilers, AM/FM radio with console mount 8-track tape to list a few. The car was rust free when I found it. It has the original drive train. The original owner's manual and protect-o-plate were included with the car.

Through the years many cars came and went, but knowing that this was a special car, I definitely wanted to hang on to it and do a full restoration. It took 2 years to restore. The paint was done by Custom Cars Unlimited of LaGrange, Illinois, and I did the rest of the assembly. The car was completed in August, 2008.

We have attended three shows with the car so far. The first was The Forge in Kingsport, Tennessee in September, 2008. The next show was Chevy Vettefest in October 2008 where we won a Gold Spinner and the Top Gun Award. Most recently, it was in World of Wheels in Chicago in January, 2009 where we won Best in Class, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Restored Engine and Outstanding Restored Paint.

Thanks for the opportunity of putting my car in Members Rides.

As a side note , I know alot of the folks who are on the site. I have been into restoring Camaro`s for ( oh man ) 30 years. I can`t believe its been that long. My first Camaro bought in 1978, was a 1968 SS convt. and was on the Automobile Quarterly poster along with Chris Piscitello`s black 67 Z-28.

George Oleskiewicz (Olson 396)



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...orges69013.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...orges69014.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...orges69017.jpg

From the World of Wheels Show

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9Camaro028.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9Camaro026.jpg


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9Camaro029.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9Camaro022.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9Camaro021.jpg


Vettefest...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...carls69019.jpg



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...carls69020.jpg

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Wow, great looking Camaro! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George an amazing car https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Welcome aboard. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

My goodness George, what a gem of a car. Beautiful work. Simply Stunning!! Thanks for sharing. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

P.S. Howz 'bout a couple of engine bay shots...

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

I remember your black '68 SS convertible like it was yesterday! Glad through this site and some great car events, we're able to keep in touch with some great friends met along the way. Nothing better than black George! Chris

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

I was fortunate enough to check this beautiful Camaro out @ the Vette Fest. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif Just amazing! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George, I remember your car from the Vettefest as it sat over by the wall. What a shock to see it and enjoy looking at it. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Fantastic!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

wow, she is beauty EH!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

MORE PICTURES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

WOW what a BEAUTY https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

WOW!!Too nice to drive!Looks like a piece of jewelry! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

alot of awesome cars get posted here...it takes something unique to really make me look twice, this car is AWESOME!! what a beautiful ride. thank you for sharing it. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

I heard he got an offer he could not refuse and away it went.

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Really cool https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

The car has the "it" factor, performance , options and color. Terrific restoration and a great guy as well...congrats George, on a job well done!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George is one of the real true local Illinois enthusiasts,who doesn't hog for the camera lens or temporarily act the part to entice others..His expertise & experience w/cars is second to none.
This car alone is priceless,and the fact that George himself found,restored and gave it the patience it so well deserved,will only increase it's value even moreso.
Nice car & job George. http://www.greensmilies.com/smile/sm...ns_thumbs1.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George has taken the term '' attention to detail '' and elevated it to the point where it has become ''ART''. this car provided him the perfect canvas to show the world what he can ( and consistantly DOES ) do. i've been awe-struck with his cars for as long as i can remember....his 69 pace car from back in the day inspired me to do my first ground-up. AWESOME CAR GEORGE !!!!!!...and cudos to the original person who ORDERED that combo !!!!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Thanks for your insight Dru...and thanks to George for sharing it with all of us. It is really a beauty! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

That car is a jaw dropper. I have seen many examples of George's work, Awesome. And a great guy as well. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Only problem with the car was that it should have been parked with the group at Vettefest. Next time, right George? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George:

You were right, that car is certainly special. I can't imagine there are many more like it! And Black on Black on Black to boot! Congrats, Ed
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

This Camaro and Sam Griffith's '69 L78 Chevelle are my two favorite cars that I've seen on this site! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

What a stunner!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

to me this was one if not the nicest 69's out there rs/ss/4spd, triple black can't be beat. To see it in the center of world of wheels show was very nice compared to shoved in a corner at vettefest (that I did not understand). George obviously knows his stuff on camaro restoration, his car was perfect. I am glad I got to see it before it disappeared into a collection.

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

George
What a stunning car. I only wish I could see it it in person some day.I would also like to say that the orig owner was one of a kind too for ordering this very special car. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
PJ

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

i just fell in love all over again. what a knockout. adam

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

Pretty nice work...for an 'ol Pollock! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif LOL https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

That is one beautiful 69 Vert' !!!

Re: George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS
 

The holy grail of '69 Camaro convertibles! Absolutely stunning! Congrats.