George Oleskiewicz's 396/375 Camaro RS/SS

[Xplantdad]

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 ). 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)









From the World of Wheels Show













Vettefest...