The Chevrolet Camaro does not need an introduction. It has been a torn in the Mustang’s sights since 1966. That said, like Ford’s pony car, the Camaro is a perfect platform for projects, especially when you want to reimagine a classic from the past. That is exactly what Vision Retro Designs has done with this 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, in order to make it look like a 1969 Chevy Chevelle, and the results are epic.

Work on the A69 Limited Edition Series, as they have named it, was recently finished, just in time for its debut, at Mecum, this week. This particular example is the PR1, which serves as the lead prototype and promotional vehicle, as explained by Matt Avery, Vision Retro Designs associate, who has also helped with the project.

The project is based on a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 convertible. This means that, under the hood, you can find the LSA, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 with 580 horsepower and 556 pound0feet (751 Nm). This particular one sends power to the rear through a Hydra-Matic 6L90, six-speed automatic gearbox.

In the engine bay, you will also find a strut tower brace, wrapped in carbon fiber, and a numbered data plaque on the engine cover. Stopping power has been entrusted to Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. The 20-inch chrome split-spoke wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber.

Vision Retro Designs has done an amazing job at transforming the Camaro ZL1 into a 1969 Chevelle. You immediately notice the Heritage Design, quad-halo-headlights, which are of identical design as the classic muscle car. All body panels have been made out of carbon fiber. Another thing that stands out, at the front, is the “Dual Dome” hood.

At the rear, you will see the ala-1969 Chevelle taillights and a black sating stripe, filling the space in-between. The ZL1’s quad-exhaust is still here along with a new carbon-fiber rear diffuser. Then we have the exterior finish, which is custom Sparkling Burgundy paint (Code 419SB) with exposed carbon-fiber rally stripes, matching the carbon-fiber ground effects at the front and rear of the A69.

The interior has not been left untouched by Vision Retro Designs, although it still looks a lot like a 2013 Camaro. That said, it has been completely reupholstered in high-quality Napa leather. The black interior features red accents as well as Heritage Design front headrests and custom A69 embroidery, nodding to the 1969 Chevelle. Other interior touches include a custom steering wheel and door sills with carbon-fiber accents and data plaques on the dashboard and driver door jamb.

The team at Vision Retro Designs has done an amazing job at recreating the iconic, 1969 Chevy Chevelle, by using a modern-day platform like the 2013 Camaro ZL1. While we can think of another Camaro-based project, the Chevrolet Camaro Trans-Am that nods to the Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit, the A69 is on another level.

The design was done by a chap named Tad who was inspired by his love for classic Chevelles. He had two 1969 models, powered by a 396 CID V-8. The car has all the right touches in order to be a proper tribute to the 1969 muscle car. Cars like the Chevelle-inspired A69 prove that you can have the presence of an American classic with modern-day usability, and that is the best of both worlds.