[William]

Chevrolet Marketing information concerning paint color options for the 1969 Camaro is confusing.

Black was discontinued during the 1968 model year. However the initial release of the 1969 Camaro Showroom Album lists 18 colors with black at the top of the list. Several colors are flagged "check availability before ordering": 10, 40, 51, 61, 63 and 67. A later rev sheet for the album removes the flags from 51, 61 and 67.

There was also a document that designated certain colors as “Special Order” by assembly plant. For Van Nuys those were 10, 40, 51, 61, 67; two tones 53-51, 51-53, 61-63.

For Norwood those were 40, 63; two-tone 61-63. What “Special Order” meant wasn’t clear.

The first rev of the 1969 Camaro Dealer Order Form is dated 6-68. Colors are not listed but there was a place to specify color. Dealers could start placing orders July 1, 1968; at that time black appeared to be an RPO color. Sometime later rev 0 of the US showroom brochure was released. Black [10], Butternut Yellow [40] and Champagne [63] are not listed. They are also not listed in rev 1. The Canadian rev doesn't list colors. 10, 40, 63 are also not listed in the dealer ordering data.

But they were available. In checking the CRG db, from the start of production through the end of 1968 at both plants there are a very few of those colors. They are not designated as special paint. After January 1969 they become far more common. Black, Champagne and Butternut Yellow were extra-cost: $12.65.

At some point late in 1968 Chevy must have notified dealers that 10, 40, 63 would be available at extra cost. It is not known how earlier orders were handled.