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Lopez Performance And Sean Smith Designs Reveal 1969 Chevy Camaro ‘Illicit’ At SEMA

As is tradition, the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas was filled to the brim with high-end builds and custom vehicles, practically overflowing with talent and beautiful machinery. Making the scene this year was this fully bespoke 1969 Chevy Camaro from Lopez Performance and Sean Smith Designs. Nicknamed “Illicit,” this Camaro rocks a supercharged LSX V8, Speedtech Performance chassis, tons of custom carbon bits, and a fully customized interior.

Custom 1969 Chevy Camaro from Lopez Performance and Sean Smith Designs.

“The concept for ‘Illicit’ was inspired by modern muscle car innovation such as the ZL1,” said designer Sean Smith. “Jesus Lopez from Lopez Performance wanted to keep the classic silhouette of the ’69 Camaro while accenting it with contemporary design cues such as aero parts forged from carbon fiber, a better stance, and more.”

The build started as a series of exterior sketches, after which the team went to the computer to design 3D models for components like the splitter, rocker panels, hood, and deck lid, all while maintaining elements of the original design. The grille, for example, is a multi-piece design that incorporates carbon fiber inlays.

The powerplant, however, is a thoroughly modern upgrade. Providing the motivation is a Dart LSX V8 topped by a 2.9L Whipple supercharger. Tuned by Westech Performance, the V8 throws down 1,200 horsepower, all of which is routed to the rear wheels through a T56 six-speed manual transmission from Bowler Performance Transmissions and the very first all-carbon-fiber ProMod driveshaft, the latter of which was developed specifically for the “Illicit” Chevy Camaro build. Under the skin is a Speedtech Performance ExtReme Track Time frame.

The cabin was completed by Gabe’s Custom Interiors, and features Truffle Brown Impact Leather and Lamborghini Black Hyde’s leather upholstery. The dash is custom as well, and incorporates a billet instrument cluster. Art of Sound handled the stereo.

Meanwhile, the exterior is draped in a custom hue dubbed Solar Bronze, with custom carbon fiber components for the hood, front spoiler, splitter, rear diffuser, and rockers. Brixton Forged VI4 Carbon+ Series wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires roll under the fenders.

“We wanted something shocking yet seductive,” Jesus Lopez says. “We mixed up Solar Bronze, which flips from a honey hue to a bright bronze with muted charcoal mid tones. In sunlight, the car looks like it’s on fire as you move around it. The effect is sensational and the tones work well with the black trim and carbon fiber accents that create contrast on our high-horsepower build.”

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. I never get tired of 69 Camaros, owning two of them in my teenage years, so it takes something special to move my needle, this build certainly did, hats off to Gabe and Jesus for this build!

    Reply
    1. The wing isn’t 2 bad. The sad better options. Goes ok with theme..
      John, someone will love it lol

      Reply
  2. 1200HP,very impressive……

    Reply
  3. Egads! A wing on a ’69 Camaro? Awful, simply awful. Builders keep trying to improve on the original and they always fail. There is nothing on the build that looks better than the original. Stop butchering these classics.

    Reply

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