Dale Murphy

Back in 2005, Dale Murphy purchased his own 1969 Camaro Z28. He spent seven years meticulously restoring each part to eventually earn the Top Flight Legend Award at the Camaro Nationals in Frederick, MD. He successfully score 97.7% (4884/5000 points) in 2012 after completing the rigorous three year program. His car has gone on to win even more awards in the following years.

After completing his own car and gaining a network of Camaro experts and vendors, Dale launched Murphy Restorations as a way to share his expertise with others. He recently completed a project of a full restoration of a 1969 pace car that went on to do well in the Camaro Nationals.. Four years ago, Dale also became a Camaro Nationals Legend judge in order to use his knowledge and experience to help others.

In his free time Dale enjoys reading, good food, and spending time with his family.

Dale’s 1969 Camaro Z/28 Specs

-This 1969 Z/28 X-77 has its original 302/290 HP Engine and M-20 Muncie 4-Speed transmission
-Original correct dated BU 3.73 rear axle
-Original correct dated smog equipment
-Original flat hood

Build Date
02B

Paint Code
69-69 Cortez Silver

Trim Code
711

Factory Options
-D55 Center Console
-D80 Spoiler Equipment
-U17 Gauge Package
-U63 AM Radio

Owners
Dale and Vicki Murphy

Paint and Body by
-Jerry Breznicky, Hampstead, Maryland
-This Z/28 has been certified by Jerry MacNeish (CAMARO HI-PERFORMANCE, INC.)

Vehicle Accomplishments
-After completing the three year program, achieved Top Flight Legend Award
Score: 97.7% (4884/5000 Points)
CAMARO Nationals, Frederick, MD, June 23, 2012
-Concours Gold Award, Score: 98.6% (986/1000 Points)
Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, Chicago, IL, November 24, 2013
-1st Place Muscle Car, York Nostalgia Nationals., York, PA, July 10-11, 2015

Car History

-The original owner of this 1969 Camaro Z/28 was Deborah Angela Thornton, Now Deborah Sanders from Elberton, Georgia.
-Deborah states that she ordered the car from a book of new cars for 1969, and picked the color Cortez silver with black stripes, black interior, bucket seats, and 4-speed.
-On February 18, 1969, the car was shipped to McLanahan Chevrolet in her hometown of Elberton, Georgia. She took ownership shortly after.
-In wanting to learn more about the car’s history, Dale did some research. He first learned that the car was shipped to Elberton, Georgia. He then placed an ad in the Elberton newspaper, the Elberton Star, on July 13, 2011 (pictured below). Luckily for him, Elberton is a small town and he received a couple of phone calls from folks knowing the owner of the car who still resided in Elberton.
-Dale had the pleasure of speaking with Deborah for a period of time and learned more about her and the car. She was still very excited to discuss the car. She owned the car for about four years and it was memorable. It was the car that was decorated with “Just Married” on her wedding day, May 16th, 1971 (pictured below). Another memory of hers was driving a beautiful, fast car back in the day.