THOUGH Tony Cott’s 1969 Camaro favours handling finesse above brute horsepower, it’s no slouch in a straight line. With a cammed LS1 good for 500hp at the rear wheels, the pro touring-style coupe goes as well as it stops.

Every aspect of the Camaro has been built to handle. The tuned V8 is backed by a six-speed T56 manual and 12-bolt Positraction diff, while Hoppers Stoppers front discs and two-pot BA Falcon calipers pull the Camaro up.

Arguably the star of the show, the car’s underbody features Heidts drop spindles and tubular control arms, plus custom-made Group C Touring Car-style sway-bars. Thanks to the alloy block, the Ferrari Yellow-hued beast weighs less than a stock Camaro of the same vintage.

The big car is a motorsport regular, often hitting the Phillip Island and Winton circuits. “Catching WRXs in an old car freaks people out,” Tony laughs.

Between race duties and ferrying Tony’s family on weekends, the Camaro gets its fair share of bumps and scrapes. “I’ve had it repainted about four times due to running out of skill,” he admits. “But I like it to look good.”

Last month, Tony attacked the inaugural Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car event, with impressive results. He said that aside from performing “a 720 instead of a 360”, the car handled the event’s various stages with aplomb.

Check out the video to see the American icon in action!