if you’re looking for the perfect 1969 Camaro, who do you hire to build it? While there are hundreds of good choices out there, your best bet might be none other than Detroit Speed & Engineering. Founded by former GM Engineers Stacy & Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering is one capable company that not only produces their own line of products, but also builds one of the meanest ’69 Camaro’s on the planet.

We’ve known of DSE’s capabilities for several years now, but it was only a few months ago at a Good Guys auto cross that we got to take a few laps in Stacy’s Camaro. That led us to their web site, which features a number of ground up first-gen Camaro builds which truly blew us away.

Perhaps it was the combination of their good looks and excellent engineering, but the ’67, ’68, and ’69 Camaro’s the team has built seem to resonate loudly with enthusiasts both in terms of stance and performance. And it’s not just the big things, but the little touches.

In this article we’re going to overview some of the really nice first-gen Camaro builds that DSE has done, but we’re going to start by profiling some of their newer projects. On their website, they have four (yes 4!) ’69 Camaros currently listed as current projects. As you can see from the pictures, these are going to be – or are – stunning cars. Below them are the previous builds.

Current 1969 Camaro Builds:

MICHAEL MANNING’S 1969 CAMARO

THE CAR: 1969 Camaro with an LS7 engine and a 6-speed transmission.

THE PROJECT: This turn-key car is getting the full DSE treatment from the ground up. This car is built to be driven on the street and used hard on the road course. It will get a new DSE Hydroformed Subframe, Mini-Tubs, QUADRA Link, and many subtle body modifications to set it apart from the crowd.

THE OWNER: Many of you know Michael Manning from American Autowire. In addition to being involved in the industry, Michael is a true car enthusiast and plans to drive this car at its limits. He has even been honing his skills at the Bondurant Driving School in preparation for the completion of his car.

STUART ADAMS’ 1969 CAMARO REFRESH

THE CAR: 1969 Camaro Refresh

THE PROJECT: Stuart purchased this car as a completed Pro-Touring Camaro. This car will be Stuart’s driver while DSE is working on his other 1969 Camaro to be debuted. His blue driver Camaro was previously built with many DSE parts. However, Stuart sent it to them to install their Hydroformed Subframe, QUADRA Link, and tidy up a few items on the car. As you will see, they are doing more work on the car than originally expected. When complete, it will be a great driver for Stuart to tide him over until his ultimate 1969 Camaro is complete.

THE OWNER: Stuart can officially be classified as a 1969 Camaro enthusiast. This is the fourth project DSE has completed for Stuart. He enjoys nice Camaros, and especially enjoys driving them!

The Previous Builds:

DALE JR. HOT ROD TOUR 1969 CAMARO

THE CAR: 1969 Camaro with a 406 SBC engine and a TCI 400 Transmission

THE PROJECT: This car was commissioned as a promotional car with approval from Dale Jr. and Jr. Motorsports. Upon arrival, the car was immediately disassembled. After the car was stripped DSE installed their Detroit Speed Hydroformed Subframe, the QUADRALink, Subframe Connectors, and the DSE Dash Insert. The Dale Jr. Hot Rod Tour Camaro will be on display with a Jr. Motorsports Nationwide race car at over 250 Sam’s Club stores across the country and several aftermarket shows.

JEFF HYOSAKA’S 1969 CAMARO

THE CAR: 1969 Camaro with a fuel injected 400ci Small Block and 6-speed manual transmission.

THE PROJECT: Jeff Hyosaka’s car was shipped to the DSE shop from California. This car ran in the One Lap of America in 1993. The car then went on to win Car Craft’s Real Street Eliminator later that summer. A thorough rebuild, along with a few upgrades were performed on this car.

THE OWNER: Jeff lives near Laguna Seca and uses his car regularly on the track.

STUART ADAMS’ 1969 ALUMIN8R CAMARO

THE CAR: 1969 Alumin8r Camaro with an all aluminum 540 ci Big Block Engine.

THE PROJECT: Stuart’s car came to Detroit Speed as a complete car, but it didn’t stay that way for long. The only part not modified on this car was the exterior paint, only due to the tight time frame to make it to the 2004 SEMA show. It received the full DSE treatment including mini-tubs, re-doing the front suspension, dash, a custom and functional core support closeout, a 3″ mandrel bent exhaust, and a smoothed firewall. It also has a Vintage Air Gen II, all new wiring and plumbing, Fiske wheels and much more.

THE OWNER: Stuart is a true Camaro enthusiast. This is the second Camaro project they built for him.

DALE EARNHARDT JR’S 1967 CAMARO

THE CAR: 1967 Camaro with a SBC engine and a 5-speed Transmission.

THE PROJECT: After Dale Jr. started driving his 1972 Camaro, built by DSE, he sent Detroit Speed his 1967 Camaro for an update. Dale Jr. has owned this car for a few years, but wanted an update. DSE installed their hydroformed subframe, Mini-Tubs, QUADRA Link 4-link rear suspension, and subframe connectors. Although this was not a turn-key project for DSE, they redid just about everything except the exterior paint. Vintage Air and the custom dash treatment make this car a pleasure to drive around town on his days off from the NASCAR circuit!

THE OWNER: We hope Dale Jr. enjoys driving this car as much as his orange 1972 Camaro.

PAUL ALDERMAN’S 1969 CAMARO

THE CAR: 1969 Camaro with a Ramjet ZL-1 Aluminum Big Block engine.

THE PROJECT: This was a turn-key project for DSE from the ground up. Paul brought the car in as a complete vehicle. DSE stripped the car, media blasted it, and completed all the body work. The car got the full DSE front suspension, Mini-Tub kit, and T-56 Transmission Crossmember.

THE OWNER: Paul is excited to drive his ramjet ZL-1 Aluminum Big Block engine powered Pro-Touring Camaro.

You can check out all of the DSE projects on this cool project page.