Detroit Speed has a shop in Mooresville, NC just about a mile from JR Motorsports. They build custom automotive restoration and performance parts, as well as perform automotive restoration work.

It seems that Junior was passing by one day and stopped to inquire about another Camaro parked in front of the building. That one wasn’t for sale – it belonged to Detroit Speed’s owner – but they offered to build one for Dale Jr.

A 1972 Chevy Camaro was located, and the crew at Detroit Speed went to work completely disassembling the car.

The body was media blasted and set atop a DSE Mini-tub frame equipped with their in-house designed Quadra-Link suspension.

The original drivetrain was removed and replaced with a GM LS92 crate engine that packs a punch but is reliable and dependable enough for daily driving. Its 364 cubic inches produce 440 horsepower.

The 1972 Camaro was popular on the drag strip and SCCA road courses in its day, and it still is today – winning many races. Besides that, it’s just a good looking car.

Junior’s car carries a Z28 emblem on the grille, but there is no word on whether it is a true Z28, or a clone. Chevrolet produced 2,575 Z28’s in 1972.

The Z28 can be identified by the VIN. The 5th digit is an L if the car is a true Z28. In 1972 the car would have rolled off a GM assembly line with 255 horsepower, the new engine in this car nearly doubles that. A 780 CFM Holley carburetor was standard equipment when the car was new – and the car is still carbureted today. If anyone knows whether this car is a true Z28 please let me know.

The orange and black paint scheme gives this Camaro a distinct look.
If you are restoring a Camaro, or you just want to buy one that is already built, just contact Detroit Speed & Engineering. They specialize in taking old school cars and fitting them with the best modern engineering.

Contact them at:

Detroit Speed & Engineering
185 McKenzie Road
Mooresville, NC 28115

Phone: 704.662.3272
FAX: 704.731.0989