The Legendary Big Red Camaro | The Story, the Build & Straight Piped Street Drive with RJ
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2023
- To say it was an honor shooting and riding in Big Red Camaro is truly an understatement! It was beyond description for me to sit in the passenger seat with RJ and roll around So California in the Original Outlaw and the car that can be credited for what we now call Pro Touring so sit back and enjoy the ride...
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I love this car so much. It’s not just a camaro it’s a piece of American automotive history. Thanks for sharing the story Shaun❤
It truly is.
Never heard of it until now
@justaskmeiknow5584 It was basically the first pro touring car. It's been around years. If you read HotRod you'd know it.
@@justaskmeiknow5584 probably been around before you were born is why...ive even heard of this car AT LEAST in the late 90s myself as i graduated HS
I remember reading about it in Hot Rod Magazine as a kid. UA-cam is great for stuff like this.
That car is an American flag on 4 tires.........respect it.
Massive thanks to RJ/Big Red and Co. for the Huge Smile on all of our faces 👊🏻
What a perfect story of American Fathers and Sons sharing a never ending passion together
Said perfectly
What an absolute joy it was seeing Big Red it is such a piece of American racing history. The fact that is is the same car that RJ and his dad originally built as a father/son project just makes it that much more special. Listening to Mark talk through all the variations that are done to the “one and only” car for specific racing events is mind boggling. Multiple engines, transmission, fueling systems, exhaust...etc in order to run at such a variety of events. You would have thought there were multiple versions, but no it’s the original iconic Camaro for over 30+ years of being wrung out by its neck, RJ looks like he thoroughly still gets the thrill every time he fires it up...and that sound geeze the straight pipes and straight cut transmission gears just adds to the mystic! The fact you have to wear ear plugs just reminds us of how raucous it is and seeing your face as he sticks his foot in it just punctuates what a beast it is! Thank you for sharing!
It’s a true legend and was an honor to make this video and get to ride with RJ in it. Still mind blown
You made it Shaun! This is THE car!!! Proud of you ma man!!
Thank you! Mind blowing that this happened!!
The fact that Big Red is still putting the world on notice speaks volumes about the car and everyone around it.
Truly a piece of living history.
Give me a car like this not some expensive car
@@josephandreuccetti7270lol! 😂
Im 47 and Ive read about the legend of Big Red when I was a young teen. This is one of the most epic cars ever.
41, same!
48 here, and same deal. I remember endlessly watching a VHS tape that I had of the Silver State Classic with this car.
53 and have followed the adventures of BR for decades!
I'm 54 and this is the car I base my own builds on. A car that can cruise the Blvd or freeway and drag race and road race. A do it all car. Awesome.
58 same!
Ive been following Big Red for 20+ years! Such a great story. To get all the info and details of this automobile needs a whole series of content.
Met Larry 2019 in Columbus. Super nice guy. Told him I'm from Germany and that I adore this Camaro. He said they'd like to bring it to the Nürburgring and handed me a free shirt and basecap.
I feel priviledged to have seen Big Red and Larry in person.
"No messin' around" ! A duty-built car for its intended purpose. I Love it ! Thank you for sharing the Adventure !
This is the best Camaro ever built! Bill Osborne was a genius!! Great information on this, thanks!!!
Just wow, stunning, I did not want this episode to end, I could of watched you guys all talking about the car for hours, hats off to everybody involved in the build of this car man. Shaun you killed it as always 🫡
Notice that host didn't stop smiling once on that ride
I remember reading about this car in Hot Rod Magazine way back in the day, made a huge impression on me, one the most amazing cars ever built by anybody.
yeah, same here
Same here... and never believed that the car would "be re-born" after the 1987 crash, and live to travel at up to 266 mph in the Mojave Mile, and still dominate more than 35 years later all different types of race courses, including the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb with a better time than most 4 wheel drive vehicles.
I worked on a construction job where Mark was the superintendent years ago. I remember him talking about Big Red even then. Super cool guy
Lol what job was this crazy you still remember that
This video chokes me up. I was a teenager when this was on the cover of hot rod magazine in the 80’s. . I cut the pictures out of this car stuck them on my wall. I literally wanted this car and it’s set up. ❤️❤️. A piece of American history as far as I’m concerned, every young teenage boy wanted this. I’ve watched and followed them since I was young. My brother in law, SCCA. He has a 69 Z/28 RS. With a professionally built DZ 302. Now that was a running machine to. He also raced his Tiger Sunbeam. With a 289 high po. Out of a GT 350. What a dangerous car that was.
Can we get Shawn to admit that this has to be one of the most bad ass experiences ever. Even you ( Shawn) said you were getting emotional. You just stood with a complete nostalgic, classic vehicle of all times, having legends talking and explaining about this car ..... And you are riding in it.. Fucking amazing it must have bin!!?
I‘m following BigRed for years and this Camaro is an Universal Soldier. To me, this is one of the most impressive machines out there. This car is all about show and go!
It’s truly a legend and to get a ride was beyond words for me
I'm a Ford guy and I love this beautiful car.
What a beast.
Makes me proud to be American..
YES! Finally Big Red is In your show, the Car that was revolutionary in build and style, the car that kicked off the Pro Touring Scene, I absolutely love this car been following it since the early 90s, thanks for sharing 💯💪👍👌❤️
Blown away that we got to shoot it and I got to ride in it! Dream stuff right there
Great show, a real car with pedigree, no BS , I grew up looking up to Big Red , Thank you for bringing in the Legend!!!!
Love, love, love Big Red! Been a fan of this car since it first came out. What an iconic machine...thanks for sharing with the community Shaun!
Same for me. Big fan and love that I got to ride in it! Never thought that would happen
You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for a show on big red. I followed it when I was a kid in high school in detention when the library used to get hot rod magazine thank you so much.
This car is Iconic. I build all my 69's in this car's spirit in games.
Truly a legend
I have grown up with this car.... outstanding!!
My first car as teen was a red 68 Camaro. Sold it after HS and bought a 67 RS/SS about 20-25 years ago, I still have it. These first gen Camaros will always have a place in my heart. Big Red has been a favorite of mine for a long time and it gave me goosebumps watching you guys drive it on the street! Thanks for featuring BR and sharing that awesome experience!
Wow, i remember Big Red from the Silver State Classic back in the day. Thanks for the memories.
Big Red - the Legend. Luv it. Great choice to cover
LEGENDARY!
I grew up with this car!
Total legend!
My 3year old picked this show, one that im subscribed to, there is so much love for what you do that comes from this side of the world. thank you so much for sharing the journey to the people that can't get to experience all the amazing adventures you get to enjoy.
Thank you so much for the comment and tell your 3 year old hello from Shawn!
Now this is something I’m gonna enjoy. This is a beast of a Camaro
I got to meet RJ at TX2K this year and he's the nicest guy. He gave everyone that asked a rundown of the car's incredible history. And the sound it produces is unbelievable. It sounds like the car just wants to keep going. It's as if it has a soul and truly loves what it does. To say I'm a fan is an understatement
Arguably, this is the first Pro Touring 69 Camaro, before Stietlow and the Ring Brothers and everyone else. and not even an LS under the hood.
Knocked it out of the park with this one. This car has been a legend since I was a little kid (and that was a long time ago haha) and is definitely one of the top custom cars ever made.
The one and only legend Big Red that can do it all, and beats the pants off of $$$ exotics with brutal big block chevy monster power. Hearing the guttural 565 exhaust note barking on the street is a real treat. Love it.
How is this not the best UA-cam channel.. production and quality of content is so superior .. every time…. Different.. original.. relevant.. master class .. thank you..!!
I had that Car and Driver video on VHS in the 90’s. It was like obtaining plutonium or unobtanium. Thank god for youtube.
I’ve been following this Big Red for a long time. My son and I had the privilege of meeting The Big Red team during the Pikes Peak event and they’re a great group of guys willing to share and talk about the car. Greatest experience ever! I’m sure the team is missing their long time engine builder but I’m sure he’s still keeping an eye on things. Great job on the video! Big Red on the streets best video to date 👊🏾👊🏾
Great vid. So much history, I think someone needs to make a movie about this car and the amazing crew.
I liked the subtle way the mechanic let you know how privileged you were to go for a ride.
Hat off to all.
I knew it was a privilege to get a ride. Cool bunch of people and a true legend
I bought that VHS tape of the Silver State Classic back in the later 80s--I believe 1989. This was before the internet, so I ordered it from the back of a magazine and sent in a check. I believe the tape is still at my parents' house, lol. Always amazed how fast the Gottliebs had the car going on what was essentially a public highway--topped out at 220 or something crazy like that. Easily beat a Ferrari Testerossa (sp?) who topped out at 190 or thereabouts, and the other Testerossa crashed--the driver survived but his wife in the passenger seat died. The tape also featured a young Richard Holdener driving his mostly stock Mustang LX notchback 5.0. Great memory, and it is nice to see the Big Red STILL survives!
By far my favorite pro touring build ever
Shes lliterally been a race car my entire life. I have followed thus car since it was in magazines when I was a kid. Long before youtube and car shows on TV were a thing.
This is one of the most significant cars of our generation. It catalyzed the phenomenon of modern tuning and modifications. Outstanding job as always from Autotopia LA!
Lots of respect and love for Big Red and the team. Really love Big Red and what the team has accomplished with it. True Legend 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Big Red is legendary! Rj and his crew single handedly created pro touring!
Your camera crew was AWESOME on the road trip part. Impressive to get this done with others on the road too! 👍🏎️🥋
Thanks and some of that footage was from the Big Red team so can’t take credit for all of it
What a treat. My boys and I met RJ and Big Red at the Texas Mile. Nicest group of people we have ever met. They were giving out free t-shirts to everyone. Thank you for this. 😊
Shaun Great video! I don’t how you’ll ever top Big Red and the great video. Your interview style and the video production was top notch. I knew Big Red was the most versatile car, but my god I didn’t know how far they went. Big Red has an incredible crew and driver.
Thank you. My crew killed it on this and it was a true honor to shoot Big Red and get a ride in it!
That was awesome to hear the stories and to see Big Red on the street ripping!!!! Great work. 🔥
Thank you for reviewing this car and I feel like just for me. I've watched this car for almost 30 yrs. I've had 33 Camaros 5 of them 69s and it's my favorite. Thank you again, your a lucky man to be honored with a ride in Big Red
A pure, fascinating beauty that can be contemplated endlessly, because through her it is a whole history of the American car that shines through. Thank you for keeping this story alive for new generations.
Out of every video I've watched this will be the one I save.... I've been in love with this car since the first time I saw it at the Riverside Casino when he did the Silver State classic and did 221 mph and I have in storage All the magazine articles every done about this monster of a car.....thank you!!!😊
That car is amazing! It's in a class by itself. Never seen Shawn smile so much.
In 1990 this car was responsible for getting me a job at the Nevada automotive test center. The guy interviewing me was also a fan of this car. Ahead of your time 🙏🏻😎🏁
That’s so cool!
This car is a legend there is no doubt about that. It’s amazing to see it here on the channel. Thanks for bringing it to us Shaun and crew.
A true legend, fascinating history, I love it!
King of all Camaro's, I'm still impressed with this build and the history, so damn cool! Nice drive through Victorville/Apple Valley (my hometown) and it blows my mind the shop is there, no idea.
It's about time!! Been following that culture changing- unique Camaro and R.J since 91'
Emotional. Great video. I built a street car 68 camaro with my father. It was how I cut my teeth working on cars. Im 40 now, and I miss that car so much. Now I have to sell one of my modern import cars and get it back. Thanks Shawn!
I reckon 67 and 68's look better than the '69 model .
When I was a kid (early 90’s) my Dad and I saw this car in Laughlin Nevada. So awesome to see it’s still around all these years later and hear the story behind it.
Im officially envious. What a fantastic experience. I could tell you were sitting there going..." holy shit, im in Big Red" Awesome.....
The Swiss Army knife of race cars. Great job🇺🇸
I'd be stoked to be in the same room as this car!
Same for me then getting a ride was “wow!!!”
Can you say the Founding Father of Pro-Street? Big Red IS the Ultimate Father-Son project.
I still have the original Hot Rod Mag. with the intro to this Legend.
I’d say the founder of pro touring for sure
This car is What set the bar . PERIOD. Love the story, legacy and
The team of real guys behind the legend. R.I.P To the Engine master. He was a true master.
Now that was an episode 👏
Prolly the baddest Camaro on the planet!!! Thanks for sharing.
The craziest part of Big Red is that there are VERY few "modern" cars that can come close to what that "old car" can do.
37 years of being a rock solid performer is nothing short of insanely amazing.
Dude, I'd happily watch an hour + video on a vehicle like this.
I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion so don't hesitate to make "longer format" videos in future. 😎
A true mechanical legend....brought to life by an incredible team. Thank You!!!!
This thing is a freaking legend! Absolutely weapon!!!
I seen Big Red at Detroit Autorama. Took a bunch of pics! This has to be the nastiest custom 69 Camaro ever built! Soo much history with this car! That ride looked soo intense! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Amazing ride in a true legend. Blown away I got to cruise around in Big Red!
THATS AWESOME BABY!!!😊👍👍👍👍👍😎
I remember reading about this car in the mid 80s. I always wondered about it and it's story. All I can say is I am beyond impressed. Drag racing is/was my first love. Road course racing is right behind it. No circling the course trying to learn it; encounter, adapt and overcome. Flying low at Bonneville is interesting to me from the tech aspect. This proves that one car as built can't do it all, but it's fun to do just that, build it for whichever challenge you point it at.
This. My favorite ‘69 Camaro of all time. I love this car more than the blue Sunoco ones that won the Trans Am race series in ‘69 by Donahue/Penske. Hell, I love it more than my own ‘69 RS/SS. Glad to see Big Red lives!
It’s such a legendary car. Love that we got to shoot it
So much fun to watch Big Red on the move. Timeless cool
This has been my most favorite car since I was a teenager back in the 80s. I love this car so much!
@AutotopiaLA thank Shawn for sharing a piece of American race, history that car is phenomenal and this is now my #1 favorite episode on your show on UA-cam. And thank you to the team of people who have been driving and working on BIGRED all the years it’s been racing.
Glad you enjoyed this one. Truly a legend and I was obviously blown away by being close to it and getting to ride in it with RJ!! Wow!!
My favorite Real car that ive watched for yrs in magazines. Finally get to hear it ru7n heard and see it on the street driving. Absolutely bad ass and thanks for sharing this awesome car and its history. Been a Hugh fan since car was built. Thank you so much for sharing this and to the guys who make it happen we thank you also because we know the love and pride you have for the such a cool car.
An American Legend. Right up there with the Trans Am Mustang and AMX
I’ve been seeing the different versions of this car for years it’s bad ass
Great story! This car has so much history!
Dammm that was awesome. Just brings me back to the 80’s.
man those were some AWESOME rolling shots!!!!
Got some help from the Big Red crew with those rollers…would love to own the rig they have
That one was really special! Certainly the best show about Big Red I’ve ever seen. That car inspired so many enthusiast for muscle cars. Legend!🏆
On the same object, restomod/ pro touring Camaros, would be awesome a video about Mark Stielow’s cars!
This car and the project x tri five where icons from hot rod magazine I was in love with these two as a child
RJ is the friendliest and most approachable guy you will ever meet . I've seen and met him at the Silver State Classic and also at SEMA, that car is legendary . I first saw BIG RED at a car show in Beverly Hills in 1989, and have been following him ever since .He's really living the dream, whatever that car needs, he has a crew of super talented people to do what it takes .
Big Red on the street is the coolest thing you'll see today, guaranteed 👌
I've been in love with this car ever since I saw it on the cover of Hot Rod magazine in '88, I was a senior in high school. 😁
I'm glad they kept it after the fire & rebuilt it. That is awesome!! ❤
Dude guys it feels so good to see my old stomping grounds of Victimville & Hysteria representing Autotopia! Had to leave Cali for my kids and haven't been back in 5 years so a lot has changed. But seeing Big Red roll out of a new building on Industrial Blvd is great! Epic episode y'all. Thanks
Best thing you did...that area and pretty much socal is a meth infested pit.
Well, to start off this was the first time I have ever heard of this car.....but...after watching the interview with RJ the driver then the man the explained the engines and so much more.. I have never seen a car set up for more than 1 class of racing. That in itself is amazing to me....tons of technical info and huge respect for all involved in building and maintaining this car....yes this was a very special shoot.....
I had a '68 RS Camaro 327 Powerglide. The 2 speed trans. made it a dog, but I still liked it much. Also had an '80 Z28 which was a black beauty. Always thought the '69 Z28 was one of the best looking cars of all time. Your knowledge of all the various configurations is remarkable.
1st gear in a glide is the same as starting off in 2nd gear in a t350 or t400. That's the reason why. U need lots of torque to have a good take off with a glide
@AutotopiaLA I truly enjoy this channel, the cars and stories are just incredible.
I've enjoyed this car over the years and seeing behind the curtain has been mind blowing!
A one of a kind team that has put their hearts and souls into something and made a one of a kind world class car!!!
This car is mythical. It's been around so long and has constantly evolved. Insane.
only other car that has the history like big red is the project X 57
Those Big Blocks sitting on engine stands had me drooling, what heavy duty stuff, like he said everything was beaten to a pulp and re-engineered specific....crazy awesome
This machine is very well-documented! Outrageous is what I would expect from LA Speed. Expectations have been met.
I have an old VHS video about this beast from the 90s doing 228mph with the aerodynamics of a house brick. Absolute Legend of a car!
Thanks, Shawn for making the rest of the world aware that there has only been one Big Red all these years. A true transformer, based on what event it attends.
After all these decades, it is still the coolest car ever.
Absolutely PHENOMENAL ! I'm so glad I had a chance to watch this, I've had some great views over the years of some awesome looking Camaro's, and this "69" Takes it all ! Thanks to Autotopia, and everyone from BIG RED ! God bless you all ! Love Y'all ! 34:23
This car is a legend! Been following this car since I was a teenager. Now I’m 52😳