Finale Speed Debuts Groundbreaking Candy Red Carbon-Fiber Camaro With Innovative Paint Process

Photos by Larry Chen

Finale Speed, a premier custom car manufacturer and restorer fueled by innovation, has unveiled the latest iteration of its carbon-fiber 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, featuring a striking candy red paint finish. This colored carbon is the first of its kind, using a proprietary paint mix developed by the team at Finale Speed. The classic Camaro silhouette is paired with a modern drivetrain, chassis and suspension.

Finale Speed’s candy red-finished Camaro made its debut at the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31 in the TMI booth #24477 at 12:30 p.m. PT. Painting carbon fiber requires a different process than metal surfaces due to the material’s weave structure and quick paint absorption properties. The candy red finish starts with preparing the raw carbon-fiber panels by sanding them until the surface is perfectly smooth.

The panels are then primed for paint. Using Finale Speed’s custom-mixed BASF candy red paint with very precise paint gun air pressures, the carbon panels are finished in a deep and lustrous red that possesses a uniquely clear contrast between the dark grey of the carbon fiber and the red of the paint. The contrast in the weave pattern is apparent from any viewing angle, giving the carbon a three-dimensional look that stands out from other colored carbon-fiber vehicles.

“Finale Speed is all about innovation, and we are proud to offer our carbon-fiber vehicles in this gorgeous candy red paint finish,” said Finale Speed Creative Director Chris Jacobs. “The process is labor-intensive but worth it. Often, when carbon fiber is painted, the weave can tend to be washed out in direct sunlight. Finale Speed’s paint mixture and process ensures the weave is always front and center.”

Under the candy red body, the carbon Camaro is fitted with modern mechanicals while retaining a classic look. A 650-horsepower GM Performance LT4 crate engine runs through a Tremec T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission and 9-inch LSD-equipped rear end with Dutchman axles. Ultimate Headers stainless-steel long-tube headers and a custom-fabricated exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers give the Camaro its distinctive bark.

Eighteen-inch three-piece Forgeline VX3CL-SL wheels and Toyo Proxes R888R rubber are paired with a Wilwood braking system. LED lighting, flush-mounted glass and billet hinges and handles decorate the exterior, while the interior is custom-appointed by TMI. Gauges by Classic Instruments, an Old Air Products climate-control system, a Mosconi five-channel amp, and Focal speakers and a subwoofer round out the interior amenities. A custom-built four-point rollbar adds protection, while a carbon rear-seat delete sheds additional weight.

Spec Sheet

Vehicle: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Vehicle Color: Candy red exposed-weave carbon fiber

Build Hours: 3,000

Drivetrain

Engine: GM Performance LT4 6.2-liter crate engine

Output: 650 horsepower

Pulley System: Wegner Automotive

Fuel Management: GM

Fuel Pump: VaporWorx

Fuel Cell: Rick’s Tanks, 18-gallon

Transmission: TREMEC T-56 Super Magnum 6-speed manual, McLeod twin-disc clutch

Rear End: Ford 9-inch, 31-spline Dutchman axles, 3.70 gear ratio with limited-slip differential

Cooling System

Radiator: Wizard Cooling

Fans: Two 13-inch electric fans

Exhaust

Type: Dual 2.5-inch mandrel-bent stainless-steel

Headers: Ultimate Headers stainless-steel long-tube

Exhaust Manufacturer: Custom exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers

Steering

Type: Rack and pinion

Column: Flaming River tilt column

Suspension

Sway Bars: Oversized front and rear

Shocks: FOX coilovers

Wheels and Tires

Front Wheels: 18x10.5-inch Forgeline three-piece VX3C-SL

Rear Wheels: 18x12-inch Forgeline three-piece VX3C-SL

Front Tires: Toyo Proxes R888R Z-rated 315/30/18

Rear Tires: Toyo Proxes R888R Z-rated 335/30/18

Brakes

Front: Six-piston Wilwood calipers with 14-inch slotted, cross-drilled and vented rotors

Rear: Four-piston Wilwood calipers with 14-inch slotted, cross-drilled and vented rotors with adjustable rear proportioning valve

Electrical

Battery: Trunk-mounted OPTIMA battery

Ignition: GM

Wiring Harness: American Auto Wire

Exterior

Paint Manufacturer: BASF Glasurit

Paint Color: Candy red

Body Panels: Prepreg carbon-fiber

Taillights: LED

Glass: Flush-mount glass

Trim: Eddie Motorsports billet hinges and handles

Interior

Seats: TMI VXR Pro
Seatbelts: Four-point camlock

Door Panels: TMI custom Alcantara-wrapped

Gauges: Classic Instruments

Console: Custom Alcantara-wrapped

Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped, aluminum

Climate Control: Old Air Products

Interior Extras: Carbon rear seat delete, custom four-point rollbar, Alcantara headliner

Audio System

Radio: Alpine head unit

Amp: Mosconi five-channel

Speakers: Focal

Subwoofer: Focal