Most people know Gary Sinise as the actor who played Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. That portrayal gave Gary a lot more than fame and fortune. It made him aware of the real struggle America’s veterans, first responders, and their families have. That awareness turned into 30 years of advocacy for the people who served the country on the front lines.

Gary Sinise 1969 Camaro convertible
(Image/Bud Brutsman)

So what does all that have to do with this 1969 Camaro convertible? Well, it seems Gary is kind of a car enthusiast. He owned a 1969 Camaro ragtop back in the day and has fond memories of cruising around in it.

Chip Foose caught wind of this and got together with Summit Racing Equipment and other performance industry companies to build a new Camaro for Mr. Sinise as a (very cool) ‘attaboy’ for all of his work on behalf of America’s veterans and first responders.

Built by the talented crew at Foose Design, the Camaro was presented to Gary at his home in Tennessee—and promptly put back on the truck for the trip back to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“We gave it to him on Tuesday, and I said ‘Sorry, I know we just gave this to you, but we’ve got to take it to SEMA and put in our booth,” Chip told us.

But don’t shed too many tears for Gary. Not only will he get the Camaro back, he’ll also be the subject of an upcoming documentary on his work helping veterans. We’ll keep you posted on that one.

In the meantime, enjoy the photos of Lieutenant Dan’s new ride, look over the parts list, and check out the good work being done through the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Drivetrain

BluePrint Engines 376 CID/530 Horsepower LS Crate Engine
Holley Terminator X MAX Engine Management System
Magnaflow Performance Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust System
Bowler Tru-Street 4L80E Performance Transmission and Torque Converter

Chassis/Suspension

Detroit Speed 2 Front Suspension Kit
Detroit Speed 1 Rear Suspension Kit
Detroit Speed Weld-On Subframe Connectors
BF Goodrich G-Force Comp-2 Tires, 245×40-ZR18 and 275×40-ZR18

Exterior

Auto Metal Direct Sheetmetal, Supports, and Molding
Auto Metal Direct Cowl Induction Hood

Interior

Dakota Digital Gauges
TMI Custom Seats and Interior
Flaming River Tilt Steering Column
Dynamat Heat and Sound Insulation
Shiftworks Horseshoe Shifter

Other Components

Summit Racing Direct-Fit Wiring Harnesses
Be Cool Factory-Fit Radiator Module
Holley Sniper EFI Conversion Fuel Tank
Mobil 1 10W30 Synthetic Engine Oil

Gary Sinise By 1969 Camaro
Lieutenant Dan himself, Gary Sinise, with his Chip Foose-designed 1969 Camaro convertible. Built by the talented crew at Foose Design, the Camaro was presented to Gary at his home in Tennessee in recognition of Gary’s advocacy for America’s veterans, first responders, and their families. (Image/Bud Brutsman)
Gary Sinise 1969 Camaro at Chip Foose booth
The paint is a custom color mixed by Chip called Unity White. It really pops in the sun, too. Chip also designed the 18-inch wheels. Underneath the body is a Detroit Speed coilover front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension with gas shocks, and weld-on subframe connectors. (Image/OnAllCylinders Staff)
Gary Sinise 1969 Camaro LS engine
That’s 530 horsepower and 6.2 liters of LS engine you’re looking at. It’s a fully dressed BluePrint Engines crate engine rated at 11:1 compression, ready to drop into any vehicle you can fit it in. It’s controlled by a Holley Terminator X MAX engine management system. Transmission is a Bowler True-Street 4L80E with a matched torque converter. (Image/OnAllCylinders Staff)
Gary Sinise in 1969 Camaro convertible
A very happy Gary behind the wheel of his Camaro, just before he had to give it back so it could be put on display at the 2024 SEMA Show. No worries, Chip will give it back. Hopefully. (Image/Bud Brutsman)
Gary Sinise 1969 Camaro Lt. Dan license plate
That plate about sums things up, doesn’t it? (Image/OnAllCylinders Staff)
Keywords
1960 Camaro, Chip Foose, Gary Sinise, SEMA
Share this Article
Author: OnAllCylinders Staff