Original 396: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a classic with so many positive points it is difficult to know where to begin. It is a rock-solid vehicle, presents well, and features its original big-block under the hood. If that isn’t enough, the fact that it has been part of the same family since the day it rolled off the showroom floor gives it a known history that increases buyer confidence. All good things must end, so the family has decided it needs a new home. They have listed it for sale here on eBay in Henrico, Virginia. The bidding has soared to $47,600 but is yet to meet the reserve.
I can only imagine how exciting it must have been for the owner to drive away from the dealership behind the wheel of this British Green Camaro. It offered a winning combination of good looks and performance, making it easy to see why it has remained part of that family for over five decades. That timeframe could have allowed the vehicle to develop a tired appearance, but its owner hasn’t allowed time to take its toll. They treated it to a repaint in its original shade in 1985, replacing the vinyl top at the same time. The paint may be more than thirty years old, but it still shines beautifully. The panels are straight, the stripes are crisp, and there are no issues with the trim or glass. Perhaps the greatest attraction for me is its factory appearance. It is common to see these classics rolling on different wheels, whether factory items or aftermarket. The seller has resisted the urge to follow that path, which I feel is wise. The rust-free status is the cherry on this very desirable cake.
Any classic car from the 1960s capable of producing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET deserves respect, which is the case with this Camaro. Its engine bay houses a 396ci V8 producing 350hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The journey down the strip would take 14.6 seconds, with the big-block running out of breath at 143mph. The engine bay presents at a level consistent with an unmolested vehicle of this age and does so with good reason. The seller indicates the car is numbers-matching and that the drivetrain remains untouched. They replaced the shocks, mufflers, and fuel pump. They recently added a new alternator, although the original unit is included in the trunk. The vehicle runs and drives well but is only used for weekend outings. However, it seems it would tackle extended journeys with no great drama.
The seller supplies limited interior shots, but the news appears positive. They say there is no wear or physical damage on the original Houndstooth and vinyl upholstery, and this shot shows a back seat that seems to have never been used. The dash is unmolested and in as-new condition, featuring the factory Tick-Tock-Tach. The console retains its factory gauge cluster and is in good order. The carpet may be slightly faded, but that is about the only visible flaw. For a fifty-four-year-old interior, its overall condition is pretty impressive.
Some classic cars generate little interest when they hit the market, while others can stir a bidding frenzy. The latter is the case with this 1968 Camaro SS. It has attracted fifty-nine bids with time remaining on the auction. That begs the question of how high the price may need to climb before it reaches the reserve. Conservatively, I believe that $50,000 will be the lower limit. However, its originality and ownership history could make $60,000 possible. That places it well beyond my reach, which is probably true of many classic enthusiasts. If you have the funds available, would you be tempted to pursue this beauty further?
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Comments
This car is more stunning than any nut and bolt restoration . This should be crossing an auction block for 6 figures .
Many options here, tho did the salesman forget to mention avail disc brakes, espec for a heavy 396?
Would this car have to have been stored outside a lot for the chome to discolor like that under the hood?
Did/do most tire shops know that those are wheel covers/imitation lug nuts?
I laughed to myself when I ready your comment regarding the wheel covers and the imitation wheel nuts.
In 1973 I was an apprentice at a Ford store in British Columbia. I was on the tools for less than a year. A 1970 Mach 1 came in for new tires and as I was low man on the pole, I was given the job.
As a newbie, I had just bought new Snap-on tools and an Ingersol-Rand impact gun (the most powerful impact you could buy. After raising the car on the hoist, I proceeded to the first “wheel”, lined up my impact socket and hit the trigger. WOW! Who knew that a wheel nut could be on that tight that it would literally cause the “wheel” to explode! After about one second and the blood draining from my brain, I realized that the “wheel” was in fact a factory Mach 1 wheel cover including fake wheel nuts – OUCH! As you can imagine, my shop foreman was not impressed. Lucky for me the dealership insurance covered the cost. It was $250 to replace and that was in 1973!
Fooled me once, but I have a memory with great detail to take to the grave.
Power & Speed!
joenywf64…
Most knew those were covers, but
I recall afew who did not… oops!!
Could’ve been stored on a concrete floor which over time releases h2o vapor. Look at the original housing for master cylinder, which is probably pm to change for a rebuilt original at this age anyway.
Here’s a question for all you Camaro afficionados: Were the hideaway headlights stock on the SS models, or did you have to order an RS/SS combo to get them? I’ve always wondered about that…
Blair you had to order the RS package to get the hideaway lights I’ve seen a number of SS cars with standard lights and grill
Few people were(& are) aware that for ’67-69s you could get the RS headlite/tailight option even with the 230 or 250 cube straight 6! Few did, because on a budget, if you could only afford EITHER the RS option with the camaro’s standard 6 cyl, OR an optional V8 without RS, almost everyone would have picked the latter.
The odd thing is that grandma could be driving a very cool looking RS with 230 6 cyl powerglide with fancy wheels & front & rear spoilers & even a nose accent stripe!! While her son could be driving a very plain LOOKING(meant for grandma) camaro with hubcaps, no RS or spoilers or stripes, but is hiding a 427 & 4 speed.
lol
I wonder if these cooler(IMO) ’67-’68 headlight covers would fit on a ’69 RS.
Only the RS has hideaways.
I love to see original for the most part cars for sale,and that’s the only way I buy them, wish I had the money to afford this car.the sale price will increase
Thanks for this article. Back in the mid 70’s I had a Camaro that looked exactly like this one, except mine had the 350/350hp 2-speed Powerglide. My hideaway headlights never worked, so they were always open. These pictures and the ebay listing brought back a lot of memories.
Sorry, 350ci/295hp
Hey, Mark; my dad bought a new Chevelle Greenbrier wagon in ’69, and it had a 350 4 bbl that was rated (on the air cleaner) at 300 HP. It was a fast car, even with the whole family along for the ride!
I had one just like this one that I purchased new. But it had the 295 HP 350 engine and the 4 speed transmission. And yes, you needed to have the RS option for the foldaway headlights.
I added the aftermarket rs front to my 69 carmaro which was just the base model so I didn’t mess up a more valuable model. But I still like the way the stock grill and headlights looked but there are three 69 in my town all panted the same way as mine hugger orange white z strips so I now look different from them now. Plus the kit came with electric motors from Detroit speed so no problems with the lights opening up an closing, but 12 hundred is a good chunk of money for the kit.