Performing a faithful restoration of any classic will leave an owner with decisions to make. Often, those choices revolve around what parts to utilize. With some components made from genuine “unobtainium,” reproduction pieces are frequently the only option. However, that wasn’t the case with this 1972 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396. The seller performed a nut-and-bolt build using nothing but OEM parts. It presents beautifully and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $32,300, although there is time for interested parties to stake their claim on this immaculate classic.

The 1972 model year almost saw the demise of the Camaro. A long-running industrial dispute at the Norwood plant stopped production for six months, slashing sales by nearly 50% compared to the previous year. However, General Motors gave its pony car cousins, the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, a stay of execution. The upshot for serious collectors is that cars like this 1972 Camaro SS 396 are relatively rare and often represent an excellent investment. This SS is the seller’s pride and joy, and they recently completed a total restoration utilizing genuine parts. One deviation from factory specifications is the paint. They selected the original shade of Midnight Bronze, applying it in a clear-over-base process. However, the finish is like glass, which Chevrolet never achieved, even on its best day. It looks flawless, and the seller supplies this YouTube video supporting my belief. It includes a comprehensive walkaround, showing the SS in its full glory. Unsurprisingly, with the exterior so clean, the underside shots confirm the car is rust-free and as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The chrome is in as-new condition, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.

It is common for manufacturers to retain a model designation, even when it is no longer necessarily accurate. Such is the case with the 1972 Camaro SS 396. The “396” represented the capacity of the big-block occupying its engine bay. However, Chevrolet enlarged the capacity to 402ci in 1970. The badge recognition was so strong that the company resisted updating it to reflect the capacity increase. The 1972 SS 396 is a rare creature, with only 970 cars rolling off the line. This one is numbers-matching and teams the big-block with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The air cleaner decals quote a power output of 300hp, but with the industry transitioning to quoting engine outputs in net rather than gross terms in 1972, the official figures were 240hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Potential buyers will undoubtedly welcome the news that this Camaro runs and drives perfectly. We hear its V8 running during the video mentioned in the previous paragraph, and it sounds as sweet as a nut.

Every aspect of this Camaro “pops,” and the interior is no exception. The first owner selected Parchment houndstooth trim with lashings of faux woodgrain to convey a classy air. I’ve scoured the photos for flaws, but this interior is as close to perfect as you are likely to find in any classic of this vintage. There is no wear, deterioration, or fitting issues. It is free from aftermarket additions, while the factory air conditioning and AM/FM radio should make life on the road pretty pleasant.

This 1972 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 is undeniably rare, and its condition is sure to turn heads. The bid total of eighteen is lower than expected, but I suspect a few people might be biding their time and will show their hand in the auction’s dying moments. Recent sales results suggest the price may double before the hammer falls, but I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure for a car of this caliber. Are you tempted to join the bidding party, or will you sit back as an interested spectator?