What to make of Chevrolet’s Camaro. It endured a continuous run from 1967 through 2002. It made a return in 2009 as a 2010 model and wearing a retro-styled ’69 theme. At the end of this year, 2023, it’s Sayonara again, but will it return once more? Maybe, but I hate to think as what. Anyway, through it all, Chevy seemed to get it the most right with the first-gen (’67-’69) like this 1967 SS350 example. It seems, regardless of condition, these are where the real interest, and $$$, are. This one is a project, it’s located in Assaria, Kansas, and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $22,500 with the reserve not yet met.

I’ll dispense with the Camaro archeology, that’s been covered extensively on this website and many others. The seller identifies this car as an SS350 and it looks like it has the proper componentry. The VIN won’t identify the particulars, a build sheet would be necessary for that. The seller tells us, “It still has its original paint or what’s left of it. It has one little rust spot on the passenger side rear quarter you can see in the picture. The body is extremely solid. I have new fender emblems and NOS rocker trim“. The floors and trunk pan appear to be solid and the lower extremities of the body panels aren’t indicating perforation – a real problem with these first-gen cars. It seems to be pretty complete with either its already installed parts or those that accompany the sale. It is mentioned that the windshield and the reveal moldings will have to be sourced.

The original engine would have been a 295 gross HP 350 CI V8 and this car is sporting a 350 but it’s not disclosed if it is the born-with RPO L48 powerplant. This motor has been juiced with a new carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, different heads (305?), a mild cam, and headers. It is claimed to run well on an engine stand. Backing up the engine is a rebuilt, wide-ratio Muncie four-speed manual transmission, and backing that up is a twelve-bolt rear axle, likely the original and correct piece for an SS350 model. Also mentioned are new brakes, fuel lines, and a fuel tank.

The interior is a real weak spot. As the seller states, it’s a “Deluxe” interior but needs to be redone. The seat frames are present but what’s currently covering them will obviously have to go. He claims that he has all of the parts – including the wiring. Nice to learn is that the heater core has been replaced – they can sometimes be a bear to swap.

So, what’s next for Chevrolet’s vaunted Camaro nameplate? I found it curious that the model was dropped in 2002 because Chevrolet marketers claimed there was no viable market, any longer, for a car of this nature. Well maybe the way they were building them, Ford clearly felt differently and the bowtie essentially gave the pony car market to them. The current sixth-gen (2016-2023) Camaro hasn’t been a raging sales success so I imagine if the venerable name is recycled, it will be on something way different than the character that comprised either this first-gen car or the current version. It’s probably subjective, but like movies, it seems that the first edition is usually the best, and sequels, well, they’re just reruns. And with that thought, a ’67 Camaro SS350 will probably be eternally popular, continually reminding car guys and girls of what was once available, simply for the asking.