Salvageable? 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Project
Well, we’ve all heard of “Mopar Mania”, you know, an outrageous ask put up against what has become only a reasonable facsimile of a late ’60s/early ’70s Dodge or Plymouth. Mopar is not alone in this quixotic journey as there is plenty of “Chevy Craziness” going on too – Chevelles (’66-’72) and first-gen (’67-’69) Camaros in particular. Today, for your review, we have a 1967 Camaro coupe and the good news is that the price is reasonable. The bad news is the car’s condition isn’t. Regardless, it’s available here on craigslist for $3,500. Chuck F found this Wendell, North Carolina domiciled gem for us, thanks, Chuck!
We’ve covered an uncountable number of ’67 and/or first-gen Camaros here on BF, so there’s no reason to retrace the already-established Camaro history. The VIN and trim tag for this car tell us that it was built at Norwood (near Cincinnati), Ohio the fourth week of February in ’67. It’s a basic sports coupe that was originally powered by a six-cylinder engine, either a 230 or 250 CI, in-line job – which one is unknown. It’s a good thing that the seller included shots of the VIN and trim tag, there’s not enough left of the car to accurately identify it.
One thing that is identifiable, based on the trim and taillights, is that this Chevy pony car did not possess the Rally Sport (RS) appearance option that was available on all three Camaro models, the Sports Coupe, SS, and the very rare for ’67, Z28. There’s no front clip, windshield, driver’s side door, engine, transmission, or rear window, but there is a ton of rust. There is a rear axle under it, and being a six-cylinder equipped model means a standard ten-bolt differential. There are four wheels making up three different varieties, a Keystone Classic, a ’70s vintage Chevrolet rally wheel, and a pair of what look like a variation on a Cragar S/S. The trim code of “TT” means Capri Cream, both upper and lower (the double paint code is to discern the body from the roof in the case of a convertible, vinyl-covered top, or a two-tone paint job.). What’s left of the trunk lid gasket indicates over spray so it’s indicative of a respray or a repair – not that it matters at this point.
Inside there’s a steering wheel and column and that’s about it – no seats, door/upholstery panels, headliner, and floors. There is no image of the dash or instrument panel but the absence of either, or both, wouldn’t be a surprise. The trunk may be the soundest part of this Chevy but even the pan is sporting at least one rusted-through hole.
OK, it’s what to do with it time. If I were the seller, I’d do what he’s doing, and try to sell it. Who knows, someone may want it though I don’t know why – but it’s worth some effort. Now, if I were a buyer, no, it’s too far gone and $3,500, which sounds reasonable at first, isn’t for what little is left of this Camaro. So, Chevy Craziness or just irrational exuberance?
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Comments
Jim, nice write up, really like the Don Quixote reference! 😉
The sellers listing is somewhat kirt, but humble pie may be on the sellers mind.
I do see evidence of traction bars, and my guess is this one was probably doing years of the quarter mile/stoplight shuffle (surely it has a beefed up 12 bolt diff) with, of course, a built SB mouse or BB rat motor, that’s long since vanished (pretty sure those are V-8 engine mounts).
I would return it to its glory days, get a fiberglass front clip, the obligatory rust/welding repair, tub it, bolt in a roll cage, a built 427 with Nitrous, period correct sponsor decals, and hit the local 1,320 foot long piece of asphalt.
Nothing more, just relish in the fact another one was saved for enjoyment, and do it for not insane money (i.e., irrational exuberance).
👍🤓
Agree with Craig. Not sure about the lack of insane money. It’s going to take a lot of time and money to do the chassis (20K or more) and probably the same or more to do the engine, running gear and roll cage. I’m 2/3 through a small race car build with paint and wiring still to finish and I’m already over 16K. Good thing is I have the engine, transmission,and rear end from another car. Do love the comment about the chance to enjoy the car. That’s what this stuff is all about.
Translation I can’t fix this pile of dogs÷×+
Scrap. And not a whole lot of that.
$3,500… I dunno. Tempting, but I live so far away I think I’m going to need at least $4,000 to tow this thing to the scrap yard for you.
$3,500??? Maybe if the trailer came with this scrap….
I can speak from experience, having recently completed a 5 restoration of a 69 SS. Anyone looking at my car when I first purchased it would have been impressed…beautiful paint, shiny chrome, nice interior. But it was all lipstick on a pig. The tulip panels on both sides were rotted out, the floor pans were rotted, the trans tunnel had holes in it, lots of hidden surface rust. So it became a full blown nuts and bolts, everything off/out of the car. Well, $65K later, I’ve got a better than new 69 Camaro. But I never would have guessed it would cost that much to make this car nice again.
Anyone purchasing the car here that’s for sale had better have a fat wallet.
What’s the condition? Fair. What’s the definition of, “fair”?
No title, no dice.
Well normally, I would say fair is somewhere between good and bad. I said “normally “.
I like when people slap on a set of tires and call it a roller. Take the tires off here and what do you see? Seen better in the junk yards.
Put it in the crusher where it belongs
Assuming the frame is solid and has not been bent out of shape due to an accident, I think this car can be cleaned up and either resto’d or restomodded. Since when does one have to be a purist? Do with it whatever the hell you want with it.
After seeing the Holey Goat, I have realized anything is fixable, & it doesn’t have to be a full 10 point restoration to be enjoyed.