Vehicle Description
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
The first generation Camaro was largely based on the Chevy II Nova.
Pre-production, GM considered producing a station wagon version of
the Camaro. It was called the "The Panther" while in development.
In fact, the Camaro was very close to being called the Panther.
Despite folklore about the name, Camaro is not the French word for
"friend". The French word for "friend" is "ami." The word "Camaro"
means absolutely nothing.
For consignment, a funny thing happened in 1972 when the owner went
to go to work in NJ, and his beloved Camaro was missing from his
driveway. Of course, law enforcement got involved, all of their
efforts then coming up short. Fast forward to 2017 and a hit came
up on a California computer, and low and behold it was the missing
Camaro from 1972! It was returned to the original owner in New
Jersey, who had to put a New Jersey "replaced" vin tag in the door
jamb and still retains its VIN number. It has a clean PA title, but
what a story!! The wheels of justice turn slowly but this is
ridiculous!
Exterior
Looking much like it did in 1968 this car has been completely
restored, now with some snappy purple paint and black accenting.
Straight steel forms nearly perfect gaps on the Coke bottle sides
which are devoid of any trimmings. The car does not lack from some
bling though as just the purple is enough to get the tongues
wagging. But alas!, Chrome trimmings remain on the front of the
car, bumpers window trimmings and rear and it contrasts the purple
nicely. Speaking of contrasting, some black accenting is now on
this car with painted on black wide stripes over the front, and
back of the car, and even eclipsing the rear small spoiler. Nice
tight black vinyl covers the roof of this car and shows no
underlying rust bubbling etc. On the back is another shiny bumper,
the horizontal red and white taillight configuration, and a dual
exhaust peeking out from below the rear roll pan. 15 inch highly
polished Cragar wheels are on all 4 corners with wrappings of
215/65R15's for the front, and 275/60R15's for the rear giving this
car a menacing stance. It's a purple painted Mustang eater...
Interior
A swing of the doors and you can shake a firm hand with the door
panels which are looking like the originals, but only in showroom
condition from 1968. All black some molded horizontal tuck and roll
with horizontal chrome trimmings, actuator levers, and window
cranks. A Camaro badge is in the center, and all is straight and
true on these doors. Slipping inside we can get very cozy with the
like new low back buckets, tuck and roll and smooth bolsters look
fab! The rear bench takes this same pattern and color and stretches
across the back of the car. A nice center console races up through
the buckets upfront, and one can find a couple of storage areas, a
wood applique panel with the millennium falcon style gear shift
lever and 3 gauges inset in front of the shifter. Moving up on the
dash front, an aftermarket radio now with AM/FM/USB capabilities
and a Vintage Air slider panel. In front of the rally steering
wheel is the original dash and gauge cluster with deeply angled and
raked inset round gauges, knobs and ignition. All in black and all
clean as a whistle. Flooring is black carpeting, and above is a
nice new tight black headliner in vinyl.
Drivetrain
I opened the hood carefully so as not to be blinded by the bling
that I was about to behold to my wandering eyes...all purple engine
bay with nary even a hint of rust or corrosion, just a strong
muscle heart in this car now. It is in the form of a 350ci V8
loaded up with GM performance parts aluminum heads, an Edelbrock 4
BBL carb atop, and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission bolted on
to the back. A 3.73 Positraction 12-bolt rear end transfers power
to the ground. Headers and a Flowmaster exhaust are now installed,
and all is just beautifully done under this hood. I had to wear
shades, it was so bright under this hood.
Undercarriage
Near perfection for the underside with shiny black floorpans,
unibody seams, and mechanicals. You are definitely residing in a no
rust, no corrosion, all structurally sound environment featuring a
12-bolt 3.73 posi trac rear axle, power disc brakes on front with
SSBC brake calipers, and power drums for the back. Independent coil
springs for the front, and leaf springs for the rear are solidly on
point.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and as I pushed the transmission to D, I was in
a purple haze of excitement. This car did not disappoint, as it
runs as good if not better than not looks. Wonderful acceleration,
great handling and those rear tires like to spin! I noticed no
frowns on this test drive, with all accessories working just grapey
(It's PURPLE I can't say peachy??)
Owned and enjoyed, then suddenly gone for a mere 45 years, the
rightfully returned to its original NJ owner, crossing the country
to do so. Now in the hands of our consigner who totally restored
and rebuilt this beauty, better than showroom and definitely better
than the original 1968 that was taken. NOW someone can come and get
it for real...Drive it like you stole it!
VIN DECODE
124378N474327
1-Chevrolet
24-Camaro V8
37-2 Door Sport Coupe
8-1968
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
474327-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07C-3rd Week July Build
ST 68 12437-1968 Camaro Sport Coupe
BDY N176319-Norwood Body #
TR 712-Black Standard Buckets
PNT Z2-British Green, Black Vinyl Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.