1968 Camaro RS L30 in original Grotto blue
1968 Camaro RS with the rare L30 option with its numbers matching drive train – not just period correct but the original “born with” engine, transmission and differential. The engine VIN deck stamping does match the car. The original GM keys also.
Build Date: August 1967 in Los Angeles .
This Camaro had been sitting for approximately 35 years in a conditioned building in southern California until 2022. We brought it to North Carolina for a restoration. This Camaro had no rust and was 100% unmolested. It still had the original GM under chassis paint without rust. The car had its original AM radio and 14 inch wheels with hubcaps. I do have many photos of the original car before the restoration was begun.
This Camaro was restored with the majority of its original parts which are detailed in this listing. I did not want to alter the car or replace any parts that could be restored or utilized with its patina or minor imperfections, any parts that would have detracted from the cars beauty were replaced.
It is a 55 year old antique car and I did not want to alter that with the introduction of modern parts with the attempt to preserve it in as built condition.
If you want a “resto-mod” or a LS engine then this is not the car for you.
We did add roller cam and lifters, took some liberties with the camel hump heads to increase the horse power to 375.
Show quality paint
The Camaro is showing 7979 miles on the odometer and I cannot state if that is original mileage or if the odometer had flipped as with the cars history either is possible.
The car now rests in a climate controlled garage.
The Camaro was “born” with the following factory options:
Air Conditioning
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Deluxe interior
Hounds tooth seats
Vinyl top
Rally Sport Package
L30 327 with 375 horse power: Rebuilt with roller Cam with roller lifters. Advertised Duration 290/298, Lift .560/.560
Powerglide transmission
Exterior Deluxe trim
AM radio
Seat Belts
Center Console with clock
INTERIOR:
Seats were recovered utilizing the correct 1968 houndstooth fabric with new top and bottom foam for front seats with original seat backs. The front door panels are original and in incredible condition for 55 years.
The air conditioning duct work and vents were replaced as the years had not been kind to those materials.
The dash pad was replaced as the original had become brittle. The carpets, rear side panels, sail panels and headliner were replaced.
Original AM radio still operates. No plastic interior parts were painted. Original GM paint on dash and surround remains and in excellent condition.
All original gauges and bezels remain. Original center console still in place but sadly the clock could not be restored to operate but its face and bezel are in perfect condition.
EXTERIOR:
All glass except the rear is original as the side windows still display the now unavailable “Astro Ventilation” glass etchings.
All bumpers, window moldings are original. The grills and Rally Sport headlight covers are also original to the car .
Rally Sport specific vacuum lines and canisters were replaced and new headlight lamps.
All weatherstripping was replaced.
The car received new Grotto blue paint which was its original color with a new OEM thickness black vinyl top as original.
Paint was upgraded to base coat with 3 coats of clear.
We went a little off script with the bumblebee nose but it makes the car.
All black out RS subdued highlights were repainted as original. The original RS fuel tank cap remains. Original oval antennae mast and base are still present.
Drivetrain and Chassis:
The L30 327 275 horsepower engine was completely rebuilt. The block was in incredible condition and still utilizes its original pistons and other lower internal components. The double hump heads were pinned and are as original. The flat tappet lifters and cam were replaced with Howard's roller rockers with an advertised Duration: 278 int./284 exh. which provides a nice lift in the power to approximately 315 HP.
The distributor was internally updated to a pertronix points conversion but externally still appears as factory from 1968.
The power glide transmission and differential only required gaskets and seals as all internal parts were in great condition.
The car has a new dual exhaust 2-1/4" pipes and transverse muffler with aluminized coating which provides an OEM apperance.
All air conditioning components were replaced or rebuilt to upgrade the Freon. The power steering pump was rebuilt so is original to the car. All brakes and steering were replaced or rebuilt. As a safety concern, the front brakes were upgraded to disc brakes.
The mono leaf springs were upgraded with 5 leaf springs to provide comfort and safety.
The original 14 inch wheels were replaced to accommodate the front brake conversion with 15 inch rally wheels with stainless steel center caps and BF Goodrich tires.
