The first-generation Camaro is an enduring and extremely desirable sporty car that requires virtually no introduction today. Despite large production numbers, quality early Camaros are quite rare today. Restored and upgraded for an even better driving experience while maintaining classic looks, this ’68 Camaro is ready to enjoy as desired and originally intended, without the headaches associated with a “matching numbers” museum piece.
Vehicle Story
From its launch in late 1966 for the inaugural 1967 model year, Chevrolet’s sporty F-Body Camaro quickly stole the thunder of archrival Ford and its Mustang. In addition to its winning style, the Camaro’s huge option list made it possible for buyers to literally build their own Camaro, ranging from economical runabout to fire-breathing muscle car. The sleek and lightweight Camaro was perfectly suited to SCCA Trans-Am road racing and in that wildly popular theater, it won back-to-back championships (1968-69) in the hands of team owner Roger Penske and driver/engineer Mark Donohue. On the dragstrip, the Camaro immediately carved out a fierce reputation with Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins and Dave Strickler virtual fixtures in Super Stock winners’ circles during the late 1960s. Over the next five-plus decades, the Camaro’s popularity has only strengthened, with its excellent basic design remaining at the leading edge of automotive culture and adapting itself incredibly well to the changing times and automotive tastes.
Vehicle Overview
While finished as a stock-appearing 1968 Chevrolet Camaro with the upscale Rally Sport option package, this eye-catching example carries a surprise package under the hood in the form of a modern 6.0-liter GM LS2 V-8 engine delivering far greater performance than the robust original specification ever could. Just 2,500 post-build miles are indicated at the time of writing.
Exterior
Finished in Tuxedo Black with iconic factory-style pearlescent White Rally stripes, this sophisticated ’68 Camaro carries an understated, yet decidedly performance-oriented presence throughout. Notwithstanding some surface rust in places, the Camaro continues to present very well. Front and rear spoilers, a ’69 Cowl Induction style hood, Rally Sport pop-up headlights, upscale trim, and Corvette-style Chevrolet Rally wheels deliver considerable curb appeal. The headlight kit is electric which provides far more reliability & fully opens and closes when compared to more conventional air pressure systems.
Interior
Featuring supportive custom bucket seats trimmed in Black with smart Red contrast stitching, the Camaro interior is updated with a wood-rimmed, three-piece custom steering wheel, and a four-gauge Auto Meter cluster to the console, monitoring battery voltage, transmission-fluid temperature, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A modern, yet classic appearing “cue ball” shift knob maintains a 1960s appearance. Welcome creature comforts include a modern air-conditioning system.
Mechanical
While factory-rated at about 400 horsepower, depending upon the application and chosen transmission, the Camaro’s LS2 engine delivers even more power and performance with a Holley Sniper EFI system and cold-air induction kit. Chevrolet-scripted rocker covers convey a classic vibe with a Black finish for a modern twist and the coil packs are repositioned with four to each inner fender. The car also appears to have an air shock system although the seller reports this component is currently non-functional. The low-restriction, full-length dual exhaust system delivers a throaty note with Flowmaster mufflers as the Camaro accelerates through the updated 3-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and power steering. Power front disc/rear drum brakes provide stopping power via a dual-circuit master cylinder.
the Auto transmission is a 4L80E Performance Transmission
History Highlights
According to its VIN and Body/Trim tag, this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro began life when it rolled off the Norwood, Ohio F-Body assembly line as an original V-8 Camaro Sport Coupe with Black standard bucket-seat interior and Butternut Yellow paint finish. As offered, it is a perennially desirable classic first-generation Camaro with Rally Sport features, choice updates, and of course, a mighty modern LS2 fuel-injected powerplant and 3-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
What We Think
The first-generation Camaro is an enduring and extremely desirable sporty car that requires virtually no introduction today. Despite large production numbers, quality early Camaros are quite rare today. Restored and upgraded for an even better driving experience while maintaining classic looks, this ’68 Camaro is ready to enjoy as desired and originally intended, without the headaches associated with a “matching numbers” museum piece.
