Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
Rotisserie restoration completed in 2014
Original 302 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
Correct Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
Correct 1968-exclusive Corvette Bronze paint
Correct Standard Black interior
Correct GM 12-bolt rear axle
Sale includes: An original Protect-O-Plate / Vintage photos / Restoration photos
Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
15-inch Rally Wheels
Nothing beats an original, especially in the automotive world. In 2010, with the introduction of Chevrolet's fifth generation pony car, the value of first generation Camaros started trending upward. And in 2014, with the reintroduction of the brutal Z/28, the value of vintage Zs was practically canonized. Rocking 68-exclusive Corvette Bronze paint, a rotisserie restoration and a numbers-matching small block, this documented, first generation Z/28 is the quintessential blue chip muscle car. Looking to grab a pristine, investment grade F1 before the market ticks even higher? Check out your next classic!
OWNERSHIP HISTORY/BODYWORK
Assembled in February of 1968 at Norwood, this awesome Camaro was initially purchased by a Mr. M.P. Peterson of nearby Jackson, Ohio. In 1971, Mr. Peterson decided to trade the car on a Boss 429, and that's when, thanks to a Ford dealership mechanic, this Chevy met its second and longtime owner: August VanDeVoorde, Jr. VanDeVoorde drove the car daily until 1973, during which he constructed a dry storage spot and shipped out with the U.S Navy. For the next 13 years VanDeVoorde's brother would roll the car out every summer and freshen or rebuild any ailments he could find. Circa 1986, when VanDeVoorde returned home, he decided to rebuild the Z's engine with fresh OEM components and enjoy the car as a stylish weekend cruiser. But, after only a few years in his native town of Kewanee, Illinois, VanDeVoorde stowed his classic and hit the road for another long-term assignment. Fast-forward to 2013, and VanDeVoorde finally made the difficult decision to pass the car to its third owner. Then, in March of 2014, Howard Zimmerman of Hanna City, Illinois kicked off a detailed rotisserie restoration that resulted in the showstopper you see today!
After being stripped to bare metal, the car's mostly original body was re-sprayed in correct Corvette Bronze and laced with fresh Tuxedo Black Rally Stripes. And, after those attractive aesthetics were sealed in tough urethane clear, the car was professionally buffed and outfitted with a roster of correct bolt-ons. At the front of this clean F1, a black-trimmed grille hangs '68-exclusive parking lamps between bright halogen headlights and a mirrored bumper. Above that grille, a Camaro-branded header leads the eye past a correct hood to like-new glass that's seated in straight stainless frames. At the sides of that glass, a small mirror combines with traditional door handles, fresh rocker trim, simple "Camaro" emblems and bright "Z/28" badges to detail a sculpted profile. And at the back of that profile, a Camaro-branded decklid shades a body-matched fuel cap, '68-exclusive taillights and a second mirrored bumper.
ENGINE
Under this coupe's Kansas-flat hood you'll find an original, 302 cubic inch small block that fronts a correct 3914678 casting number with a correct "MO" assembly stamp and matching partial VIN. Straight from the factory, Chevrolet's high performance SCCA Mustang slayer utilizes high-flow, rectangular-port heads, a forged steel crank, forged steel rods and forged aluminum pistons to twist stout 11 to 1 compression into more than 350 horsepower! At the top of the red-hot mill, a chrome, open-element air cleaner swirls wind in to a familiar Winters intake thanks to a big Holley carburetor. At the sides of that intake, authentic 'double hump' heads hang chrome valve covers over long-tube headers. And at the back of those heads, a mandatory points distributor shoots spark through 7mm Packard Delcore Suppression Cables. When fired, the solid lifter small block barks and snarls like a real competition piece. Its ancillary components are top-notch in every way, with a modern battery and refinished Delco Moraine brake booster accompanying a rebuilt alternator and clean AC fuel pump. And an evenly sprayed combination of Chevy Orange skin and Satin Black framing is carefully interrupted by variety of correct decals.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Back in 1968, the only transmission you could get with your Z/28 was a tough Muncie 4-speed, and that's exactly what lives behind this car's mean small block. That correct 3925660 gear slinger spins what appears to be an original 12-bolt axle that's coded as a March (03) 14th (14) Detroit Gear (G) unit equipped with an Eaton posi-trac differential (E) and 3.73 (BU) gears. That fully sorted driveline rides on a completely rebuilt suspension, which includes 4-piston, Corvette-style brakes. There's a beefy, true-dual exhaust system that hangs dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers between an H-shaped crossover and polished turndowns. That exhaust system is backed by solid floors, which are layered in smooth, Satin Black paint. Those floors roll on 15-inch Rally Wheels, which spin E70-15 Goodyear Wide Tread GTs around dent-free trim rings and correct stainless center caps. And that chassis has, like the car's engine bay, been restored to fresh, road-ready condition.
INTERIOR
According to this Camaro's previous owner, the Standard Black interior hiding behind the car's small doors is mostly original equipment. A trio of pleated vinyl seats look and feel fantastic. In front of those seats, a stainless-trimmed dash, which exhibits no signs of warping or peeling, hangs rebuilt telemetry beside a correct Delco pushbutton radio. At the base of that dash, like-new carpet and monochromatic floor mats frame a short Hurst shifter. That seat, dash and carpet trifecta is completely framed by a tight headliner, a clean package tray and pliable door panels. In front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel laps a tasteful Camaro centerpiece. And behind the passengers, the car's solid trunk hides a correct mat beneath a full-size spare tire and fresh decklid decals.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Naturally, this Chevy's restoration is highly accurate. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's VIN and Cowl Tag.
VIN: 124378NXXXXXX
1 – Chevrolet Motor Division
2 - Camaro
4 - 8-cylinder engine
37 - Coupe
8 - 1968 model year
N - Assembled in Norwood, Ohio
XXXXXX – Production Sequence Number
COWL TAG:
04C - Assembled during the third ( C ) week of April (04), 1968
68 - 1968 model year
12437 – Chevrolet (1), Camaro (2), Fixed digit (4), Coupe (37)
NOR - Assembled in Norwood, Ohio
117965 - Fisher Body number
712 – Standard Black interior
OO – Corvette Bronze exterior paint
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An original Owner's Manual
An original warranty booklet
An original Protect-O-Plate
Vintage photos of the car (1971-74)
Photos of the car's restoration
When it comes to history and desirability, this Z/28 is a hard classic to beat! Its original 302 offers all the classic rumble you'd ever want. Its rugged Muncie 4-speed turns up the fun factor. And its Corvette Bronze livery provides unique and refreshing appeal. If you've been yearning for an awesome, investment grade pony car, your search is officially over!
