The Chevy Camaro was in its sophomore year in 1968 and squeaked out a few more sales than it did in 1967. Convertibles were a healthy part of the mix, but one with a base inline-6 engine and the Rally Sport option would have been in rare territory. That assumption might make this ’68 Camaro drop-top a viable restoration project, though a V8 might well be in its future. Located in Plant City, Florida, this rusty ragtop is available here on eBay where the current bid is $5,500 (no reserve).
Few changes were in store for the Camaro in 1968. Side by side with the 1967 edition, you’ll notice the vent windows are gone (flow-thru ventilation) and side marker lights were added. Sales increased by 6% for the industry’s second best-selling pony car, while the Ford Mustang saw a drop of one-third as the market was getting flush with competitors. 17% of all Camaros sold in 1968 had the Rally Sport option, giving the car hidden headlights. If you applied that math against the 3,500 convertibles that were built with an inline-6, maybe only 600 I-6 convertibles were delivered with an RS front clip.
Given that we see this Camaro on the back of a trailer, it might be safe to assume it was a barn find rescued by a flipper. Other than the RS option, this Camaro could be pretty basic, as the smaller engine is paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. The mileage is 77,400 and the seller attests that’s an accurate figure. It’s already changed hands three times in the last 10 years and has only been running once since the seller bought it, but that was short-lived (carburetor issue).
We’re told the body is in “decent to good” condition, though that might be a bit optimistic. There is rust in a selection of spots (the floors are toast) and the seller is throwing in a driver’s side valance for the buyer to utilize. The front fenders are not original and were lifted from a non-RS Camaro. The convertible seems to have its frame intact, but the material is gone, and the interior has pretty well run its course. Unfortunately, the hardware needed to complete the peek-a-boo headlights was lost at some point. This might be a viable restoration, but would you keep the six-banger?
My past 64 Chevelle 230 six was at 150 ponies with a one barrel carb.
I am guessing similar power.
This will be quite the project for someone wanting to spend many hours welding and replacing sections.
Good luck and the price is going overboard for a salty Florida car.
Engine would likely go to a small block engine and the hidden headlights would be purchased to out back.
I am sure everyone knows they could
get one cheaper once they count hours of labor, metal parts and paint etc etc..
In the 70’s? This was a $150 beater. With a top, and running.
And was crushed in the 80’s……
In 1977 I paid $200 for this one’s twin, externally, with an “intact” convertible top, even a rear window, 327-2v / Powerglide and power brakes. H/L doors are electric, and I bought new motors, but it needed these weird washers to make them work. Fun little car after about 4k in 1977 dollars until a girlfriend totaled while I was building the front end on her ’69 Camaro. Replaced it with a ’77 Trans Am but kept the redhead for a few more years.
First this is not the 70’s! Second the car is a ragtop which increases the value of the car. Third, most gearheads cannot afford to drop 40-50K for a car already completed. This car will be a project in motion for someone to bring back their dream of owning this rare car. In the end the 70s do not set the current value of this car, the current market place will take care of that for you with basic economics 101!
Have you bought this car, yet?
You are right, I’d bet the auction closes right around $10,000.
It’s nice to reminisce about how cars were cheap in the 1970’s and early-1980’s, but, like you said, it isn’t relevant when the conversation turns towards todays values from a potential buyer’s perspective. Nobody that talks about what these cars would be “worth” based on inflation rates would ever sell their cars based on those numbers, they’ll want todays market value.
Steve R
Yes, if only I had a time machine. I would’ve bought every Mercedes going. I could for five figures, and be selling them now for seven.
I will admit that when I first looked at the pictures of this thing, my first thought was “oh great, another beater that someone thinks is worth 30 grand” so I was somewhat surprised when I saw the price. Granted, it is really rough, but for someone with someone skills, someone with some knowledge, and someone with some time (make that “lots of time”) this could very well be a worthwhile endeavor. The right person could turn this into a pretty neat little car.
In response to Not Again, a good restoration of this car will cost more than $40-50,000. Anyone who plans to do it had better really love this car.
Once again Steve, the majority of gearheads CANNOT afford that kind of cash upfront! No one denies the cost will be high for restoration, but the backend is where most people can acquire these types of cars, or a blast from the past. The true value lies in the rarity of the vehicle…this is one out of 600…just do the math…what percentage of the 600 do you believe have survived to present time…56 years later?? The lower the number, the more value will be placed on the car…good chance, you are below 100…and probably going lower every day…..nice investment…they are almost gone!!!
I agree especially if you are not capable of doig the work yourself.this car needs everything and I do mean everything.even if you can do some or all the work yourself it is still going to add up around 40000 by the tme you get all the parts that’s needed and that is if you can find them.
In 1979, this would have gone to a junk yard. Nothing but a mess.
I’m going to drive oner and look at it tomorrow. Had a yellow RS 68 many years ago.And mine look worse until I restored it
First that car hasn’t survived its a hulk at best and yep 150-200 all day long in the 70s. Which equals about 12-1400 in today’s money. Good luck on that car. Buy it because u have the skills and place and maybe alot of parts lying around to work on it. In the end buyer and seller will work out value. Hard pass for me.
1st thing i would do is replace the dirt cheap gas filter in the carb – it may look clean on the outside but could be dirty on the inside.
No records were kept of the # of 1st gen RSs made with 6 cyls, tho I would doubt even sixty RS 6 cyl convertibles were made in ’68, let alone 600!
& maybe < 6!!! '69s were made as such! Who here has ever seen even a '69 RS hardtop with a 6 cyl? Not me.
RS option in '68 even with a 6 cyl meant a peppier std 3:07 rear, unless an optional ratio was ordered. Replace the restrictive muffler with a front to back turbo muffler, put on a taller air filter for an '82 camaro 2.8 v6 & take it for a drive before just swapping in a v8. You may be surprised.
I know I can’t afford a full blown restoration but this car holds a lot of potential. Yeah it’s pretty beat but it’s basically all there, minus the convertible top and parts of the floors, hahah!
I would do the floors, replace the top, clean up the interior, rebuild that tiny 1 barrel carb, get it mechanically running well then go cruising sipping gas with that straight 6. Yeah I would miss the V8 sound but it’ll still be a cool cruiser. I’m not about trailer queen show cars. I wanna enjoy them for what they are.
I don’t know why switching in a Pontiac OHC 4bl Sprint 6 would be a crime.
I knew a guy in college (hockey player from Buffalo) in the 70’s who had this car and he used it as his winter “beater”.
They didn’t make many of them this way because almost nobody wanted them without the V8. Yes they aren’t a dog performance wise but it is rare because it wasn’t desirable in the first place. Putting in a V8 would destroy the rarity of it so it’s kind of an orphan. It’s a conundrum for sure. If you want a basis for a restomod cruiser it’s likely a good place to start since dumping the six wouldn’t make any difference when there’s an LS under the hood.
Keep in mind guys, rare doesn’t always mean it’s valuable.
Sold on 11/15/2024 for high bid of $8,650.
Steve R