What period do you consider to be too long for a classic to sit hibernating in a barn? Most enthusiasts would agree that anything beyond a few months is unacceptable, but what if the timeframe can be measured in decades? That is the story behind this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. The seller admits that it has spent forty years in this barn, but has just emerged and is ready to find a new home. It requires a total restoration, but it deserves a second chance at life. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Butler, Pennsylvania. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $6,100 with time remaining for interested readers to stake their claim.
Chevrolet opted for an evolutionary approach when focusing on changes to its First Generation Camaro for 1968. One of the most obvious updates was the deletion of the side vent windows as its pony car adopted the “Astro Ventilation” fresh air inlet system. Other cosmetic upgrades were relatively minor, but these proved enough to provide a relatively healthy sales boost. The history of our feature car is unclear, although the seller confirms that his father parked it when he (the seller) entered the Army four decades ago. It has lain dormant ever since, only recently emerging from hiding. Its exterior features Matador Red paint and a contrasting Black vinyl top. There is evidence that the car has received some form of paint or panel repairs, with some panels sporting a slight color mismatch. However, the panels are straight, and any blemishes appear relatively minor. The dirty state of the exterior and the lack of underside shots make it impossible to determine whether there are any significant penetrating rust problems, and only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth. Most of the trim is intact, and it appears there is no missing glass.
The mystery of this Camaro deepens when we lift the hood. The listing indicates that its V8 is a 327ci powerplant, which is backed by an automatic transmission. As with the question of rust, confirming the engine capacity and specifications would involve an inspection to check the Casting Numbers. Chevrolet offered 1968 Camaro buyers two versions of the 327, delivering 210hp and 275hp, respectively. The only automatic was the two-speed Powerglide, and this car’s first owner also ticked the box beside power steering on the Order Form. The depth of the accumulated debris on the intake and around the engine suggests that many years have passed since the Camaro fired a shot in anger. If the engine turns freely, coaxing it back to life might be possible. However, budgeting for a mechanical rebuild would be wise.
One aspect of this Camaro that appears surprisingly good is its interior. The painted surfaces require a refresh, and the carpet is beyond its “best before” date. However, the Black vinyl trim should present well following a deep clean, while the dash and pad look pretty respectable. Potential buyers considering a faithful restoration will welcome the lack of aftermarket additions, and although it isn’t highly optioned, the factory radio is a nice touch.
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro raises as many questions as it answers because it is unclear whether it has been beset by major rust issues hiding below the surface. However, the listing statistics suggest that quite a few people are willing to gamble without performing an in-person inspection. It hasn’t reached the reserve at the time of writing, and we can only speculate on what that figure might be. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback on that question, and to discover whether we have readers who might consider pursuing this classic further. Even if you don’t, monitoring the listing to learn whether anyone hits the reserve price on the head, and whether the Camaro finds a new home, should be worthwhile.
Aggressive tires on the back, to get around the muddy farm 🚜 🌽
“AWD” 1968 style!
Click bait description by the seller, it’s obviously neither a Rally Sport or Super Sport, it’s a bit surprising they didn’t include Z28 to complete the trifecta. Life often gets in the way of people’s plans, casual observers should be more forgiving of a seller for not living up to their expectations when a car lays idle for an extended period of time, at least it wasn’t pushed outside to rot in a corner of the property.
With the lack of quality pictures and vague description for a car from a rust prone area still wearing snow tires on the rear, I’m not what the seller is expecting someone to pay. He’d be better off with a BIN listing rather than an auction and start negotiations from there.
Steve R
👍
I need to see pics of seams at bottom of doors and many shots of the underside, preferably on a hoist. Thanks
I need to see pics of seams at bottom of doors and many shots of the underside, preferably on a hoist. Thanks
You can say that again.
I need to see pics of seams at bottom of doors and many shots of the underside, preferably on a hoist. Thanks
👍
That barn that the poor car sat in must have been pretty moist, as that car shows effects of years of condensation.I’ve a feeling it was rode hard and put away wet for good. It will need a nut-and-bolt restoration, unless you bought it just to get it running. In that case, get a rebuilt motor and repair any other mechanical bits as needed. Oh and ditch the “all season radials” in the back.
Even if no rust is visible, there are areas where rust can be found but only after the car has been disassembled. Several years ago I purchased a 69 SS Camaro that had been restored. But I decided to pull the engine and transmission to make some changes. We took the entire front end off to make the pull easier, and when we did, we found the tulip panels were rotted beyond repair. Thus began a 5 year nut and bolt restoration, with many other hidden areas of rust uncovered.
Surprised that everyone is not freaking out over the lack of console and console shift, like on the 1973 Trans Am.
Any time I see a different color nose I think major front end collision. Still worth an in person look though.
Yeah, the column shifter and no console is rather boring. I had a friend with that year Camaro with a 327 with a 3 speed transmission on the floor and a nice console. It was completely stock. It held 4 teenagers sort of comfortably. The front seats were where you wanted to sit. Not a fast car, but you could tach out first and second gear pretty high. It got down the road. Nice car, this one too many questions
Wonder how many mice have been born in that barn find in 40 years?
looks like an auto trans to me not worth restoring sorry
You have no clue.
TH350 was also an available in ‘68, as was the TH400 for the SS 396.
needs a lot of money. the wheels locked up and snow tires should be a clue
For heaven’s sake give the thing a bath! I don’t mind just pulled out of the barn photos but then give the car a bath and show its potential. I bet this thing is toasted underneath. Plain Jane that with take a lot of money and resources to get back to its hay day.
Get the Oxygen Generator out. It’s going to take some run time to get the funk out just to start stripping the interior down.
Well from the pictures you at least know your getting a mouse house and need to restore the interior and the wiring bidding is at 7k+ and still hasn’t cracked the reserve makes me wonder if the seller has watched to many Mecum auction clips on Facebook
The car presents itself as mostly a ’68 Camaro but I’m a little confused about the back of the car. I could be wrong but I always thought that the ’67 Camaro had the combination tail lights & backup lights and the ’68 Camaro had the backup lights beneath the rear bumper. Can someone please set me straight on that? Thanks!
I’m guessing, $10K minimum.
Looking at the debris piled on the engine it appears 75% are the remains of hickory nuts or pecans. Gotta be careful buying this car, the local squirrels, rats & chipmunks may riot.
It’s at $10.2 K now and looks like the reserve has been met. It looks pretty good but would require an in-person inspection to see what it’s really like. It looks like it would have been a lot of trouble to have gotten any bottom pictures so I can give them that. The snow (or mud) tires and the location are enough to make me loose interest but I hope someone wants it enough to pay the price and take it home. Good luck too everyone who becomes part of the deal. .
At $12k now. Gonna cost a few cubic $$ more to get it roadworthy. I agree with one of the previous commenters that it would benefit hugely form a good cleaning.
Nice snow tires. I bet this was a nice home to a lot of critters under that hood and maybe the rest of the car. Would need to see more pictures of the trunk and undercarrige!
SOLD for $12,900.