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1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Barn Find!

No-one seems to know how long this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS has been sitting in this barn, but there’s a good chance that you can measure the time in decades. It is a mostly complete classic that requires some TLC. The engine isn’t original, which means that the new owner could choose to build the Camaro of their dreams without molesting a numbers-matching classic. Located in Honeoye Falls, New York, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on Facebook. The asking price has been set at $10,000.

The Camaro rolled off the production line wearing Palomino Ivory with a Black vinyl top. The vehicle has received a color change at some point, along with a few body modifications. I suspect that the Camaro probably wore something larger than the current Rally II wheels, which would explain the large flares on the rear fenders. Reversing this change would be possible. However, with rust visible along the bottoms of both rear quarter panels, the next owner will probably choose to replace the panels completely. There is some rust visible in the lower body, but it doesn’t look too severe. The owner supplies no information on the floors or the frame, but the general cleanliness of those lower panels and the dry barn environment gives us some cause for optimism. The trim is all present and looks to be restorable, and I think that the RS grille and headlight covers would respond positively to some careful cleaning. All of the glass is present, but it is hard to establish its condition under the heavy layer of dust.

The Camaro isn’t a numbers-matching car, but it does appear to be mechanically complete. What we find is a 283ci V8, an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 283 is of 1965 vintage, and its condition is unknown. One crumb of hope here is that someone has blocked the carburetor’s top to prevent foreign objects from finding their way into the engine. That suggests that someone cared about the health of that V8. If it still turns freely, getting it running again might not be a huge undertaking. It’s going to take more than a weekend to get the car roadworthy again, so the buyer might choose to follow a different path. It wouldn’t be difficult to slot something larger and more potent into the engine bay, or the restomod path might beckon. The world will be their oyster.

I would say that the Camaro has been sitting with its driver’s window down for a long time, and plenty of dust has found its way inside the car over the years. The starting point with the interior will be to clean everything, and that will take some work. Everything wears a thick layer of dust, making it difficult to determine the state of some items. The front seats will need new covers, but I think that the back seat might be okay. There could be a crack in the dash pad, but the dash itself looks to be in reasonable condition. The original radio is missing, but the factory console is an excellent addition. The carpet is fit for scrap, but we don’t get a good look at the remaining trim or the headliner.

This 1968 Camaro RS is an interesting proposition because it looks like it might be a relatively solid project car. There is rust, but what can be seen seems to be quite limited. Returning it to its original splendor would be possible, although there are plenty of other options available for the next owner to consider. It could make a sound basis for a restomod project, or a big-block under the hood would make it get up and go. What path would you follow?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve R

    Overpriced for a parts car.

    The last paragraph of the sellers description seems to indicate there is no paperwork with the car that can be used to transfer registration. If that’s the case any potential buyer should immediately walk away. It’s one thing if you are dealing with a $500 car, but it’s unacceptable for a car with a $10,000 asking price.

    It may not be an RS, the taillight are wrong and there is no picture which shows the lower rear valance. I don’t think the trim tag has any codes which signify if the car is an RS.

    It would be wise to wait until a better car comes along.

    Steve R

    Like 19
    • Avatar NY Homeboy

      At least in NY it’s no big sweat to register a pre ‘73 vehicle. You can do it with a bill of sale and a tracing of the VIN. But I agree that for that price the seller could have done it and had a transferable reg. In hand. Another “I ain’t doin nothin but flipping this” example

      Like 3
  2. Avatar Jarrett Morrison

    My dad had a 68 RS z28 it was white with black stripes . So being that this is already an RS I would put a 302 in and make it a z28 clone.

    Like 2
    • Avatar gmac

      Absolutely not original, rusty as heck in the Qrtrs – not an RS it’s missing so many pieces to be an RS – just look at the tail lights – they have the white back up lights embedded – true RS both lenses are red as the reverse lights are in the lower rear valence – also you got bumperettes with an RS and the list goes on.. this is a 3500 -to 4k fixer if anything. I just sold an original CA rust free 68 convert Roller with original black and yellow plates for 6500 bucks. SoFloFab

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Arthur

    Adam Clarke wrote: “The engine isn’t original, which means that the new owner could choose to build the Camaro of their dreams without molesting a numbers-matching classic.”

    In which case, I could easily see a company like Detroit Speed or Metalworks Classics working on this car for one of their customers. However, the seller would have to get this car properly registered and lower the price.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar mike

    looks like a candidate for frame off restoration, but 10K, I don’t see it

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Johnny

    Though I have a 396. If the paper work was cosure and everything. I,d get the motor running good.Fix what needed fixed. Put in about 488 gear and you,d have a hard running car against the big block. I would check it out real good. What does the under neith look like? I have a feeling their is quite alot of work to be done on this one. $10,00 ? No way out of me.I,d have to see it and look really close. I almost got burnt taking a guys word. Inspect it yourself or have a knowledgeable person check it out for you.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Little_Cars

    “Kosher,” Johnny, kosher! So, I don’t get it…someone in the past went to all the trouble of flaring those wheel wells and molding the fiberglass, perhaps high jacking the rear by adding shackles but I see a completely bone stock interior — with an automatic staple shifter, boring stock steering wheel, etc. I don’t even think the radio is aftermarket just the factory AM.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar JCA Member

    Hmmmm….wrong taillights, wrong rear valence panel, and missing all of the exterior RS badging?

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Brian S

    I live about 20 minutes from this wreck. Maybe I’ll take a ride over this week and report back here. Maybe a photo or 2 as well…

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Cushmoney

    Enough camaros already seems there are more 1st gen camaros no than 67-69

    Like 0

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