If you’re the type of enthusiast who focuses more on a purely enjoyable ownership experience than searching for a completely original classic, this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is worth a close look. It presents well, has no obvious major problems, and the upgraded transmission should allow it to devour the miles on the open road effortlessly. There are a few small areas where a new owner could make their mark, but this could happen as time and circumstances allow. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Randy J for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in Port Orange, Florida. You could drive it off into the sunset after handing the seller $33,900.
It is acknowledged that some individuals within the corridors of power at General Motors harbored doubts about the Camaro program. They believed that Ford had developed such a lead in the pony car market with the Mustang that any retaliation would be relatively ineffective. However, those who believed in the Camaro stuck to their guns, and the sales results during the first three years repaid their faith. This 1968 example is a tidy vehicle finished in Matador Red with iconic RS graphics. Its presentation is extremely nice, with no significant paint or panel imperfections visible in the supplied photos. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and there appear to be no issues in any of the traditional trouble spots. The Rally wheels and rear spoiler are later additions to provide a more aggressive appearance, and the trim and glass are in good order.
If this Camaro has a weakness, some may hand that dubious honor to its interior. It isn’t a horror story, but there are a few rough edges that some potential buyers may wish to address. The missing wheel center is pretty distracting, and if a new one can’t be located, replacing the wheel would be wise. The plethora of column-mounted gauges look pretty ugly in my book, and I would have to find a more appropriate solution. The person who fitted the Kenwood radio/cassette player didn’t finish their work to a high standard. However, these issues will require more time than money to address, and the work could be performed at the buyer’s leisure. The only genuine trim fault is a seam separation on the outer driver’s seat edge that could be a candidate for attention by an upholsterer. Otherwise, the Black vinyl is in good condition, there is no significant carpet wear, and the air conditioning will make life on the road pretty pleasant. One notable inclusion is the stubby short-throw Hurst shifter. It is there for more than good looks because it serves an important purpose once we focus on this car’s mechanical specifications.
Powering this Camaro is a 327ci V8 that should generate 275hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque according to the company’s Sales Brochure. It is unclear what transmission the first owner selected, but that decision has been rendered irrelevant since this gem now houses a Doug Nash 5-speed. The attraction of this setup is that it won’t reduce the Camaro’s outright performance, but with the extra ratio an overdrive, this classic will have very long legs on the open road. Potential buyers can consider this Camaro a turnkey proposition. The seller states that it runs and drives well, with no mechanical shortcomings or nasty surprises awaiting the new owner.
The idea of owning a pristine classic is undeniably attractive, but there is much to be said about purchasing a vehicle like this 1968 Camaro. Its presentation is good enough to guarantee that it will turn heads, but its lack of originality allows scope for further future changes as the new owner tailors the car to their needs or taste. It hasn’t been on the market for long, but do you believe that the seller will find a buyer for this classic fairly easily?
Hmmm….RS tail lights, no reverse lights, and a standard front grill?
IMO, better looking in the rear & no chance of getting a ticket if a taillite bulb burns out. Surprised i didnt see this done a lot on non RS ’67s & ’68s.
Period correct stereo? I dont remember seeing cassettes in ’68.
Crazy to order fact console clock instead of fact console gages & tach.
I guess installing RS taillights makes it a tribute. The stripe has nothing to do with RS, it was just an option.
Most Doug Nash 5spds had a 1 to 1 5th gear, not overdrive. It allowed you to use the tall factory reared gear ratio most cars came with and increase acceleration, they work really well with cars that have gear ratios around 3.0 or taller.
Tall final drive ratio, works well w stick shifts and a torquey motor Steve. The Doug Nash transmission is often remembered for the somewhat awkward 4+3 unit in the Chevy Corvette. 🏁
the Doug Nash 5 speed and the 4+3 are 2 totally different transmissions………..
Need to get rid of that steering wheel, all those extra guages, tuck away the wires hanging down under the radio, and clean up the trunk.
yes, no overdrive……………………
5sp is a winning choice. Agree that the gauges and the wheel need attention. The Kenwood cassette deck will go anyway, with a period radio, or perhaps a new unit with Bluetooth designed to fit the era might be nice. I still have some cassettes around but hAVE NOT PLAYED THEM IN YEARS, NOT SURE IF THE TAPE DECK IN MY SYSTEM EVEN WORKS ANYMORE. Man do I hate my new keyboard, too easy to hit that cap lock, but I am too lazy to fix this post.
A friend of mine has a 69 RS/SS convertible in Daytona yellow. He’s had it since we were in high school. We had no idea what it would be worth some day back when we were playing dirt track racer on the gravel road in front of my house. I actually thought the RS stripes were upside down/inverted/backasswards on this one because I’ve seen his 69 so many times with the hockey stick stripes higher up. Didn’t know GM varied them between 68 and 69 like that. His has a higher powered 350 crate motor installed now, with the tired matching numbers motor on an engine stand in his shop.
I like this one. Since we are changing transmissions, I would’ve preferred an actual overdrive, but it might not matter if the rear gears are 2.something anyway.
56,000 miles is pretty low…except that the speedo shown is from a firebird so… This car is kind of a throw-together job, but that’s okay if it’s actually rust free. It’s got a great look and it’s just hard to beat a small block/manual trans first gen Camaro for knocking around in, and the aftermarket is there for you for just about any sort of upgrade or restoration project you could ever imagine.
This actually isn’t a bad looking car, (with the exception of the body-colored Rallies) but I’m afraid that I just don’t see $33,900 here. Paint the Rallies factory silver, refresh (or redo) the interior, lose the gauges strapped to the steering column, (except the Super Sun) and give some extra fun to the motor and you might get close.
Nice car. There are all sorts of ways to clean up the interior but my only exterior fix would be to get rid of the “door banger”strip and put the silver back on the wheels as suggested.
I agree with get rid of that steering wheel. But if that’s not desired, it looks like an older Grant # 745 wheel which any of their Signature Series horn buttons will fit.
It’s not exactly like mine. Here’s a photo before I got the Grant horn button.
https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/triumphowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/16150306/4386-4386-111032_21dcp_2351.jpg
Are links in posts illegal? I posted a link to a photo of a steering wheel in my car that is similar to this steering wheel, and my post was deleted. Mine is a Grant, and I think this one is, too. That being said, sure, the factory wheel is preferred. But there is a horn button that will clean this look up.