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84k Original Miles: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396

It can sometimes be difficult to gauge the desirability of a classic car, but this 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 leaves no doubt. Any vehicle that receives seventy-four bids in under a week has unquestionably struck a chord with potential buyers. The excitement is understandable because this is a rock-solid gem with a desirable drivetrain combination. If you wish to join the bidding war, the Camaro is listed here on eBay in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. Bidding sits below the reserve at $48,999, although there is a BIN option of $59,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.

Some paint shades are pretty deceptive, and the Ash Gold Metallic gracing the panels of this Camaro is a perfect example. Its appearance is quite light-dependent, explaining why so many cars wearing this shade exhibit a green hue in certain conditions. The original Window Sticker and Cowl Tag confirm that is what this car wore when it rolled off the line, with the seller stating it received a base-over-clear repaint in its original color. It is unclear when this happened, but the presentation remains first-rate. The car shines brightly, while the contrasting Black vinyl top is excellent. The car spent most of its life in Florida, making the fact it retains its original and rust-free steel unsurprising. The RS grille is in excellent order, with the headlight doors working perfectly following the recent Detroit Speed Headlight Kit installation that would have lightened the seller’s pocket by $540. The remaining trim and tinted glass are spotless, and while the Rally wheels aren’t original, they suit this car’s character.

I’ve always felt cars like this Camaro blur a line in the classic world. They are considered part of the pony car sector, alongside the Mustang, Firebird, and Barracuda. However, shoehorning a big-block under the hood gives them genuine muscle car credentials. This SS features its numbers-matching 396ci V8, producing 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major drivetrain components are original, including the four-speed M20 manual transmission and the Posi rear end. The seller has recently splashed some cash on this Camaro to guarantee it is a turnkey proposition in excellent mechanical health. The front end was rebuilt with new ball joints, A-arm bushings, a pitman arm, sway bar links, and a quick-ratio box for the power steering. The original power front disc brakes received new stainless-sleeved four-piston calipers, rotors, wheel bearings, seals, and hoses. The vital fluids were all flushed and replaced, and a new clutch and flywheel were installed, along with a new battery, starter, and exhaust. They indicate that the odometer shows 84,000 miles, and while they believe the reading to be genuine, it seems they hold no verifying evidence. They include some desirable documentation for this classic that runs and drives perfectly. The winning bidder receives the Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, and Protect-O-Plate.

The Camaro’s interior isn’t in showroom condition, but it is very acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this age. The original radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, but that appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The Gold vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from rips and tears, with stretching on the seat bases confirming this SS isn’t a trailer queen. The carpet is faded but lacks the type of physical damage that might justify replacement. The door trims appear slightly discolored and patchy, but I’m unsure whether this is a genuine fault or a trick of the light. The console features the appropriate sports gauge cluster, and occupants are kept comfortable by the ice-cold air conditioning.

It is easy to see why the bidding on this 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 has been frantic because it is a solid, desirable vehicle with no apparent needs. Replacing the carpet is something I might consider, and I would probably also source an original radio to return the inside of this classic to its factory specifications. Otherwise, enjoying this classic as its creators intended would be the best way to do it justice. My approach would be conservative, but do you agree?

Comments

  1. Sfm5

    Looks like a nice clean one! Not the nicest color and the vinyl roof takes away from what is otherwise a very desirable Camaro!

    Like 9
  2. Joe S

    The Javelin is a pony car. Just sayin.

    Like 2
  3. Dan

    Wouldn’t that be clear over base coat paint? Just kidding, good looking car in my eyes

    Like 5
  4. Cooter Cooter Member

    I had a 67 RS/SS like this and it was ordered with the L79 code 327/350 hp which came in the Nova SS. It had a rock crusher Muncie 4 spd and .411 gears. Bought it for $1,800 in 1980 with fresh lacquer black paint. Was originally butternut yellow. I sold it for $2,300 in 86 and thought I did well! Guy I sold it to put it back to original paint and still has the car.

    Like 11
    • Cooter Cooter Member

      This is a picture of the car around 1983.

      Like 13
    • CCFisher

      The 327 wasn’t available in the SS. The 1967 SS started with a 295 HP 350, the first car to use Chevy’s 350.

      Like 8
    • Michael Berkemeier

      Baloney, you could not get RS/SS (or any SS) with a 327 in 1967. Only a base model and the RS had the 327 available. By upgrading to a RS or RS/SS you got the 350 as standard equipment or a choice of 396’s as an option.

      Don’t BS people who know better, lol.

      Like 4
      • Michael Berkemeier

        I meant “upgrading to a SS” not “RS”.

        Like 3
      • Cooter Cooter Member

        Wasn’t trying to bs anyone. I was 19 when I purchased and believed what I was told. Been re-researching this all morning and stand corrected. I do believe it was a true combo car as it also had the straight solid red tail light and backup lights below the bumper. I am glad it had that engine in it as it was lightning fast outta the hole and I won a lotta races with it. Just glad I survived it and still have some pictures.

        Like 8
      • 19sixty5 Member

        “By upgrading to the RS or RS/SS you got the 350 as standard equipment or a choice of 396’s as an option.” Not exactly… the Rally Sport (RPO Z22) option is a trim package, and most notably includes the hidden headlights and various trim components but does not include any powertrain upgrades. You could order the RS option with the base 6 cylinder engine. Only the SS cars came with the 350, adding the RS option on top of the SS did nothing for the powertrain.

        Like 0
  5. poseur Member

    torquey and fun cars!
    ski patrol buddy had one in all black and TH400 with the 325hp engine.
    he claimed to have swapped cam from the 375hp version (which i doubted as that motor was solid lifter equipped).
    regardless it had no trouble spinning into second and chirping into third on dry pavement.
    personally i love the shades of green

    Like 5
  6. CCFisher

    Is that a smog pump on top of the accessories? California car?

    Like 3
    • JaxChevy

      It wasn’t just the California cars that had the smog pump – my 396/325hp car is from upper New York state and came with one. Long gone…but it was there.

      Like 2
    • Timothy Schuetz

      The original smog is on the car and operates as it should. All 68’s received smog.

      Like 2
      • JoeNYWF64

        Not the ones with the 230 or 250 6 cyl – at least those not sold in Calif.

        Like 0
  7. Bryan McDonald

    Would not be surprised if someone hit the buy it now button. This car has all the right buttons pushed to do nothing but gain in value over the years.

    Like 6
  8. Jay McCarthy

    My brother has a 67 Ash Gold RS/SS 396 4sp original engine

    Like 4
  9. Bellingham Fred

    74 bids from 11 bidders. The high number of bids is from the bid increments. The number of bidders is the better indication of buyer (or potential buyers) interest.

    Like 2
  10. Goz

    To me, this is what a Camero is supposed to be!

    Like 5
  11. BajaPFE Member

    Checks all the boxes and reasonably priced.

    Like 6
  12. 19sixty5 Member

    So we can no longer edit our posts, even members? You used to get 5 minutes to edit. Weird…

    Like 0

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