Blank Canvas: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

Many classic car enthusiasts are purists, subscribing to the philosophy that “they’re only original once.” The thought of modifying an original and unmolested classic is unappealing, but some still harbor the ambition to create the car of their dreams. That is where this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS might fit into the picture. It has undergone changes throughout its life and is a blank canvas for the new owner. It needs work, but the bones are there to create something special.

If I were ever to give a seller advice when listing a classic, it would be to provide excellent pictures and as much information as possible to maximize the chances of a successful sale. The images supplied by this seller are okay, but with the description only running to seven words, it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. The Cowl Tag confirms that the first owner ordered the Camaro in Seafrost Green, with a color change occurring at some point. This classic requires plenty of work before the winning bidder contemplates taking their spray gun in hand because there is rust present in many of the typical locations. The trunk pan might be salvageable, but the shopping list of steel will include the front floors, rear quarter panels, and possibly patches for the lower door corners. We don’t get a clear look at the cowl to determine whether it has suffered any issues. However, it is worth noting that not only are the required parts available, but we’ve seen classics with worse problems brought back from the brink. Many trim pieces are missing, although the car retains its distinctive RS grille.

This Camaro’s interior is essentially complete, seemingly missing minor items like the carpet and the radio. It requires a retrim, which is unsurprising when you see the rest of the vehicle’s state. However, most of the dash components are intact, and the gauge cluster includes a Tick-Tock-Tach. The seller describes the Camaro as well-optioned but doesn’t elaborate on the features chosen by the first owner. As I said, this classic raises as many questions as it answers.

Lifting this Camaro’s hood reveals a gaping hole and no evidence of an engine or transmission. The seller doesn’t supply information about the car’s original mechanical specifications, but I believe its V8 may have sent the power to the road via a manual transmission. This is where the SS becomes a blank canvas because there is a world of choices as the new owner contemplates what to slot into the empty space. Finding a date-correct drivetrain won’t be difficult, and those considering a faithful refurbishment will probably tread that path. However, others may see this as a prime candidate for a restomod, and I suspect that will be this Camaro’s fate if it finds a new home. At least it means that nobody will be dismantling an unmolested survivor to create the classic of their dreams, and it will allow someone to let their imagination off the leash.

The seller listed this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS here on eBay in Hagerstown, Maryland. They set their auction to open at $10,000, but there has been no action as it heads into the home straight. The viewing history may see that change, and it will be fascinating to see what transpires. There is no doubt that the right person could transform this sad and sorry classic into something special, but I wonder if we have any readers who will rise to the challenge.