Not every classic needs a nut-and-bolt restoration, and that philosophy led someone to wrench on this mixed-bag Camaro. The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro in Camdenton, Missouri features a clean-looking 400 small block, new fenders, aluminum radiator, and new disc brakes. Attached to such promise we find a rusted dented pony car that looks ridden hard, put away wet, with stories to prompt muffling young ears. Check out more pictures and details on this interesting ride here on eBay where a single bid sets its value at $8500 as we go to press.
The listing describes a “rebuilt” TH350 three-speed automatic transmission, and we must assume the nondescript 400 cid (6.6L) small-block V8 got an aluminum intake and a “rattle-can rebuild” of bright orange paint. Chevy made 400 cid mills from both the big block and small block, the latter maligned for block weakness and overheating, according to NastyZ28.
Someone’s spent time making this quarter panel less horrible. Reading between the lines, we either have someone’s never-completed dream of a cheap ’68 driver or an attempt to turn a long-parked lost cause and random parts into dollar bills. I can respect either of these angles, as both represent a way to get joy from a neat old car without forfeiting your 401k or home equity.
The double-red color scheme adds interest. We’ve all seen enough black interiors to last a lifetime. The shifter and DIY electronics suggest a drag-racing past, though anything resembling a hard launch could spell curtains for this car as it sits. The listing says it “runs, drives, and stops.” Don’t knock it; that beats many Barnfinds rides.
If that poor trunk lip could speak, we’d hear stories of car parts, beer kegs, and other sizeable objects denting it and dropping with a metallic thud. Despite poking some fun, I rather like this car. We’d love to hear from the buyer in the comments below and track its progress. Would you rewind the work done on this Camaro for a full resto or make it safe and drive it?
Better off grabbing something like this rather than the 70 stang that was just listed here. Yeah, it’s a few dollars more, but at least it has some life to it. Classics under 5k need 20k put into them in my book. Don’t forget the countless hours of grief on top of it…
You are right, it also has some good parts which aren’t inexpensive. This is one of the rare cars featured in this site that looks like someone was building it to keep rather than a quick flip.
Steve R
Looking at a picture of the inside of the roof shows it will need a roof skin. This would be fun to drive and fix up until you decide to restore it.
The inside of the roof isn’t rusted, what you see is the remnants of the factory sound deadener/insulation material and adhesive. Most people replace it with Dynamat or a similar product. This looks to be a good builder to me.
I was hoping for just once – that the 400 was a tin indian – a sister division v8 in just 1 chevy – that’s all i ask. Too much of the reverse – since the late ’70s – & earlier for some Canadian Pontiacs.
Back in ’72 test drove a dealer ’68 Camaro RS…they were asking $2,200…I had two cents in my pocket but boy had a really nice 20-minute ride…good luck on the sale.
Everbody always talks about the cost of fixing these cars up. Yes there’s cost in parts. Your labor usually isn’t worth what a shop would charge. Are you going to pay a shop to fix it ? Or is it a project you and your buddies or better yet your son or daughter will enjoy helping on ?
When shop rates were $45-55 hr , one of my customers was doing complete rotisserie rebuilds for $25 hour + materials as a second job in his shop behind his house. And yes its was top notch work. The car shows prove it !
Unless you make more $$ at your job than shop rates you gotta do the work yourself or have deep pockets
Welll said .
My high school sweetheart had a ’68. He changed it out from a 3 on the tree to a 4 on the floor, had the engine bored for more power, put glass packs on it and we were ready to go. It was a project we both worked on, and it ended up being a great car. This was back in 1973. Good times!
Looks like a 1968 Camaro I saw sitting in a field in Calhoun Missouri about 12 years ago, same color red faded paint.
Look at pictures carefully, this has rust rot everywhere, floors, quarters,roof edge at windshield is probably gone under trim, firewall, some new sheet metal,but buyer will need much more to get in shell in shape. Some good parts on a poor choice to hang them on and it’s time for seller to bail out.
I agree.
My first car, back in the 70s, was almost a twin to this car. Red 1968 Camaro with a red interior, 327, 4 speed, 12 bolt rear end. Only difference was mine had a white vinyl top. I got rid of the vinyl top when I repainted and installed a 396 from a 67 Impala I wrecked (another story).
I was tempted when I first saw this car. But after looking at all the pics, it needs too many years of metal work for me to take on. It would be fun to just make in drivable with a 454, TKX 5 speed, patina paint match the front and paint “Rotten Apple” on the side. But unless I come across a really solid rust free 68 Camaro at a reasonable price (ain’t gonna happen), I’m happy with the projects I already have.