The Camaro debuted in model year 1967, with convertibles like this one shown on ebay as well as coupes vying for market space in a new world centered around the “Pony Car.” That name, it’s probably self-evident, was born with the Ford Mustang. This Camaro barn find was originally in Ermine White when it came out of a dealership in Lubbock, Texas. All these years later, you’ll find it in sunny and dry Las Vegas. Somebody is going to take it home, though, and restore it to the halcyon days of its youth. The starting point is a nearly $11,000 bid that doesn’t meet reserve. If you want it badly enough, then hit the “Buy It Now” button to commit yourself to spending $18,000. You have a couple of days to decide.
This car is all about dreams, but fortunately, the very honest seller tempers that aspect with a sense of reality. There are two areas of concern here: body rust and a previous engine fire. Yikes! That’s a lot of damage. But for those who can do sheet metal repair, there is a very fair and thorough accounting of what’s good and what’s damaged. When was the last time you’ve seen a seller so meticulous about presentation? The sheet metal replacement parts are all laid out next to the car on the driveway. Seems that the main structures on this unibody are OK except for some pinholes, but the outer and inner fenders are rotted as are other large-surface components. Better that the seller has already done a media blasting, rather than you getting in there and finding greater needs than you had anticipated.
Two things also recommend this as a worthy project. First, the car might be a Pace Car replica model, or perhaps part of what Chevrolet called the “Pace Setter” program. That is not verified due to the trim tag having been destroyed in the engine fire, but the color and trim seem to make it possible. It is also an RS/SS model, combining RS (Rally Sport) trim appointments with SS (Super Sport) go-fast components. The engine displaces a familiar 350-cubic-inches, though it needs a complete rebuild before it’s going to move this chassis anywhere.
While I wouldn’t take on this project because it’s way above my head in terms of skill level, and would be grandly expensive to boot, those of you in Camaro dream mode might want to check your favorite parts catalogue and consult with the people who share your checkbook or 401K and see whether this might be a good—ahem!—”alternate investment vehicle,” with the word vehicle indicating both the mode of investing and the idea of the investment being an actual car! All signs point to this being one of a very few Camaros so-equipped, and thus worthy of preserving for history’s sake and driving to the envy of others while it’s yours. But on second thought, don’t add up the numbers too exactly, lest you shock your system and end up passing the project on to someone else, as this person is doing.
That car has the small journal 350, which was rare. Since the fire, it’s probably well-done. But the engine is unique only to the ’67 Camaro SS or RS/SS. It would definitely be worth it to rebuild that engine especially if you want to really increase the value of the car. Also, I’d like to see the buyer restore the color to its factory white and appropriate black striping. It’s a striking combination.