Desirable Options: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 was undeniably a high-performance model, but some owners ordered their new toy with enough options to make life behind the wheel exceptionally comfortable. Such is the case with our feature car, and those options lift its desirability to a high level. It is a spotlessly clean classic with no apparent needs beyond a new home. The seller has listed the SS here on eBay in Chester, New York. Bidding has raced to $39,700, which is below the reserve.

The 1968 Camaro was an evolution of the previous year’s offering, with the most noticeable changes being the addition of some side marker lights and the elimination of the vent windows following the introduction of the new Astro Ventilation system. This SS is a two-owner classic, with the seller indicating it underwent a repaint in its original Ermine White years ago. It still presents well, with no significant flaws or defects. The cosmetic refresh included deleting the original Black vinyl top, but reinstating that should be easy. The original owner changed a couple of badges during that process, but correct replacements and the moldings for the vinyl top are included. It has been garage-kept throughout its life, and the comprehensive selection of photos supplied by the seller confirms this practice has allowed the Camaro to remain rust-free. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with gaps that are tight and consistent. The stripes are crisp and clean, and there are no issues with the glass or trim. The distinctive RS grille is in good order, and the seller states the headlight covers work as they should. The exterior also reveals the first evidence of the original owner’s desire for personalization. They ordered the Camaro with Rally wheels but elected to delete the rear spoiler. It was an interesting choice that helps this SS to stand out.

One of the crucial considerations when determining the potential value of any classic is its originality. This Camaro ticks that box because it is a numbers-matching vehicle. The original owner’s decision to equip the car with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes suggests they preferred an effortless driving experience. However, they also craved performance and the ability to apply the power to the pavement effectively. They selected the 396ci V8 that sends its power to a Posi rear end. The big-block churns out 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The self-shifter does stifle performance slightly compared to the manual version, but this Camaro’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds confirms it could hold its own in a “Traffic Light Grand Prix.” The listing indicates this SS has a genuine 72,663 miles on its odometer, and although the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, I won’t be surprised if they hold some. The car is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving as it should. The seller includes this YouTube video. It provides a walkaround and allows us to hear the big-block start and run. It sounds as sweet as a nut, with no odd noises or other problems.

It is probably best to tackle the extensive list of options the original owner selected before we turn our attention to this Camaro’s interior condition. The new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a teakwood tilt wheel, a sports gauge cluster, a Tick-Tock-Tach, Houndstooth upholstery, a speed alert, a rear defroster, the Vigilante lighting monitor, an AM/FM radio, and a factory retractable antenna. Those items aren’t merely there for looks because the seller confirms that everything works as it should. The interior presentation is impressive, with no evidence of wear, abuse, or UV damage. The back seat looks like it has rarely seen occupants, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. It is another aspect of this classic that should receive nothing but praise wherever it goes.

This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 is a stunning classic, and reversing the few changes made during its life would be straightforward and inexpensive. It could be one of the most highly-optioned examples you will find in the market, and those features increase its desirability. It has already attracted twenty-nine bids, which will undoubtedly climb as the end draws near. Is this a car you might consider pursuing further? I won’t blame you if you do.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. JCAMember

    I think they call those fender indicator lamps the “Vigilite” system. Rare and cool option for sure

    Like 6
  2. Doone

    Thar rear seat was provided to keep the insurance rating low, you wouldn’t want a long ride in it as there was the bare minimum of padding. Your tush had more padding than the seat did
    Stunning car with all the right options.

    Like 15
  3. David Staggs

    That is definitely a car that I would love to own!!!
    All of the right options that I would want , big block 396, 3 speed automatic, power windows and air conditioning wow !

    Like 10
  4. Grey O’Brien

    It seems to be very well equipped but it’s strange, it wasn’t equipped disc brakes.

    Like 2
    • JT

      It does, as stated in the article: “The original owner’s decision to equip the car with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes suggests they preferred an effortless driving experience.”

      Like 0
  5. Troy

    Vigilite is super rare! Actually the spoiler was an add on option – it was not included in either the RS or the SS package. “More Camaros have spoilers than came that way from the factory.” :)

    Definitely a nicely optioned RS/SS.

    Like 4
  6. Matthew Dyer

    Very impressive example of how to treasure a vehicle.
    May the next owner continue the vigilance.

    Like 5
  7. Steve H

    It IS a very rare car . . almost all options . . I don’t see the folding rear seat and it doesn’t mention the tri-note horn in the description on eBay. It also has just the AM/FM non-stereo radio with single rear speaker – not the four speaker system that was included with the stereo radio or tape player. I bet the original owner was a GM executive, or someone fairly high up in the company. There was a black ’68 with almost the same options that was for sale a few years ago.

    Like 2
  8. Goz

    Once again, this is what i think of when i think of a Camaro. Nice car for sure!

    Like 4
  9. John M.Stecz

    I ts nice to see a Camaro without that God awful rear spoiler on the rear deck.i own the same car but it’s a 67 RS/SS numbers matching same drive line but mine is Bolero red.

    Like 1
    • Steve H

      I agree . . my ’68 never had a spoiler ( and never will while I own it ) They look too much like an “afterthought” – like someone just glued it on top of the trunk.

      Like 1
      • John M.Stecz

        Exactly that’s the perfect description , glued on. My 67 came without the spoiler but was optioned with power windows and tilt wheel but no A/C

        Like 0
  10. John M.Stecz

    Exactly that’s the perfect description , glued on. My 67 came without the spoiler but was optioned with power windows and tilt wheel but no A/C

    Like 0
    • Steve H

      I just clicked “report comment” by mistake ( I wanted to “reply” ) SORRY, I hope that doesn’t do anything. My ’68 has 29 options, and I wouldn’t have bought it if it didn’t have factory A/C – too hot here in Alabama without it !!!

      Like 1
  11. John M Stecz

    No problem just thought my 67 should have had A/C being it spent its entire life in ElPaso Texas until I purchased it in 2009.

    Like 1
  12. 59poncho

    I have had several Camaros over the years and currently have 3, I have never had one with power windows! While 68’s are tough to document I might have to jump in the ring here.
    This is a great car. I also agree with the theory it was an execs car.

    Like 1
  13. Grape Ape

    My 68 SS had a rear spoiler, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Laguna blue, built 350 fbo, Crager SS mags, Dunlop GT Qualifier, Hurst Super Shifter 3 reverse lock out top of M22, 12 bolt posi, Gabriel Hi Jackers to get the fender wells off the meats on corners. Disk front brakes, zero AC. Would rather have the front spoiler without the hideaways, without rear spoiler looks like a base model to me.

    Like 0
  14. Chris Cornetto

    Yes sirry, if you are going to jump and buy one, well call your broker. Operation forget it Doc. I have decided to die happy. A very nice one here.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds