For the 1968 model, the Chevrolet El Camino got a fresh new look, which included a slight stretch in length from the previous year. The Chevy also grew in its cool-factor potential as well, as ’68 was the first time that the Super Sport became available. This also proved to be the sole year that the El Camino SS was its own VIN-specific (“88”) separate model, as the later Super Sport offerings were an options package on a standard El Camino. Barn Finds reader Tony Primo spotted this one and sent in the tip, and we’d like to thank him for sharing it with us!
The seller here tells us he’s the third owner, having purchased his Chevy earlier this year from the previous caretaker, who was the custodian for more than four decades. He tells us the 396 engine is still the original factory component, and based on the service records paperwork, the 80,000 miles showing are believed to be accurate. The big block has received a recent tune-up, with the seller complimenting how well this one presently starts and drives, considering how long it was “mothballed up”, as he puts it.
The one area that’s said to be non-original is the paint, which is thought to have been applied at some point during the eighties. However, the finish shows some inconsistencies, so maybe the respray was only partial, or perhaps done at different periods. In any event, enough time has elapsed for plenty of patina to develop, so if you’re into that sort of appearance this El Camino scores high. Some rust has developed in the lower areas on the quarters and fenders, but the underside is stated as super solid, so this one could potentially remain a fun driver/hauler for a while until you’re good and ready to take it to a higher level.
Things could use some attention inside, with the bench seat showing splitting in the upholstery, but throw on the multi-color covering and that problem is solved, at least temporarily. This is one of those cases where I’d be tempted to just enjoy driving this one as-is for a few seasons before doing anything, but could also understand if the next owner is ready to take it up a few notches immediately. This 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 can be found here on Craigslist in Thornton, Colorado, with the seller hoping for $12,500. What would you do here? Drive, or promptly restore?
It’s a good project. You get a complete, solid running and driving big block SS for a bit over $12,000. It’s an option for someone either unwilling or unable to pay the asking price for an equivalent big block SS hardtop.
This is a low option car, manual drum, column shift, possibly equipped with manual steering and a powerglide. Whoever buys this will likely perform some upgrades if/when it’s restored.
Not sure why the seller goes out of his way to mention the NOS Delco ignition points in the ad, they are readily available on eBay for around $10 – $12 including shipping.
Steve R
$12,500 barely gets you a rusted out non running hulk of a Mopar ( Charger or Barracuda especially) of the same year, so I’d take this car instead. It’s a no brainer.
Insane having the optional delux steering wheel – if it has no PS – tho that steering wheel & column maybe should be blue – i think – both may have been swapped in from a Caprice or something,
If one lives local validate if real.
Craigslist is possibly is real but…
Good luck on sale..
It needs restored to factory spec. Those hubcaps should only be used at car shows (if they’re original) because they just don’t look good on this to me anyway. Put some dog dishes on it for cruising.
A nice set of Cragar style mags might do this car justice.
I had a 68 SS El Camino that had a set of 4 15 x 7 slot/dish mags, they fit great and looked good. I’d go with them over most Cragar style rims, which have had changes cosmetically and don’t look the same as vintage rims. You could also try and find a set of vintage 15” American Torq Thrusts with the straight spoke or early D’s that used a shank lug nut.
Steve R
“Dog Dishes” are aptly named, and best used as!
Needs Keystone Klassics.
This is pretty nice as it is. Easily the deal of the day.
Appears you aren’t the only one that thinks so. The ad has been deleted by author, signifying it likely sold.
Steve R
No brainer ! DRIVE/RESTORE. Someone also thought so ad is gone.
Drive and enjoy!
great ride. love the caps and white walls. do the interior and leave the outside. priced fairly. post deleted so it most likely sold. somebody got a screaming deal