Driving Project: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Detroit had traditionally been the home of the world’s worst-kept secrets. Every vehicle manufacturer had some idea about the future direction its competitors would pursue, and most tended to follow a similar path. However, Ford managed to steal a march on General Motors when it pulled back the cover on the First Generation Mustang. It represented one of those rare moments when a company successfully blindsided the opposition, forcing GM to the drawing board to develop its answer to the new pony car. It came out with guns blazing when it launched the Camaro in 1967, and both badges hold a prominent place in automotive history. Our feature Camaro rolled off the line in 1968 and is a tidy classic ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. It has some cosmetic needs, but the buyer could address them as time and circumstances allow. It is listed here on eBay in Paducah, Kentucky. The bidding has raced to $20,100 but remains short of the reserve.

The seller purchased this Camaro in the early-1980s and has actively enjoyed it since. They admit it suffered a minor front fender bender at some point, but those panels and both rear quarters were replaced as part of the repair process. The work included a repaint in its original Matador Red, and while it still shines nicely, it has enough flaws and peeling clearcoat to make a repeat performance worthwhile. The panels have accumulated the odd bump and bruise, but rust appears confined to some small spots in the lower door corners. The remaining panels look clean, and the underside is rock-solid. The car features a White soft-top in good order, while the same is true of the trim and glass. The seller added the wider Rally wheels, which perfectly suit this classic’s character. Sourcing the correct wheels and hubcaps should not be a problem if they don’t appeal to the buyer.

It is unclear whether this Camaro is numbers-matching, but its engine bay houses a 327ci V8 producing 210hp. The remaining mechanical components include a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and four-wheel power drum brakes. The power assistance for the brakes is a later addition and should add confidence when the driver hits the anchors. The drivetrain configuration won’t make this the most potent performer, but its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 17 seconds and cruise effortlessly at freeway speeds are both impressive attributes. The seller indicates they recently replaced the transmission seals and fuel tank while adding new Michelin tires and a dual exhaust. The vehicle runs and drives well and is ready for immediate enjoyment with the new owner behind the wheel.

The theme of tidy presentation continues when we examine this Camaro’s interior. The Red vinyl trim makes a bold statement, and it has no apparent needs or upholstery problems. The seller previously replaced the carpet, but they suggest ongoing wear will probably motivate the new owner to spend $250 to repeat the process. The original owner ordered the car with a console and a floor shifter for the Powerglide, and the seller replaced the factory radio with an AM/FM radio/cassette player. I don’t think they cut the dash to achieve this upgrade, so sourcing the correct radio to achieve a “factory” appearance should be possible. Otherwise, the interior is tidy and should not cause the buyer to feel shame when they hit the streets behind the wheel of their new toy.

Early First Generation pony cars hold a special place in my heart, regardless of the marque. They represent the breed in its purest form, and those equipped with a small-block V8 offered the driver a surprisingly agile vehicle with excellent performance. This 1968 Camaro Convertible is one such car, and its overall condition makes it easy to understand why it has already attracted forty-five bids. I suspect that figure will climb significantly before the listing ends, but it deserves a closer look if you are searching for a straightforward pony project.