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Early Edition: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

This particular 1967 Camaro is a very early example, being the 9,887th car to roll off the production line. During its life, it has endured a color change, but it could be a decent prospect for a restoration project. Located in Tabor, South Dakota, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on eBay. Some pretty respectable bidding has pushed the price along to $4,000, but the reserve hasn’t been met at this point.

When Ford broke new ground with the Mustang, it caught its competitors napping. GM didn’t have an immediate answer to the success of the Mustang, and the Corvair simply wasn’t going to cut the mustard. As a result, the Camaro was developed and rushed to market in a touch over 2-years, which was a staggering achievement. The owner states that this car rolled off the production line in September of 1967, but I don’t believe that this is correct. The cowl tag does show that the car was built in the 4th week of September, but the low VIN would mean that it was actually a September 1966 car. It started life finished in Butternut Yellow, but has received a color change at some point in its life. Typically for a Camaro of this era, there are some rust problems to be addressed. These can be found in the floors and rear quarter panels, although the frame is said to be nice and solid. A bit of a bonus is the fact that the rockers and trunk pan are also good. The glass all looks pretty clean, and while the wheels that are fitted to the car aren’t included in the sale, the owner might be willing to negotiate on these if a buyer really feels that they must have them. Otherwise, the car will roll on a set of steel wheels, along with a very nice looking set of hubcaps.

It’s fair to say that the next owner of the Camaro will essentially be starting from scratch when it comes to interior restoration. The dash itself appears to be in pretty fair condition, but every upholstered surface is showing the ravages of time. Judging by the visible deterioration, I would be very inclined to treat the seats to new foam in addition to covers, as the original foam is showing signs of collapsing. It appears that the interior specifications of the Camaro were pretty basic, and one of the few luxury features was a factory radio.

The Camaro is a roller, with the original 327ci V8 and Powerglide transmission now missing in action. The rearend is a 10-bolt unit, while the original owner chose to equip the Camaro with manual steering and non-assisted drum brakes on all four corners. The next owner will have plenty of choices available to them during the restoration process, and while they may choose to return the Camaro to its original specification, the temptation would be strong to plump for something a bit more potent. In this case, at least they won’t get too much stick for molesting a numbers-matching classic.

With 220,906 cars being sold during its first year of production, the Chevrolet Camaro could rightly be classed as a sales success. However, this total meant that the Mustang still outsold the Camaro at a ratio of 2-to-1. I have always liked the early pony cars, because the styling looked lithe and purposeful. It is a real shame that the original drive-train is gone, especially in such an early example. Still, that could potentially leave the next owner with the opportunity to build the Camaro of their dreams. If you bought it, how would you equip it?

Comments

  1. Avatar Classic Steel

    This is a rare one that was designed to run on air. The trans is also a auto or manual depending on your imagination.

    To me whether its the one millionth or
    fifth made with NOM drive train its just A future hot rod sadly…

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Skorzeny

    Adam, not to pick on you, but the phrase is ‘cut the muster’ which is a slangy way to say ‘pass muster’. Mustard has nothing to do with it…
    On this car I would go back to a 327, but add PS, PB, and a 4 speed.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Morgan Winter

    Without any stripes, spoilers, scoops (or front bumper), the simple beauty of the design is really shown off. I can do without the wheels. Bet that it won’t be looking this clean for long.

    Like 3
  4. Avatar TimM

    $4000 for a roller with a ton of body work to do!! More like $2000!!! In my opinion!!!

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Troy s

    With those wheels on it now I can’t help but think of a ga-billion rodded Camaros that were everywhere, some actually had paint jobs besides grey primer, ha ha. It’s a good candidate for another modded out Camaro, seeing how much original stuff is gone. Be nice if the price stayed down.

    Like 0
    • Avatar aamodel

      I’d put a gt40p 5.0 and 4r70 in it, because that’s what’s laying around the house, and it would really make the Chevy purists mad haha

      Like 0
      • Avatar Troy s

        Yes, aamodel, that surely would be an insult to all the bow tie fans, some blue oval fans too. Sometimes apples and oranges just don’t belong in the same bowl.

        Like 2
  6. Avatar Roy Blankenship

    This would be a great Jenkins tribute car….

    Like 2
  7. Avatar John Oliveri

    427 4 speed, buckets, black on black, power steering, brakes, and A/C nice cruiser

    Like 2
  8. Avatar mark adams

    09d – 4th week of Sept
    Standard Interior Coupe
    Norwood Ohio build
    Standard Black Buckets
    Butternut Yellow
    3k=(Z21) Deluxe exterior trim

    V-8 car – minimal options

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Paul

    It is so nice to see one without the rear spoiler…(that was never a factory option in 67) but every Tom, Dick and Harry installed one on there 67.
    After being a huge early Mustang fan for many years, I now find myself feeling like the 67 camaro is my all time favorite car..still like my 67 mustang!
    I just like my 67 camaro a little better…both are original stock convertibles..however the camaro is just a little more fun to drive!

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Little_Cars

    I’m not really sure at what point the merciless rust in the floors of these cars stops and does NOT affect the frame itself. Also, being more of a Firebird fan, is there any real bonus to this being an “early numbered car?” It’s not an RS, Z code, or like a 240Z, 1st generation Vette, or 41 Lincoln. If anything, this was one of those rushed to market Camaros that may have suffered quality issues because of it.

    Like 0

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