Fully Loaded: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 Convertible

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The 1968 Camaro RS/SS Convertible is a potent classic in any form. However, its performance lifts to a higher level if its original owner specified a big-block under the hood. That is the case with our feature car, but they wielded their pen on the Order Form to add further desirable options. It presents beautifully, needing nothing but a new owner. The Convertible is listed here on eBay in Prairieville, Louisiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $49,995, but there is time for that situation to change as the action will almost certainly intensify.

Chevrolet found itself in an interesting position in 1968. While overall Camaro sales had climbed marginally compared to 1967, SS sales dropped by around 20%. However, a significant increase in Z28 sales may have been the culprit rather than any general buyer dissatisfaction with the SS. This 1968 SS Convertible presents beautifully in Matador Red with a Black power top. It underwent a restoration approximately twelve years ago, with the seller rating it as a high-end driver. It has been garage-kept for the eleven years it has been in the seller’s custody, only emerging during dry weather for the occasional trip to a car show. The paint shines deeply, and any flaws in it or the panels are minor. The car retains all of its original Chevy steel, with no history of rust problems or prior repairs. The top is excellent, as is the glass. The Camaro rolls on a set of Rally wheels that add a sense of purpose, while the trim and distinctive RS grille look perfect.

The original owner ordered this Camaro with the 396ci V8. It sends 325hp to the 12-bolt rear end via a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Power steering and brakes should remove much of the physical effort from the driving experience. A ¼-mile ET of 15.1 seconds and a top speed of 127mph confirm this SS means business. The engine isn’t original, although it does carry the correct date code for a 1968 auto-equipped big-block. A couple of aftermarket upgrades suggest the motor may churn out a few additional horses. A fatter spark courtesy of an HEI ignition and improved breathing via long-tube headers won’t have harmed its cause, and the headers should give the V8 a muscular growl. The seller describes it as a quality driver, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

I have been waiting for an aspect of this Camaro that might disappoint, but the interior isn’t guilty of that crime. The original owner didn’t merely focus on performance when ordering this classic because they added some desirable interior options. We’ve already covered the power top, but there is also a tilt wood-rimmed wheel, the usual assortment of factory gauges in the dash and console, and this Camaro is 1-of-7,384 ordered in 1968 with the folding rear seat. The Black Deluxe interior trim is mainly original, and its condition is impressive. It carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully, with no wear or evidence of abuse. The dash and pad are excellent, as are the carpet and console. The only aftermarket addition identified by the seller is an upgraded radio/cassette player.

While it isn’t perfect or 100% original, this 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 Convertible is a spotless classic with no apparent needs. Its factory options lift its desirability, making me wonder about one aspect of the listing. It has already received eleven bids, although I expected that figure to be much higher. A few interested parties may be biding their time, waiting to pounce as the end draws near. I will be surprised if it doesn’t soar to $70,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    How rare are the RS/SS combo models?

    Like 6
    • doug

      In ’67 and ’68 they are fairly common to be both. The convertible, not so much.

      Like 5
      • Stan StanMember

        10-4 thanks Doug

        Like 3
  2. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    Adam… I don’t know about $70,000 reason for me is 396/325 not the 396/375 and no AC or power windows that’s the difference. I was thinking $55,000 for the condition it in. It has the bumperets (no sure of the spelling) that you don’t see that offen. I have that on the 70 Dodge Challenger R T. It’s a beautiful ride and would be fun driving on the weekends and to shows. Good luck to the seller.🍀🐻🇺🇸

    Like 8
    • Dave

      Big Bear, I’m with you on the price. Non original engine hurts it. Mine is identical to this but my RS/SS 396 is original with complete paperwork and documentation back to when it was and mine has 19 options and 3 year frame off restoration and mine appraised for low 6 figures. I wouldn’t give more than 55 for it either. Dave

      Like 6
  3. CCFisher

    Nicely equipped? Definitely. Fully loaded? Not by my standards. I see window cranks and no A/C, for starters. These were even available with “Vigilite” fiber-optic lamp monitors. The option list for early Camaros was loooooong.

    Like 6
  4. 2015 2SS

    Had a 68 Camaro SS in a powder blue with that style hood. Built 350, lots of goodies. Factory rear spoiler. Loved that car.

    Like 2
  5. C Force

    The more hp the better right?with a few bolt-ons you can easily obtain close to 400hp.im sure it will fetch at least 70k

    Like 2
  6. Jeffro

    My dad did similar thing with a 69 GTO. I’ve never let him forget it either. lol

    Like 8
  7. Steve H

    “Fully Loaded” to me, means EVERY option . . this car is missing a speed warning indicator, custom seatbelts, cruise control and the already mentioned A/C and power windows and light monitors – plus four or five more items from the list that we can’t see. I don’t even call my ’68 Camaro “Fully Load” and it was assembled with twenty-nine options, but NO engine option.

    Like 4
  8. Anthony

    It’s ironic, I turned down a 68 Z28 that same year for 2500.00 FOR A 78 CORDOBA Was 19 then and very foolish.

    Like 6
  9. Maggy

    Before I read any comments I was thinking the same thing price wise as this car is about topped out at 50k .I could see a little more being a convertible so maybe 55k but that’s about it especially with it not #’s matching.At this kind of $ at least to me you’re not only buying a classic but an investment that one day you may sell for whatever reason whether you want to or not and if it was #’s matching you know you’ll always get more .Not that there is anything wrong with a non numbers car. Imo.Glwts.

    Like 3
  10. Scooter

    The 68 is the most common of the first generations to clone to an RS/SS. With no documentation of its born with equipment, the value has to based on a clone. It sure would help if the engine was original. The only thing you can be sure of is the color and whether it came with a v8 or a six. Good luck with the sale!

    Like 3
  11. BajaPFEMember

    In the late 80’s there was a Hemi Cuda convertible for sale on the cover of the LA Auto Trader for $25k. I tried to convince my parents to buy it as an investment and they said I was nuts. It sold for $2M a couple of years ago.

    Like 3
  12. James Lambott

    I bought a 69 RS SS Camaro in I believe 1976 for $600. Sold it for $675 2 months later.
    Reason I sold it, no radio or power steering. What a dumbass I was.
    Had solid lifter 396 375 horsepower and 4 speed, it was fast.

    Like 7
  13. GpaDawg

    How come seller has no positive reviews

    Like 0
  14. Corky Aeh

    In 1970 I bought a wrecked / rebuilt 1968 Camaro Convt. RS..Red exterior , Black Manual top, Black interior , 327 with a powerglide trans !! I loved that car ….. looked very much like the one features today !! I had it when I was single ,and had it when I got married !! I cannot actually remember the year my wife made me part with my Camaro , I will guess around 1980 !!!! One of the saddest days of my life !!!

    Like 2

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