We’ve all seen instances where a seller will describe their classic as a survivor, but further investigation reveals it is restored or loaded with aftermarket parts. This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS is an exception because its current owner has strived to keep it as it left the factory. It doesn’t wear mirror paint but will undoubtedly command respect due to its unmolested state. Its appeal extends to its mechanical configuration, which is numbers-matching from the front to the back. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ray for spotting a car that needs nothing but a new home.
I have always found First Generation pony cars appealing because their design was pure and purposeful. Subsequent models moved away from those principles, becoming larger, heavier, and more focused on comfort and luxury. Therefore, most readers will be unsurprised to discover that I find this Camaro attractive. It is a first-year example that resides in a dry climate. It retains its original steel from the factory and appears to have never received restoration or repairs. Its Madeira Maroon paint isn’t mirror-shiny but maintains a warm glow typical of aging paint. It would undoubtedly respond well to a cosmetic refresh, but preserving it may prove irresistible to many. There is no evidence of rust, and the panels are straight. The seller replaced the White power top in 2021. The process included new hydraulic rams and lines, but they retained the faultless original pump. The distinctive RS grille is in good order, and the trim condition is consistent with that of a survivor of this vintage. Some readers will immediately point to the Rally wheels, feeling they undermine the car’s survivor status. I would typically agree, but the seller retained the original wheels and hubcaps, including them in the sale.
The first owner ordered this Camaro with the Black deluxe interior trim option. They also specified matching seatbelts, a factory tachometer, the console and gauge package, and an AM radio. The Convertible retains these parts, and apart from the radio, they function as intended. They admit the clock features an upgraded quartz movement, and they had the outer edge of the driver’s seat retrimmed in matching vinyl. Otherwise, it is untouched. The carpet has slightly faded, but its lack of wear doesn’t warrant replacement. The dash and console are excellent, and there are no pad cracks. This interior falls short of perfection, but its condition will draw favorable comments as people learn of its originality.
The first factor to consider for those viewing this Camaro as an investment is that it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. Its 327ci V8 sends 275hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque to a 3.08 rear end via a four-speed M20 manual transmission. The first owner ordered this classic with power assistance for the steering and four-wheel drum brakes, providing an effortless driving experience. That is confirmed in this YouTube video of the car in action. The seller slips behind the wheel and steers this classic with one finger. It doesn’t come much easier than that! They reveal that they recently had the flywheel machined as they fitted a new clutch and that the original master cylinder and water pump were professionally rebuilt. They don’t believe the engine has ever been out, and the video confirms it sounds perfect. The car’s overall good health means the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
If you ever questioned the relative worth of genuine survivors, this 1967 Camaro RS Convertible should remove those doubts. Since the seller listed it here on eBay in Rockwall, Texas, it has received twenty-four bids. It sits below the reserve at $32,500, but with almost three days remaining on the auction and the intense viewing history on the listing, the price will undoubtedly climb before the hammer falls. Is this Camaro’s originality enough to tempt you to join the bidding war?
This is pretty rough for a “survivor”. Pictures 11 and 12 show previous rust repairs that are in need of fixing again. There are signs of rust elsewhere too, pictures 5 & 7. I would be surprised if the protecto plate didn’t show it was delivered to an area that is rust prone.
It has nice options, 327 4bbl, deluxe interior, tach and gauges, 4spd Saginaw. This car will need to be restored, bidding currently sits at $32,500, but still hasn’t hit reserve. If it were a “survivor” in better shape, it might make sense. It hard to see value anywhere near its current high bid.
Steve R
Nice summary Steve. The 4sp, 3.08 gear ⚙️ means this RS will be a pleasent 😌 hwy driver 😎
The article states that the gearbox is an M-20 Muncie, not a Saginaw, and that the reserve is $32,500, but that the current bid is below that.
The ad says M20, not Muncie. If you Google the L30 engine option for the 1967 Camaro on various enthusiast websites it specifically states the 4spd that came with that engine was a Saginaw. The M20 just signifies 4spd, not Muncie. Even if that were not so, the pictures of the transmission shown in the ad clearly show a cast iron case, which rules out the car having a Muncie installed.
Steve R
If I’m reading the supplied picture (#41) correctly the car was originally delivered in PA.
Pretty car but the previous repairs are obvious.
Agree…..didn’t see it mentioned in the ad about a re-paint only that it had all orginal panels…..Northern car for sure.
I do not see that factory seam on the panel between the rear window and the trunk lid where the top of the quarter panels meet the panel running across from one rear fender to the other,might be a bad photo
I didn’t either and was going to put that in my comment, it’s generally a tip off for bad bodywork, as I found out on the first car I ever bought. Before I commented, I checked a couple of other 67 convertibles listed on eBay, neither has a seam. I’m not sure if coupes and convertibles are different when it comes to a seam in that location, though I remember a friend who was restoring a 69 convertible right after the factory discontinued the rear quarters and said coupe quarters wouldn’t work. Not that it matters much, the one thing I think is pretty certain, the next owner is likely in for a surprise when it’s dropped off by a transport company.
Steve R
We could be wrong ,all I have dealt with are the hardtop cars .currently have an numbers matching ,original bady panel car and it has seams .
I noticed the lack of seams too, I don’t know enough to be sure either. All I know is this car is sketchy, which unfortunately is becoming too common for cars, even those which are “restored” to a high level. The vast majority of potential buyers would never even look into whether a seam should be there, or not, regardless of whether it was a coupe or convertible.
Steve R
If the blue steering wheel(painted black – u can see the black peeling off) is original, then the interior was blue & no way could you get that blue with a maroon exterior – which would mean it was repainted a different exterior color & the body shop may simply have bondoed over the seams for that clean custom look.
I guess if you look up inside the trunk, the seams should be visible.
The car is sitting way too high – must have replacement overseas springs, tho they are great for oil changes & very rough roads.
The right fender picture at the front that shows the little part that bolts on to the fender looked funny as well….
In the needs department is a set of the proper shocks to get it out of the upper atmosphere. Could be a good one but as Steve R said…..
We could be wrong ,all I have dealt with are the hardtop cars .currently have an numbers matching ,original bady panel car and it has seams .
Blue steering wheel is painted black – perhaps acquired cheap at a swap meet.
Steve R. The M in M-20, M-21, or M-22 designated a transmission manufactured in Muncie, Indiana. The wide ratio Saginaw 4 speed was the base gearbox, but someone that knew their way around the option list could specify the Muncie gearbox. Chevrolet didn’t care what gearbox they put in it as long as you paid for it. There are people that claim that the M was a RPO number that designated 4 speed, but that is not the case.
Everything I’ve seen says the M20 signifies wide ratio 4spd, Muncie or Saginaw. You say the M signifies Muncie, what is the RPO that signifies a Saginaw 4spd?
Steve R
Oddly, i seen a 1974?(or earlier) window sticker for a corvette where the turbo 400 auto trans was NO extra charge! Same for ’73-’74s(& earlier?) trans ams. Not sure about z28.
Why it was free on t/a but not on firebird formula is very strange.
Yes M is definitely a Muncie transmission. Just decoded a M 21 that came stock in a 1972 Camao SS from the factory
That’s not always the case with an M20. Google M20 Saginaw transmission and you will find some explanations about it’s use. The M20 is the RPO for a wide ratio 4spd, in lower horsepower engines it can mean Saginaw 4spd.
Steve R
You are correct that the M-20 RPO was used for both the Saginaw and the Muncie wide ratio gearbox, but in 60 years I have never heard anyone (including transmission builders) refer to a Saginaw as an M-20 because the 21 and 22 are exclusively Muncie. Little confusing I suppose, but I will admit that you are technically correct.
I’ve never heard anyone refer to a Saginaw an an M20 in general conversation either. But as you said GM used the same RPO M20 for either, that was my point, this car came with a Saginaw from the factory and still has one. Most potential buyers are going to assume the M20 in the ad means this car has a Muncie and possibly pay more than they otherwise would. The seller listed the car exactly as the car came equipped. If I bought this car, or any car and hadn’t done my research and just assumed it came with a Muncie I wouldn’t be happy when I realized it wasn’t, but that would have been my fault.
Steve R