Many enthusiasts will take one look at this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible, discover the big-block under the hood, and decide that they have found the classic of their dreams. However, there is far more to this drop-top, because its first owner loaded it with some relatively rare factory options. It presents fairly well as a survivor-grade vehicle, leaving scope for the new owner to improve its appearance if it doesn’t meet their standards. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Santa Clarita, California. Bidding has raced past the reserve, sitting at $36,099 at the time of writing.

Following a relatively successful introductory year in 1967, sales of Chevrolet’s First Generation Camaro climbed to 235,147 in 1968. It marked an evolutionary year for the badge, with the loss of the side vent windows following the introduction of the Astro Ventilation system, the most apparent visual change. The first owner ordered this ’68 Convertible in Matador Red, and as the RS variant, it features the unique grille and headlight covers that have become iconic. Close inspection reveals paint flaws and imperfections, but if considered purely as a survivor-grade classic, the appearance is comfortably acceptable. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The seller provides no information about the condition of the power top, but the tinted glass looks pretty good. The bumpers feature optional guards at both ends, and the Camaro rolls on Rally wheels.

Lifting this Camaro’s hood reveals a drivetrain combination to warm the hearts of enthusiasts with gasoline coursing through their veins. The buyer receives a 396ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 12-bolt 3.23 Posi rear end, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The big-block is the L34 version, which, interestingly, doesn’t rate a mention in that year’s Sales Brochure. However, it does make the grade on the RPO List, delivering 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque. The seller doesn’t specify a numbers-matching status, though the listing appears to suggest it. The seller recently rebuilt the front suspension, installed four new shocks, and fitted a new exhaust. This beauty runs and drives, and is ready to provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring pleasure.

The first owner didn’t focus solely on outright performance, equipping this Camaro’s Deluxe Parchment interior with some interesting, relatively rare options. These include a folding rear seat, which was chosen by 7,384 Camaro buyers in 1968. Other rare features include a tilt wheel (5,294), a speed warning indicator (2,344), fiber-optic monitoring (1,755), and the AM/FM stereo radio “Multiplex” option, which was chosen by a mere 1,735 buyers because it added an eye-watering $239.15 to the Camaro’s sticker price. Throw in air conditioning and power windows, and this Convertible can be considered fully loaded. The seller indicates that the speakers for the Multiplex system are intact, but that someone swapped the original radio for an Alpine radio/cassette player. Sourcing a correct unit and any associated hardware is unlikely to be cheap, but it would be worthwhile as a long-term investment. The interior’s most pressing cosmetic shortcoming is the badly cracked door trims. The images are limited, but it appears that the remaining upholstered surfaces, the carpet, dash, and console, are in good condition for a survivor of this vintage.

This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 Convertible features enough rare options for it to stand out in any crowd. It isn’t perfect, but replacing the tired door trims would make a significant difference to its appearance without costing a fortune. I would probably consider following that path and sourcing the components required to reinstate the “Multiplex” system if this beauty found its way into my garage. Otherwise, I would leave this drop-top untouched. Do you agree?