Flashy and powerful, this double-red SS would have lit up the cruising scene when new, and could easily light up the tires with its 396 big block. The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 sat in a Delaware, Pennsylvania yard for 40 plus years, never good news for a rag top classic. Thanks to Steven Rupp and Scotty Lachenauer of HotRod for story details and pictures, respectively. Props to reader Larry for this tip. This one’s not for sale, folks, and it will probably look like new next time you see it.
Big block pony cars are no joke, and while the 396 would tow a boat all day long behind an Impala wagon, warm it up and slam it in the lightweight Camaro, and it’s party time, even with this car’s automatic transmission. Many buyers considered air conditioning a waste of money on a convertible in the ’60s, but it comes in handy when you’re baking in traffic. Power brakes and steering ease the driving experience as well.
Upgrades include power windows, Deluxe Steering Wheel, and the 396 cid (6.5L) 325 HP big block V8. Thanks to lov2xlr8 for some details. The lipstick red upholstery makes the interior as high-impact as the Matador Red paint. The automatic’s stirrup shifter awaits the jump to hyperspace. Count on rust everywhere on this SS. Considering the car’s back-story, it could look much worse.
They don’t call it the Rust Belt for nothing, and this Chevy will need fresh metal across the board. For years this one would have been passed over as too far gone, but this combination of options on a big block SS convertible will silence the voice of reason for many enthusiasts. Few cars offer easier reproduction parts shopping, and even without this car’s rare options, the phrase “big block Camaro” turns heads just about anywhere. Do you see a path to payback on this long-neglected yard find?
Loaded with rust….good luck restoring her…sad
It no doubt is going to take a lot of work. The rust repair in itself is serious even if you are capable of doing it yourself! With all the reproduction metal probably needed, they will probably never get their money out of it if do e right. Once again if done right the enjoyment and memories alone will make it worth the work! A big block In those cars will scream down the road and you will never need bleach for amazing burnouts. That 396 will turn that car sideways if not careful. Love tbe car and good luck on the restoration! Hope to see it when competed!!!!!
While attentively looking at the pictures , i can find no panel that isn’t stage 4 cancer grade !
Even the firewall is swisscheese !
It can be done but it will be a chinamaro by the end
But , its hard to fault a red on red, big block topless car with a/c , power windows and tilt !
For my money , i would buy a rustless camaro …
I know of a 400 69 Firebird convertible in similar condition that was restored several years ago. The only sheetmetal that was reused in the restoration was the dutchman panel, taillight panel and cowl. Every other piece of metal, including the frame clip was replaced. To me it was no longer a Firebird but a Chinabird.
Many Camaro enthusiasts have a stockpile of NOS parts for just such an occasion. I believe that they are self described as fanatical…
This may not have any reproduction panels installed when it’s done.
I am wondering if it’s a true SS the taillights have back up lights in them . All the ss’s I ever saw had the back up lights in the panel below the bumper ?
RS cars had the 4 red tail/brake lights and b/u below the bumper. SSs only did if they were both an RS & an SS.
That car was a sweet ride in its day sad to see it so neglected. I’m a sucker for all the bells and whistles especially on a car like this most never saw power windows and ac with a 396. Lots of work ahead for someone but this one is worthy.