It seems that first-gen Camaros turn up as either fully restored trailer queens or piles of cinders that are usually promoted to be something way beyond what they actually are. But here’s a different twist, a ’68 Camaro Sports Coupe that has had a redo started but needs continuation to completion. It is located in Baldwin, Wisconsin and available here on Wisconsin hibid for a current bid of $10,150, 82 bids tendered so far. Thanks to Ken S. for this tip!
There is not a lot of written information regarding this Chevy though there is an extensive pictorial, be sure to peruse all of them. Included are some mechanic’s notes at image #44, referencing this Camaro’s particulars, but they are hard to read – the backstory on this car would be good to know. I have to believe reattaching that front roll pan would do wonders for this Camaro’s appearance and help with the sale.
The body of this Camaro is straight and covered in either red primer or very faded Cordovan Maroon lacquer. It would appear that the front fenders have been replaced and there is some rust lurking in the quarters. The available, clear title indicates that this Chevy is a Minnesota car so that would be cause for concern in terms of salt-induced rust – and that’s probably the fate that befell the front fenders. What trim is missing is available, it just has to be fished out of coffee cans and sifted through.
The interior is so-so. The driver’s seat, in particular, is trashed but new seat covers are included in the sale. The original AM radio has been removed for some reason but it too is included. The black carpet is intact but very faded, a common trait for this style of nylon loop fabric. The steering wheel is covered in a grip, probably to hide the cracks. I don’t think there is an original ’68 Chevrolet steering wheel in existence that’s not cracked – I’ve been looking for one for a long time. One image also reveals a headliner suffering from gravitational pull. None of these issues are a surprise, they can all be rectified. The entire interior of a ’68 Camaro can be rebuilt from an on-line catalog. I would really suggest examining the floors closely on this Camaro – they are known to rust and if the fenders rotted away, the underside could be in that process too.
This Camaro is advertised as a “matching number” car. If this were a ’68 Z28, that might matter, in the case of a commodity version Camaro, doubtful. Under the hood is a 327 CI V8 that develops 210 net HP. The seller claims that it runs with fuel fed through the carburetor which tells me the tank and lines have a problem. This version of Chevrolet’s venerable 327 is as tough and reliable as most Chevrolet small block engines but from my experience, it’s not much of a thrill – especially when chained to a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (which at this point in time was probably a good three years beyond its freshness date). This Chevy does have A/C however, a nice addition and frequently not found on this generation Camaro at this equipment level. All the more unusual if this Chevy was a true northern domiciled car.
The mileage shows 10K on this Van Nuys, CA built example so it’s at least 110K miles, or more, not that it matters much at this point. As mentioned at the outset, the listing is light on word detail so how this Chevy ended up here and in this condition isn’t known. It would appear to be a restoration project that got started and then the owner lost interest. It can be tricky to move a car in this condition because a potential buyer has to be able to envision the endgame – not to mention that you never know what parts may be missing from the deconstruct. It seems like a good base, however, from which to start. This ’68 Camaro is in far better shape than many I have encountered lately. What do you think, would you take this project on?
Got your own tools and the talent to restore it this one looks like a great start, especially as you said, compared to some of the previous cars listed. I’m also a fan of the looks of the ’68 and am glad to see one worth saving.
Person who owns it should restore it. I am tired of commenting lately, I feel like a broken record. I know, I know, you all are probably tired of me too. You can go buy a 68 V8 no option camaro, auto trans, non-RS non-SS, car for $30K and drive it to the car show.
The car is worth restoring to some degree because it is a first gen Camaro, that is about it. V8 with AC. NO other options including no PS and PB.
“shows 10K miles”, to the person auctioning/listing this thing….really? DUH…putting a 1 in front of the 10 is being generous.
Rust in MN and WI runs high although they use other means than salt I believe BUT still use it and the car is clearly suffering rot. Probably a LOT more than what is shown or discussed. I am born, raised and live in Chicago. I am rust expert.
To the writer of this article, “The interior is so-so”, tell me, what could make it one step worse, setting it on fire?
55 photos and none of the undercarriage = NOT surprising.
Love the door panel on the floor that some A-hole walked on with his boots. I have fired guys for doing stupid SH– like that.
If this were a super sold west coast body that was ready to be resto-moded I could agree with that. Build your dream car. This one is going to take $80K to restore, maybe more, to be worth half of your investment. and HALF is also being generous. probably 1/3.
Well let’s see, missing carpet showing holes the floor, missing or completely trashed door cards, missing dash instruments, smashed center console, missing horseshoe shifter, no back seat; shall I continue? You don’t have to buy it.
Jim, not sure what point or message you are trying to send me? ….”shall I continue? YOU don’t have to buy it” sounds like you didn’t like my commentary?
I am just tired of people misrepresenting cars, not you, the seller. Additionally I find Barn Finds a place to learn not only about specific vehicles by all of us sharing our vast but specific knowledge, but as a place to educate buyers so they don’t make bad choices. I have been buying, restoring, detailing and selling these cars for 35 years. I love when people share vehicle specific info about options, condition or the market.
Now that you got me thinking, how is this even a Barn Find?
Saying the odometer shows 10,000 miles is hardly a claim. Preferably he would have left it out, however, this compared to many ads featured on this site.
This car likely started out on the west coast, too bad it didn’t stay there.
Steve R
The cars like this should be four or five hundred bucks, then regular guys could put them back together in their garages as a HOBBY, not an investment. That is the way it used to be.
SMDA – AWESOME ! Wow. Well said !! You, in my opinion, are 100% correct.
I “cut my teeth” on a car like this (69 Firebird) when I was 18 in 1984. I learned a lot & a GREAT way to learn.
#1 thing I learned was to spend more money and START with a BETTER – as rust free as possible – car.
Youre right Tom!
Have to comment,
I also started with a 69 Firebird, in 1983😎
That ship sailed by the mid-1980’s. Since this car is listed for auction the market will speak.
There are plenty of entry level cars available at reasonable prices, however most of these were not built in the 1960’s and early-70’s. Regular guys will find inexpensive projects if they are willing to open their minds and adjust their wish list assuming they are willing to put in the effort. Mid-90’s Mustang GT’s and Z28’s can be found for a few thousand dollars the same probably goes for sporty Japanese and European cars of that era too. Recently someone stole a friends 1998 Camaro SS, it took him less than a week to find a low mileage 2002 Z28 in very nice condition for $5,700. That is in range for most anyone looking for a value purchase.
Steve R
These 1st gen Camaro’s are among the easiest cars to restore.. and for me the most fun I ever had restoring any car was a 67 camaro…parts are easy to get, information is readily available, and there are so many possibilities to make them anything you want.
Ooooh! totally missed the fact that “it comes with a car cover” !!
Probably in the same condition as the car. “Yeah, let’s restore this, put a beautiful paint job on it and use ……..” I’m done.