Don’t let this photo fool you. It gives the impression that this 1968 Camaro has been left to fend for itself in the elements. The fact is that this is a structurally sound vehicle that is ripe for restoration. The owner gives the buyer a start on this project by including a significant cache of new parts to work with. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B for referring this promising project to us. It is located in St. Johns, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist.  You can take home the Camaro and all of the parts by handing the owner $8,500.

The current owner removed the Camaro from storage in a garage. It had occupied that spot since 1991, and it is a complete car. It began its life finished in Butternut Yellow, but at various times it has also worn Black, along with its current shade of LeMans Blue. The owner states that there is minimal rust in the vehicle, which is a refreshing thought when considering an early pony car project. There are a few spots in the front floors on both sides, but there is a replacement front floor for the driver’s side included in the sale. There is a single hole in the passenger side front floor that is said to be about the size of a ½-dollar. This should be able to be repaired with a simple patch. The remaining floors are said to be in good condition. The rear tail-light panel has been replaced, but this is currently only tacked in place. There is a new right-rear quarter panel included. The buyer will also receive a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, and a complete rubber kit. The glass is all in good condition, and all of the trim and lights are present.

The Camaro is said to be complete, although the engine and transmission have been removed from the car. It is a roller, so it should be able to be loaded onto a trailer relatively easily. The vehicle comes equipped with a 327ci V8, Powerglide transmission, and power steering. This is the 2-barrel version of the 327, producing 210hp. This provided the Camaro with competent levels of performance. However, extracting some extra horses is an easy task with these engines. The owner is pretty candid about the state of the Camaro’s engine and transmission. He says that both are in desperate need of a full rebuild. I would be very tempted to rebuild the 327, add an improved carburetor, intake, camshaft, and exhaust, and then ditch the Powerglide in favor of a 4-speed. That would unlock some performance improvements, and would not be an expensive process.

Once again, the interior appearance of the Camaro is set to deceive you. The original rear seat is present and is said to be in good condition. For those who are a bit concerned about the bare state inside the car, you don’t have much to worry about. Included in the sale is a new headliner, along with new door trims, a matching set of rear trims, sail panels, fresh kick panels, new covers for the existing front seats, and a new carpet set. The dash is complete, although the pad is cracked. The original radio is missing, but this might only be a concern for someone undertaking a faithful restoration. Otherwise, a vintage-look aftermarket stereo might be a wise investment.

It would be extremely tempting to treat this 1968 Camaro to a faithful restoration and to return it to its original shade of Butternut Yellow. If someone buys the vehicle and follows this path, then that would be completely understandable. I would be tempted to refurbish it and apply a new coat of LeMans Blue because I feel that it is a color that suits the Camaro well. I would perform some mild upgrades to the drivetrain in a bid to liberate a few more ponies. I think that this would make it a rewarding and civilized vehicle that could be lived with on a daily basis. Of course, that’s just my opinion. Your ideas might be completely different, and it is this diversity that makes the classic car scene so exciting.