No Reserve Garage Find: 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

Until recently, this 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 350 had two claims to fame. The first is that it had been part of the same family since the day it left the showroom floor. The second is that it has just emerged from a three-decade hibernation. It runs and drives, needing further work to achieve a roadworthy state. It retains its numbers-matching 350ci V8, and the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve increases its appeal. They have listed the Camaro here on eBay in Artesia, California. Bidding currently sits at $18,600 in what is a winner-takes-all auction.

The original owner purchased this Camaro from a local dealership in Los Angeles in 1972. He used the car regularly, surprising his son in 1978 by handing him the keys. The son enjoyed all that this classic offered until 1993, when he parked it in his father’s mechanical shop. It only recently emerged, and the extended hibernation hasn’t done it any real harm. The seller treated the car to a basic wash, and it presents significantly better than it did when it emerged from hiding. It is worth noting that the existing paint and vinyl top combination isn’t original, because the Cowl Tag confirms the Camaro left the line wearing dazzling Flame Orange with a Light Tan vinyl top. It appears the son wasn’t a fan of that shade, treating the car to a pretty thorough change. The SS would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, and many potential buyers would probably adopt a faithful process. The good news is that life in a dry climate has protected the Camaro from the ravages of rust. The exterior has a small patchable spot on the passenger-side lower front fender, while the floors and the trunk pan are rock-solid. The trim looks comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the tinted glass is clear.

The paint shade isn’t the only change made by the second owner. Originally trimmed in Light Tan, it was retrimmed in Black vinyl. It still looks surprisingly good, with only a few cosmetic shortcomings. The rear parcel tray has a split, and I think that the driver’s door trim exhibits slight deterioration. Otherwise, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage. The dash looks good, the pad is crack-free, and there is no crumbling plastic. The second owner added an AM/FM radio/cassette player and a graphic equalizer, while the first owner ordered the car with a console and air conditioning.

Powering this Camaro is its numbers-matching 350ci V8. The car also features a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The small-block was still a reasonable weapon in the face of tightening emissions regulations, with Chevrolet quoting power and torque figures of 200hp and 300 ft/lbs. The seller confirms the motor’s originality, but indicates that the revival included swapping the transmission. It is unclear whether they will throw in the original unit, but that’s a question worth asking. They worked through a thorough revival process, replacing the fuel tank, sender unit, fuel pump, water pump, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, radiator, and front brake hoses and master cylinder. They flushed and replaced the fluids, confirming that the SS runs and drives. It requires further work before the new owner would consider it roadworthy, but they will commence that process from a sound base.

The listing statistics demonstrate the interest this 1972 Camaro RS/SS has generated since it hit the market. The bid tally of eleven is healthy, but the Watch List figure of eighty is pretty impressive. The No Reserve factor means the highest bidder is guaranteed to take this Camaro home, suggesting the action will intensify in the final hours. What do you feel would be a fair price for this SS? Are you tempted to join the party? I wish you luck if you do.