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No Reserve Driver: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS 396

While it might not be completely original, this 1968 Camaro SS/RS is a solid and clean vehicle that could easily be used as a daily driver. The next owner could choose to leave it as it is, or the current owner does offer some options that could really bring the car to life. Located in Rosemount, Minnesota, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $18,100 in what is a No Reserve auction.

The Camaro is a striking looking car finished in Matador Red with a Black vinyl top. The paint looks really good, which is hardly surprising given the fact that the Camaro received a repaint 5-years-ago. It isn’t clear whether the vinyl top is original, but it does appear to be in good condition. The Camaro has spent the majority of its life in Arizona, and this is evident by the lack of rust issues with the car. It looks really clean and solid, and my theory is that if there are no signs of rust appearing after 5-years, then that is a fairly reassuring sign that the preparation and repaint were completed to a decent standard. Whilst there are no photos of the underside of the car, there are photos of the trunk, and it looks pretty good. Included in the sale is the vinyl stripe kit, and the new owner can choose to have these laid on the car or to leave it as it is.

As someone who has had to deal with automotive electrical issues in the past, I really hate to see random wires floating around inside a car, and there are a few of them inside the Camaro. These detract from what is a pretty reasonable looking black interior. I believe that all of the trim is original, and after the wires, the next thing that I noticed is how little the Arizona sun has hurt the car’s interior. The dash and pad are in remarkable condition, as is the floor console. This features the great gauge cluster, and the inclusion of a Tic-Toc-Tach in the dash is also a plus. The vinyl on the front seats is slightly stretched, and there is also some minor fading on the carpet. However, given the fact that all of this is claimed to be original, it would be tempting to leave it as is.

Now we get to the part of the story where we have a bit of bad news. This Camaro is not a numbers-matching car. Although he doesn’t actually appear to be 100% sure of this, the owner believes that the Camaro started life with a 396ci L78 V8 and automatic transmission under the hood. These are both long gone, and in their place you will find a 283ci V8 and a TH400 automatic transmission. The Camaro also features power steering, and factory power front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers. The car runs and drives really well, which is positive. Stepping down from a 396 to a 283 is a real blow, but the owner does offer an option that might be worth considering (depending on price). His intention was to remove the existing engine, and to slot in a 383 stroker motor, a 2400 torque converter, and a 3″ exhaust. He actually has all of this equipment ready to go, and the buyer could also purchase these at an additional cost. He doesn’t specify what this cost will be, but it would definitely be something to consider.

In my humble opinion, the earliest versions of the pony cars were the best looking examples of their vehicle type, and the 1968 Camaro is no exception. They were clean and crisp, lean and mean, and looked like they meant business. The fact that this one isn’t a numbers-matching car is a blow, but that leaves the next owner to investigate a few options if they want to extract more performance from the vehicle. If you bought this one, would you investigate the option that the owner has on offer, or do you have other ideas to really get this car up and moving?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rx-7 TurboII

    “In my humble opinion, the earliest versions of the pony cars were the best looking examples of their vehicle type, and the 1968 Camaro is no exception”

    Wait, huh? I thought Mustangs were the Pony cars, what did I miss?

    Oh and this car is gorgeous!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      The Camaro, Challenger, and many others that completed directly against the Mustang are considered “pony” cars.

      Like 8
  2. Avatar TimM

    This is a stunning car with no rust and good paint!! I can say however it is a disappointment not to have the original 396 under the hood!! Still a good looking example!!!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Troy s

    For me it’s okay if it’s not numbers matching, not my thing, but a …….283? Nothing against that particular engine but a non matching 427 would have been more interesting. Probably more expensive too. Still a good looking ride.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Boatman Member

    Yes, the dash pad is in remarkable condition, with a carpet cover on it!

    Like 2
  5. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I wonder if the power robbing turbo 400 is too much for a short stroke 283.
    Perhaps a lightwt minimal power robbing/carry out under one’s arm powerglide would be better?, tho u better not downshift manually at >45 or 50 mph lol.
    Odd they did not continue for ’69 camaro the optional thick ’68 camaro stainless trim where the side windows start – similar to what’s on the ’68 buick riviera!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar On and On Member

    And why wouldn’t someone go back to the original set-up with a correct 396/Auto?

    Like 5
  7. Avatar David Mika Member

    We popped a 383 stroker in a customer’s truck – it does not disappoint.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Roy Blankenship

    The L78 with an automatic was not available until ’69. This car has a Powerglide indicator plate in it. All of us here know that if you want real money for your car, you don’t leave wires laying around under the dash.

    Like 4
  9. Avatar DAVID KENIRY

    😲 I HAVE 70 396 4 BOLT, OPEN
    CHAMBER
    SQUARE PORT 885 HEAD’S, FORGED
    CRANK, ROD’S, 101/2 PISTON’S,
    ARP, HEAD & MAIN STUD’S, DECKED
    B&Bd. PRIMED NOT FIRED😎

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Paul

    Beautiful car…although for some reason I always like these cars better without the rear spoiler.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar John Oliveri

    I’m sure we can find a nice 427 somewhere just to keep things rite, lil under dash 8 track and Tommy James and the Shondells, Crystal blue persuasion anyone?

    Like 2
  12. Avatar Del

    Did the writer say “use as daily driver” ?

    Does he have any idea what gas costs would be ?

    Snort. yeah, daily driver sure

    Like 1

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