One Owner Survivor: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

This 1968 Camaro might not be a fire-breathing, big-block equipped classic. However, for serious enthusiasts, it still has to tick a lot of the right boxes. This is a one-owner classic that is completely original, unmolested, and rust-free. It also appears that the owner knew exactly what he wanted from his Camaro because it was ordered with some interesting optional equipment. After 52-years of ownership, the time has come for the Camaro to move on to a new home. It is located in Glendale, Arizona, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can drive this survivor home by handing the owner $37,000. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting this classic for us.

It appears that the seller of this Camaro is offering it for sale on behalf of his grandfather. He refers to the paint color as being Marina Blue, but I’m not sure that this is correct. I tend to think that it is finished in Tripoli Turquoise, but I’m happy to be corrected on that. The important fact here is that the Camaro is said to be completely rust-free. It has been garage-kept for its entire life, and there are no external rust issues visible. All of the regular spots like the rockers and lower rear quarter panels appear to be clean, which augers well for the next owner. The panels are laser-straight, and while the paint is beginning to show some minor patchiness in areas like the deck lid, it still holds an impressive shine. The rear bumper has a slight bend in it, but I suspect that a good panel shop might be able to tweak this back into shape. The remaining trim appears to be in good condition, while there are no obvious issues with the glass.

The original owner obviously wanted his Camaro to deliver some performance, but to still remain civilized. To that end, we find that it comes equipped with the base-spec 327ci V8, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This V8 would pack 210hp, which is enough to allow the vehicle to gallop through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. It might not be muscle car territory, but that remains a respectable figure. This is a numbers-matching car, and the drivetrain has remained untouched since new. The presentation of the engine bay is extremely impressive for an original classic of this vintage. However, it isn’t all about the appearance in this case. The seller says that this is a car that is turn-key, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately.

If one area of the Camaro could be described as faultless, then it would have to be the interior. There is a lot to like inside this classic, and that starts with its overall condition. The upholstered surfaces look to be in fantastic condition, with no obvious signs of wear, fading, cracking, or significant wrinkling. The dash is unmolested, and the pad shows no signs of cracks. Even the carpet appears to be free from wear and fading, which is impressive in a vehicle of this age. Once again, the original owner appears to have known what he wanted from his Camaro. As well as the custom interior trim, we find a console with a full complement of factory gauges. The dash cluster includes a Tic-Toc-Tach, while a tilt wheel allows the driver to get truly comfortable. In addition, the Camaro is equipped with its factory AM radio, but the icing on the cake is the factory air conditioning.

When I look at this 1968 Camaro, what I see is an original classic that can be driven and enjoyed immediately. It does have a few flaws, but these are minor. Some people might be tempted to undertake a light cosmetic restoration, but apart from tweaking the rear bumper, I would leave it untouched. Finding original Camaros in this sort of condition is not unprecedented. It just isn’t as common as finding nicely restored examples. I like the fact that the owner appears to have known exactly what he wanted when he ordered the car, and I admit that I will envy the new owner. The question is, am I going to be envying you?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. poseurMember

    what a beauty!
    fave color on these first gen Chevy F-bodies.
    such a drag a hi-po 327 never made the engine list.
    this 327 was barely better than the 307 option though.
    what would an L79 have done on the street?
    high-revving small blocks kick butt

    Like 3
  2. PaulG

    Nice Camaro, could be Marina Blue. It would be nice if the seller photographed the trim tag.
    I’m inclined to believe this had to be special with this interior color…pretty “different”.

    Like 4
  3. 370zpp 370zpp

    Straighten out that back bumper and enjoy. Needs nothing.

    Like 8
  4. Mike1955

    Those rear bumper guards are huge? Are those factory or aftermarket? Is the rear deck lid bent a little? Drooling for this little car!

    Like 7
  5. Dave

    What a perfect set up. These plainer firebirds and camaros with sticks and smaller engines; 6 or 8, are worth every penny. This one has factory A/C to boot. I would love to own something like this.

    Like 9
  6. bone

    Beautiful looking car, but an odd color combo IMO. Turquoise with a green/gold interior ? Maybe it was a special order .

    Like 0
  7. TimM

    Really a well taken care of machine!! 327 and a 4 speed makes the car!! However I do have a period correct 396 sitting on an engine stand in my shop!! It is tempting but it truely is nice just the way it is!!!

    Like 2
  8. JoeNYWF64

    I thought only z28’s got JUST REAR bumper guards.
    Not sure if dash pad is original – appears darker – could be armor all or the lighting.
    4 wheel manual drums with v8 & a/c – no thanks lol.
    Those door armrests & trunk gasket are orig & not cracked?!
    Not sure if ashtray should be woodgrain too.
    Cigar lighter not stock.
    That kewl optional big stainless trim on top of doors & continued under side quarter windows oddly was not avail in ’69. The trim on the driver’s door & quarter panel do not meet up evenly.

    Like 1
    • Roy Blankenship

      I would hate to be your kid.

      Like 11
  9. Buffalo Bob

    Looks like it has Cali emissions. Is that a smog pump, or am I mistaken?

    Like 3
    • jerry z

      That is a smog pump right in the front! My ’68 Camaro had a smog pump too. California only.

      Like 0
  10. John P.

    I find the claims that this car is completely original and unmolested hard to believe, though I don’t consider a restoration being a molestation. That engine bay seems way too clean to be the engine bay of a 52 year old car. Granted I didn’t see any mention of the mileage. To me, when stating a car is “completely” original it’s a car that has not been restored. Great car irregardless.

    Like 0
    • 70SuperSport

      I agree. The near gloss of the valve covers and air cleaner are a bit too nice to not have been re-painted. I’m not knocking the car. Being original can also mean it was rebuilt to stock specs.

      Calling it an “SS interior” I don’t think is correct, rather Deluxe is.

      Like 1
  11. Michael Hunt

    Protect-O-Plate looks like a KK code, which appears to be Tripoli Turquoise.

    Like 0
  12. hank

    To think my Mom had a 68 Rally Sport, 327-Powerglide, gauge console, tic-toc-tach, black/white houndstooth interior and best of all super rare Corvette Bronze paint with a hockey stick black stripe and black vinyl roof! I still remember the CA black and gold license plate, “WPZ 787” :)

    Like 0
  13. Jay

    3700 new

    37000 now

    Amazing car

    Like 2
  14. Bob

    Craig’s listing gone. Probably been sold! Nice car……

    Like 0
  15. 68custom

    Beautiful car the only boxes he forgot to check were for the L30/M20 combo with the included 12 bolt rear and Disc brakes. for some interesting read do a web search on 68 camaro L30/M22!

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds