We always appreciate reader input at Barn Finds. Whether through your comments and feedback or the leads you forward, we genuinely welcome your contributions. So, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pnuts for spotting this beautiful 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396. It presents superbly following a comprehensive refresh, and the engine bay houses its original big-block. The seller has listed this stunning classic here on Facebook Marketplace in Louisville, Kentucky, with a firm price of $59,500.
After its successful 1967 launch, Chevrolet only made relatively minor changes to its First Generation Camaro in 1968. Side marker lights appeared, while the company tweaked the grille and taillights. However, the front vent windows disappeared as the company introduced its more efficient Astro Ventilation system. This Camaro rolled off the line that year, ordered by its first owner in LeMans Blue with a White vinyl top and matching stripes. As the RS variant, it also features the distinctive grille with concealed headlights. The seller states that it has undergone a frame-up restoration, and the Camaro’s presentation suggests it has been protected from the elements since the build ended. The paint has impressive depth and shine, and the vinyl looks clean. The seller says that the car has spent its life in dry locations, protecting it from the rust that sometimes plagues these classics. The stripes are crisp, and the trim and glass look excellent. Some classics blend into the background, but this SS is designed to turn heads.
Some readers will welcome the news that this Camaro is numbers-matching, because that characteristic maximizes the car’s future investment potential. It features a 396ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The big-block should produce a factory-rated 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, making the Camaro a genuinely fast pony car that could hold its own at any “Traffic Light Grand Prix.” The engine bay is extremely clean, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller says the Camaro runs and drives extremely well, raising the prospect that the buyer could fly in and build a relationship with the SS as they drive it home.
The positive vibes continue inside this Camaro. Trimmed in Parchment vinyl, its interior features air conditioning, a retro-style stereo, and the $42.15 folding rear seat chosen by 7,384 Camaro buyers. Overall, it is extremely tidy, with no major cosmetic shortcomings. The poor image quality and the inherent difficulty of photographing Parchment trim make it hard to determine whether there are any marks or stains. Still, there appear to be no glaring problems. The dash and pad are excellent, and the carpet has no issues. If you consider it purely as a driver-grade classic, the interior comfortably passes muster.
The seller is candid when assessing this 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396. He admits that, as an older car, there is always something to do. However, working on a classic of this caliber would be a pleasure, and the indications suggest there are no major issues. It looks like the new owner can slip behind the wheel immediately and revel in the driving pleasure only a Chevrolet big-block delivers. The Camaro has only been on the market for a short time, but do you think it will find a new home quickly? I would understand if you want that new home to be yours.
In the late 1970s, locally there was a nearly identical optioned Camaro with a special paint color that I never saw on another Camaro. It was apparently a former dealer demo so it had virtually every option installed. I always wondered what it would be worth today and this car is a good proxy. Thanks for featuring it.
Big block brute, in a somewhat subdued package. 😎
This Camaro has the rare fiber optic light monitors (marketed as ‘Vigilite’) shown on the front fenders. There is no direct shot of the rear one on the back of the package shelf. It’s there, you can see it in the first picture above, just behind the quarter window chrome…look beyond it and you’ll see it. Neat option.
We have a ’69 in LeMans Blue. I was telling the wife about the French pronunciation vs. the anglicized version of the name of the color (La*Ma vs. La*Monz) and she looked at me like…well, you know – that look.
This is a well optioned car for the cheddar the seller is asking. The a/c and AIR system is in place. BBC, auto, a/c, p/s, p/b, SS/RS. Damn shame I wasn’t in the market for a gen1 Camaro.
Listing show “no longer available”.
It’s a nice looking car. If the pictures shown in this write up match its condition it wouldn’t be surprising if it sold.
Steve R
Back when I was younger and foolish I tangled with a few BB Camaros at street lights. In a straight line they almost always messed with my SB Stang, but they also had a hard time keeping them in a straight line if they had to suddenly hit the brakes for the next light down the line. My much more balanced car never had such problems, and on a twisty road, always drove away from a front heavy BB car.
Thanks for the article Adam and the find Pnuts, always up for a gen 1 Camaro! Beautiful SS Camaro I know of 2 local 68 SS396 Camaros both automatics. Green/ gold w/ houndstooth and triple black. It seems that there are/ were a lot more 396 automatic than 350 autos out there. The majority of the 350s were 4 speeds. I could be wrong. My SS350 4 speed would definitely hold it’s own with the stock big blocks back in the day.