The seller claims that this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 Convertible has been meticulously preserved, suggesting that its paint is original. If that is accurate, its presentation will draw praise from enthusiasts focused on genuine survivors. The big-block hiding under the hood ensures that this classic doesn’t just look good, but has the muscle to back its appearance. The SS has generated significant interest since being listed here on eBay in Hudson, New York. However, this hasn’t equated to a high price at this point, with bidding sitting below the reserve at $7,433.
I am going to admit a touch of bias because I believe that Tripoli Turquoise is one of the nicest shades on the 1968 Camaro palette. It is an almost timeless color that wouldn’t look out of place on modern cars. The seller suggests that the paint on this Convertible is original, although they also state that it underwent a partial restoration in the mid-1980s. The listing is slightly vague and open to interpretation. It presents nicely, with a deep shine, and no significant flaws. The contrasting White stripes are crisp, complimenting the soft-top that fits as tight as a drum. This SS has a garage-kept history and has never seen snow or salt. That has allowed it to remain rust-free, which is a significant consideration for those unable to tackle a project. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the Rally wheels.
The vagaries of this Camaro continue when we focus on its mechanical configuration. Lifting the hood reveals a 396ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The big-block is the L35 variant delivering 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The 396 adds around 170 lbs over the front wheels when compared to the small-block version. However, it can still storm the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds on its way to 129mph. If you climb aboard this baby wearing a wig, you’d best make sure it is securely attached. Embarrassment awaits anyone who fails to do so! As with the paint, it is unclear whether this SS is mechanically original. The seller confirms it sports headers, electronic ignition, and a rebuilt Rochester carburetor. The 1980s partial restoration included rebuilds for the engine and transmission, and meticulous maintenance ensures it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Aftermarket gauges and upgraded stereos are common sights in classics of this vintage, and this Camaro is no exception. However, reversing those changes should be straightforward since nothing has been cut during the installation. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces exhibit no evidence of distress, while the dash, pad, console, and carpet are spotless. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and hitting the road with the top down won’t cause this car’s new owner to feel ashamed of its condition.
This 1968 Camaro SS 396 Convertible promises good looks and a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. If it is a genuine survivor wearing its original paint, its overall condition is noteworthy. That begs the question of where the bidding might head before the hammer falls. Recent successful sales suggest that $60,000 would be a modest estimate and that a higher figure could be within reach. What do you feel would be a fair price for this slice of American automotive history?
I graduated HS in 1969. Guys who owned these types of cars were considered ‘rich kids’. Yes I was jealous, who wouldn’t be at 18. I still like the car today.
My best friend’s older brother bought a white one, new in 1968… yes they were well-to-do- rich not sure- house on the water so maybe so- dad made parts for 747 engines at his shop. Considering the guys grades , it was scary driving with him.
Good looking car, but I don’t buy the original paint suggestion. Rear tail pan on an SS396 Camaro was black, not body color, from the factory.
Also, they don’t REALLY say it is THE original paint in the ad. They say:
“showcases its original 1968 Tripoli Turquoise Poly paint COLOR”
I would take that as a car salesman’s slippery way to say it has been REPAINTED in the original color.
Paint? Z2 code on the cowl tag is British Green with a black convertible top. Tripoli Turquoise is code K. Obviously repainted. I also question if the 396 is original… the ad simply says “This Camaro is powered by a 325HP big block 396 engine” The car is being sold by a dealer, complete with the dealer-speak description. At the end of the day, it is still a nice appearing car!
Good point! I didn’t even look at the trim tag pic in the auction! I messaged the Seller about that, let’s see if they change the description ….
When I see a ’68 Camaro without stainless rocker trim, I wonder if the holes were filled with metal or bondo.
Also, it may be my old eyes, but the dash looks like it has been recovered.
It’s a nice car but at the money they attract, I’d want to know what I’m getting.
car is worth double, easily.
Without even looking closely, one glaring issue would lead me to believe the car has been repainted – inner fenders, inside engine compartment, should be painted body color. Why, if the paint was original would you paint them black like the inside of the engine compartment? That makes little sense to me. Only the lip is still painted body color, which was common to see during a repaint when the fenders were not removed from the car. Plus, the depth of paint looks far more like base coat/ clear coat, not lacquer.
I don’t get what your saying about the inner fenders,gm didn’t paint the inner fenders to match the color of the car they were always black!
That’s correct, but maybe Mike meant the upper portion of the fenders, under the hood. They should be body color, but on this car they are painted black.
Sorry Mike, the original paint is not lacquer.
And I too am not quite sure what it is you are speaking of about the engine compartment and the fender(s)..
Anyway,..
You are incorrect. Chevrolet used only lacquer paint on their passenger car bodies from at least 1955 through at least 1980.
Billy i think he’s referring to the inner fender wells. Base/clear was 2 stage. Lacquer was a one stage. Jeffschevelle is correct.
During the summer of 1967, between my sophomore and junior years in college, I was working part-time at Long Chevrolet in Lake Forest, Ill. One Saturday I was dispatched to take a Chevelle on a dealer trade to Elgin, Ill and pick up a 67 Camaro convertible and drive it back to Lake Forest. It was a similar blue to this one, with I seem to recall white inserts in the hood, covered headlights (RS/SS?), white top and interior, 327 with a 4 speed. The top was down with the tonneau cover on and the speedometer disconnected. 19 years old, no speedo, top down driving back….boy was I careful to stay with the other cars’ speeds, but it was a joyful trip for sure.
Nice car and pretty desirable. That being said, I don’t believe that it is a 60K example. It appears to be semi-survivor that has been pretty well taken care of, but I think the ceiling is probably closer to 40K. Love the Super Sun tach but it is covering up some fairly important gauges, like the fuel gauge. The truth of the matter is that I would love to own this car. I live about 40 miles from Sedona, and this would be pretty cool to zip up there in on a summer afternoon.
Car is in Hudson, NY with a broker from the mid-west selling it. Plenty of questions here and why someone has bid this thing up to nearly 30K is beyond any logical thinking unless he looked at it in person. Camaro prices are just insane. Look at Mecum results. $30,000 plus for a 77 Z28 with a 150 hp engine and zero options. C’mon.