When I first spied this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro I immediately thought of a guy that I knew my freshman year of college. He was a friend of a friend and had a very clean ’68 Camaro identical to this car. There were no mods, besides headers, which were connected to the stock exhaust system, and no hacking, cutting, spring shackles, hood scoops, oversized tires, or steam-gauge-sized tachometers, just a very nice basic, white Camaro Sports Coupe. This very refreshing find is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is available, here on craigslist for $38,500. Thanks are due to T.J. for this discovery.
Most Camaro attention goes to Super Sport or Z28 models, with less interest directed to these base model coupes but that’s where the sales action was as about 90% sold in ’68 were Sports Coupes such as our subject car. This example claims 74K original miles and it shows as new. There’s no evidence of rust or crash damage and the Ermine White finish looks like ’68 all over again. Nothing is said about the paint’s originality though the seller claims that this is an “unrestored” car. Ditto the black vinyl top – no complaints there! Chevrolet’s well-known rally wheels often seem done to death, but in this case, they belong just as they are. They were a ’68 option and these are sized and offset as they’re supposed to be.
Standard V8 power was a 210 gross HP, 327 CI V8 and that’s what’s occupying the engine room. It’s an adequate performer but not a world-beater – unfortunately, the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission doesn’t help with the cause. No reference is made regarding running or driving characteristics.
The black vinyl bucket seat interior is pleasant in its simplicity and appears to be in nice shape with just a bit of wear observed on the driver’s seat bottom. The door panels and headliner check out and the seller claims that the carpet is original – amazing really as black nylon loop carpet has a tendency to turn brown with age. The one-year-only steering wheel in this Camaro was also shared with the Chevelle, El Camino, Nova, and full-size model (Impala/Caprice) and I think this is the first one that I have encountered that doesn’t have a chunk missing out of it. The horseshoe, inverted U, or basket handle gear selector, whichever descriptor you choose, made its debut in ’68 and continued through the ’72 model year.
It’s nice to find a first-gen Camaro that is unmolested, unrusted, straight, and original, and the non-muscle-car aspect of this Camaro is a refreshing deviation. What’s not however is its price. This is a very nice Camaro but it’s not $38,500 worth of nice would be my assessment, how about yours?
I’ve owned two Camaros with 210 hp power glides and that is plenty. Drove them as dailies for years, good mileage and performance. If I were looking for an early Camaro I would pay that for this car. Detailing would make this look much better.
To each their Own. I like having the option and cars are MUCH faster and more powerful today so I don’t know about the government’s Overreach. Give me a 4spd BB Chevy with 4.10 gears drinking 110 Leaded octane ANY Day
When did the “Government” step in? You can still buy a 650 HP Corvette and until last year, an 800 HP Charger/Challenger. And the new Chargers, though being electric, will still have 5-600 HP capability. Heck, even a new Nissan Frontier pickup is good for 310 HP. As for Dodge, no one made them discontinue such models, they did it of their own volition.
It’s not about the car, it’s about idiot drivers, like the ones today piloting a 230 HP minivan with a cellphone planted right in front of their fat head.
JO
It’s about 1000 times easier today for an 18 y.o. kid to get his hands on 400 hp than it was in 1970.
Let’s leave politics out of the discussion. There’s no place for it here.
JO
Meet you in Lancaster Pa in your horse and buggy driving my Scat Pack Challenger
Ok Ralph who do you think you are? Without the help of others like yourself, we now have the choice of 300-? HP automobiles, that are safer and handle better than ever, not to mention gas mileage that’s higher than ever! You want crazy? Take a look at some of the EV’s, that are quicker and faster than a pro stock from the 70’s, but still only cover about the same distance to empty, but take an all you can eat no time limit buffet to refill.
The ’70s 2nd gen pontiac t/a handles very good & has quick steering & decent brakes.
I do not like that u can’t get a modern base camaro or mustang with a cheaper to buy & insure 175-200hp motor, let alone having leg room for 2 in the back seat, like the ’60s & ’70s ones did.
I’ve seen some ’68s & the trunk floor ain’t painted like that – maybe because there were 2 plants far from each other making these cars slightly different?
I doubt this car was driven or even sat out in bad weather – or even sat out in the hot sun for long. Or ran errands – if there are no door dents/dings.
I’m guessing that gas cap seals better than the orig worn out std fact one – or at least better than a new poorly made overseas repro fact std one.
I think the trunk pan has been replaced. There should be a mount for the spare tire on the passenger side welded to the floor. Its not there and replacement panels don’t come with them. If that’s been replaced what other rust repair has been done. It’s a nice car, but if you are paying a premium for an unrestored “original” car it should be. If interested a potential buyer would be wise to go over this car with a fine tooth comb.
Steve R
The bracket for the spare is about 4″ from the 2 upper groves in the pan. It is barely visible in the shadow. I still own my 67 Camaro which I purchased new in Beaver Falls, PA The trunk looks original to me.
Thank you for the clarification.
Steve R
For that kind of money I would expect a lot more pictures, especially from underneath.
$38,500? No way!
Going to have to up this one, looked at a 67 factory 427 convertible Camaro back about 22 years ago and nicer than this one. It was blue with white top and interior. Owner had been offered $35,000 back then and turned it down.
As a 327/PG car, it’s overpriced. But I’d still rather have this one for $38K than that Bluesmobile for $30K.
I agree that they are overpriced. 350/4.speed maybe. As for all the crazy talk above. I got my driver’s license in 1966 and bought a ’64 283/4 speed Nova 6 months later that would shadow a GTO or a 442 up to 100 mph. What a time to be alive! Those days are some of my favorite memories.
A friend had one just like this only blue when I was in 12th grade. Super nice like this one. Hauling butt down 7th east, (about 80 m.p.h.) someone stepped out in front of him. Swerved to miss them and took out a bus stop and came to rest against a telephone pole. “HARD!” Luckily he was wearing a seat belt and no one was hurt but needless to say his Camaro was no more. Sad day but happened all to often and unfortunately still does.
Give us a break, “King” better yet, find another place better suited for your beliefs, and please leave politics out of this.
Add a retro Vintage Air kit and a rear spoiler, then it would be perfect! Perfect if you want to spend that kind of money that is. Not going to say it’s over priced, but I remember these cars bringing $2500 on the used lots….but that was a few years back!
The cars aren’t worth more now, it’s our dollar is worth so much less. I remember my Dad and Uncles talking about filling up for $2 and riding all weekend, now $2 won’t even crank one!
I’ve got a ton less in a big block. C2 Corvette, why does everybody think they’re basic cars are worth the premium when they’re not., too many 200,000 production vehicles being touted as rare and valuable
The king has left the barn..lol
The king has left the ban with his politics in hand. Next time talk about whats at hand..
My first car I owned was a 68 camaro very similar to this. Only difference was I had a floor shifted 3 speed. The 210hp 327 was a great little engine. All it took was an “RV” cam and a set of Whitlock headers with 2 thrush glass packs and the 327 was a real screamer.
At least that’s how I recall it, 47 years ago.
I’m not a Chevy guy, ,but this I wouldn’t mind cruising around in !!