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Real Deal: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible

With the market flooded with clones, the owner of this 1968 Camaro Convertible emphasizes that it is a genuine RS. It is largely unmolested, and its rock-solid nature and tidy presentation mean a new owner could enjoy this beauty in the long term as a driver-quality classic. There are a few minor cosmetic issues, but nothing representing a significant investment. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Monrovia, California. They set their price at $44,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this tidy Convertible.

The seller is candid about this Camaro’s history, admitting it received a repaint in its original British Green in the 1980s. After more than thirty years, its overall condition suggests that the work was performed to a high standard because the car still presents well. The paint shines nicely, and any flaws or defects are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The White stripes are crisp and clean, but the body isn’t perfect. There is a dent on the leading edge of the hood on the driver’s side, and it looks like whatever inflicted it may have caused damage to the concealed headlight setup that is part of the RS package. The covers are misaligned and may require repairs to operate correctly. That is disappointing because it detracts from what is an otherwise impressive classic. The remaining panels and trim look excellent, but this Convertible’s lack of rust could be its strongest attribute. The floors look spotless, and the same is true of the trunk pan. The White soft-top fits tightly, and with those issues around the car’s front addressed, this would be a stunning driver-quality vehicle.

The numbers-matching 327ci V8 under the hood of this RS sends 210hp to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. Although this was the least potent V8 combination in the Camaro range in 1968, it could still propel the Convertible through the ¼ mile in 17 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph. It might not be muscle car territory, but dropping the top to appreciate the burble of a V8 would be pretty satisfying. This classic has been part of the same family since Day One, meaning they may hold evidence verifying the odometer reading of 72,000 miles. They say it runs and drives well, raising the possibility the new owner could fly in and drive it home.

This Camaro’s interior is where the new owner will probably spend the most money because it looks rough around the edges. The various supplied shots confirm the driver’s seat has splits, while there are gaping holes in the door trims where someone cut them to install speakers for the aftermarket radio/cassette player. With the carpet faded, the handle missing off the passenger door, and the woodgrain trim on the console lifting and peeling, the interior is bordering on requiring a total retrim. Kits retail for around $2,000, although they may not be the best answer. Trim pieces are readily available, and purchasing only what is genuinely required might reduce that figure. That is one of the joys of owning a classic because it can allow an owner to act as a detective.

I’ve always liked First Generation pony cars because they possess a purity that became diluted and, at times, lost with later models. This 1968 Camaro RS Convertible ticks the right boxes for me because any aftermarket changes are reversible for an enthusiast seeking complete originality. It presents well, and the lack of rust means it has no immediate needs. It isn’t perfect, but that is part of its attraction. The new owner can enjoy this beauty, safe in the knowledge that an errant stone won’t mar perfection. The seller’s price is heading toward the top end of what potential buyers might pay in the current market, and the issues with the hood and grille make me feel they might be overreaching. I believe they probably aren’t far off the mark, but do you agree?

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    I don’t remember Chevrolet offering ‘British Racing Green’ in 1968. Or, really,
    ever. Sequoia Green was offered, but the cowl tag says this was sprayed by the factory in ‘Inca Silver’. The left trunk lid support/hinge may show us just a tad of the original color (see pic above). The wheels are flaking where trim rings were mounted. I spy silver…
    I would save those door panels. Restore them as much as possible. That means putting speakers back in – when the doors are closed, they are less noticeable. Fixing the lower carpet strip can be achieved. The whole interior is dry and dirty. Bet you could dye the carpet.
    It may be nit-picking, but it can also leverage in negotiating the asking price.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Joe

      I own a ’68 Z28 British Racing Green…..paint code ZZ.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    Well, I must apologize, the Camaro websites say the Z code on the cowl tag IS British Green! It was added in January of ’68!
    My research shows Z as Silver. I wonder if the scrapes on the wheel show primer? Poor prep from the second paint job?

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Craig Baloga Member

    I like this Camaro, seems quite honest and original, with just enough things to sort for the new owner.

    Underside seems to be in really good nick, as well.

    After watching Barret-Jackson all week, the price seems fair as well, perhaps a bit strong.

    A great drop top for guilt free sunny day cruising! 👍🤓

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Dave

    Terrible job on the hockey stripe. It is wrong in soooo many ways. Hurts my brain. This car needs a lot of do and re-do to be a nice driver but has potential for someone who wants a cheaper 68 to make nicer.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Matt Murray

    Look at the dnt and rust on the driver’s side front valance?
    Hope the headlight cover doesn’t hit?

    Like 0
  6. Avatar JBD

    Looks to be a clean original RS vert. Pretty hard to find a clean honest G1 Camaro vert these days.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Melton Mooney

    Yall ever notice that a lot of early camaros barely made it to the striper in time while a lot of chargers, challengers, and superbees almost got completely past it? I guess that just shows that mopars are faster.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Melton Mooney

    Great car for taking a nap in the sun while you’re driving.

    2bbl 327 + powerglide = zzzzzz

    Like 1
    • Avatar 3Deuces

      I was the 2nd owner of a bone-stock ’68 Camaro RS convertible with the same drivetrain … not a screamer, but more than adequate for a car of this weight and size. Just my $.02

      Like 7
  9. Avatar Olsarge

    I may be the odd man out here, but, this car in nice condition is worth $44k and it needs at $20k to get it there. I’m a Chevy guy. I own 9. If this was an SS/RS 4-speed we’d be having an entirely different conversation.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar mick

    I’m guessing since no one brought it up I am incorrect thinking the RS package only came with the 275hp 327 and not the 210hp version?

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Olsarge

    I could be wrong, but as far as I know you could get the RS package on any engine, even the 6-cylinder.

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Melton Mooney

    RS was an appearance option, that was available with any driveline combination from 67 to 73.

    Like 3
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      Even with the 6 cylinder, 1970-1973? I have never seen one, let alone a ’69 RS with a ‘6, tho Chevy did make a few of THOSE ’69s.

      Like 1

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