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Real RS / SS! 1968 Camaro Project

Most classic muscle enthusiasts know the grille-mounted “SS” badge and rollover headlights on this Camaro indicate both “RS” and “SS” packages graced the factory order. This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS / SS in Bonita, California doesn’t just look the part; the listing here on craigslist.org describes documentation from the car’s original sale listing the VIN and both packages. This is no turn-key driver; it needs attention everywhere you look, but the highly sought and often-imitated RS / SS will surely test the depth of potential buyers’ pockets. While a Mopar of similar pedigree would pump up the insanity, this once-sweet Chevy can be yours for a comparably sane $12,500. Thanks to reader Ikey H. for spotting this rusty gem.

Even before I could drive, I could recognize an RS / SS Camaro, and knew to examine the engine size callout on the front fenders, either the base “350” or the mighty big block “396.” Hagerty.com rates the RS with SS combination as +25% value booster.

The original 350 cid (5.7L) block remains, though the factory cylinder heads are gone. This and other missing parts torpedo dreams of a low-budget nearly all-original restoration. Patience, resourcefulness, and a big budget can get you close, though. “Correct date-coded shock-absorber nuts? Name your price!” Pervasive rust suggests long storage outdoors and/or on a natural surface.

Of all the cars to need a complete overhaul, the first-generation Camaro probably rates near the top for easy-to-find replacement parts. Some of this stuff might clean up, but anything not practically perfect should probably be replaced.

Some prefer the edgier styling on the one-year-only 1969 Camaro stampings, but others like the simpler smoother lines of the ’67-’68. Both answer the call for a small car that extends the punching power of every horse under the hood. Whether setup for drag racing, road-racing, or a factory-perfect investment-quality restoration, it’s hard to go wrong with a first-gen Camaro, especially if the RS / SS provenance checks out. The seller hasn’t gone through “all the boxes,” so you might get lucky with some RS / SS bits, or a brick of heroin. Right then; Camaro fans:  who’s got $12,500 for this mixed-bag RS / SS?

Comments

  1. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Wonder if you would get a ticket back then in the old days w/o a front bumper on 1 of these. The factory front bumper is not very heavy, compared to the 1 on the firebird.
    Why would Chevy offer a 12 bolt rear with the 350 motor?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rik

      The 12 bolt was part of the SS package, whether 350 or 396.

      Like 7
  2. Avatar H5mind

    I always thought the1968 Camaro model body tag didn’t say which options they had, which is why there are more 68 RS/SS today than the factory built?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Paul

      You are correct the 68’s did not show much ….Neither did the early 69’s…the later 69’s showed much more of what the car was.

      The most information was found on the 67 trim tags

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Steve R

    This car looks familiar, I think it was featured on this site a few months ago.

    Steve R

    Like 1

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