This 1968 Camaro SS396 RS is shown in its natural state. I like it just the way it is. A close examination shows that this original California car is rust free and matching numbers. While the exterior shows its age the interior looks factory new. Located in Swisher, Iowa, the Camaro is listed here on eBay with 4 days remaining in the auction. We appreciate Patrick S bringing this car to our attention. The car is currently bid to $23,300 and the seller has listed a Buy It Now Price of $29,999.
The seller states that the Camaro still retains its number matching 396 cubic inch V8 engine that the factory installed back in 1967 when it left the factory as a 1968 model. The car is loaded with a number of options including power steering, power disc brakes, console and factory tachometer. The car was originally fitted with an automatic transmission but, at some point, the automatic transmission was traded out for a 4 speed transmission.
The green and gold interior has been replaced according to the seller. The Camaro is said to run and drive great. While the engine is original, it is said not to leak oil or other fluids. The front fenders of the car were replaced because the original fenders were dented. I bet it is a fun car to drive with lots of big block torque available at a low RPM.
The Camaro is equipped Rally wheels and new redline tires. The rear spoiler is a little chewed up but looks good on this Camaro RS. Pictures of the undercarriage indicate the floor pans and frame are solid. The glass looks good all the way around and the doors are said to shut firmly. The Camaro is still titled in California and the California black plates come with the car. This car could be driven as is or finished with a nice restoration.
Hmm–big block 4 speed, no rust (!!!) great driver in great original condition, might be worth somebody’s 30 large. Would love to rip thru the gears. Good luck and stay safe. Know what you are buying.
Cheers
GPC
Would like to know how the others feel about this thought please…like the car, like and remember how fierce these cars were back then. am trying to come to terms though with the insane explosion in the prices being asked. the argument that $3,500 in 1969 equals $35,000 in today’s money is just too hard for me to wrap my head around, as to me there are too many other forces and factors at work in the equation. I truly am looking and for years have been searching for a reasonably priced older vehicle, yet am still searching…Am I the only one? When considering the current market, maybe “just say No,” is the rational response, at least until folks get real again on what is a reasonable price. Thanks for the chance to comment.
I mean just going off inflation, $3500 in 1969 is roughly equal to $24,832 in 2020 monies. So it’s not really that big of a stretch.. Lets not look at the housing market.
…and people made $2-$3 an hour back then too, not $23-$25.
I’m with Bruce and David. I grew up in “the era” as well ..and had many cars that I can’t afford today. In 2008 I bought a Mustang GT. It started out as my daily driver and turned into the pleasure car that I intended. I’ve done the normal tweaks, intake, exhaust, suspension, etc.. and it is just a joy to drive, go to cruises, cruise in..If I had the time and money I would buy something vintage but this works for me. As far as a 3500 car going for 35K now, there is no formula. It depends on the car and a original bb camaro with original motor is going to go for big bucks.. it should, its a special car. There are other 3500 1968 cars that are not worth much at all. Its this Camaro, it is a real nice find and worth it.
Rich Mason, I understand where you’re coming from. I grew up with these cars and $3500 was a lot of money. I’ve owned dozens of driver quality Muscle-Cars that were just slightly more than an everyday Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, or MOPAR. PRICES HAVE exploded again so I decided to do the next, best , thing: Buy an 2006 GTO, A/C, nice power, customizable. I paid $19,000, 40K miles–everything works, very comfortable, decent stereo. It’s more comfortable on hot days, faster than all but the most extreme Muscle Cars, and if I wanted, could be made quicker. I may STILL find another “driver” old timey Muscle Car, but right now, I’ll have a S–T load of fun in this car, and read and remember my old AMXs, GTO, Scrambler/Rambler, Road Runner, Charger…
I agree 100%. I grew up with all the muscle cars in the late 60’s. I love them, but prefer to drive my 36k mile 2001 Mustang Bullitt. It is unique, low production, and I spiced it up with a Kenne Bell supercharger 12 years ago. It now has 406hp / 410tq at the rear wheels. It is reliable, air conditioned, and can still manage 25mpg on a trip. It could easily blow off most muscle cars from the 60’s. The only thing I miss is the lumpy idle of the old muscle cars. I still love and admire the old muscle cars, but at 70 years old I’ll keep the Bullitt.
Bruce
Well, the market determines the price. Simple as that. You can’t go back in time and get anything for what it used to sell for. If you were a seller, wouldn’t you want fair market value for what you have? If you are looking for a classic you might begin by identifying the car or cars you like. Determine the price range and affordability. Find the best example you can afford. Then get the money out of your pocket.
I had to come to grips with that too. The cars I wanted were just more than I wanted to pay for a “toy”, so i decided to buy something “modern”, for a lot less money, a 1995 and BMW convertible that had been babied, and enjoy! Works for me!
It is basic supply and demand. The older cars that are not totally rotted out are getting fewer and farther between. I bet ones you searched out “years ago” have gone up in value. Better pull the trigger soon.
YOU GUYS ALL FORGET when you compare yesterday cash to current. THE part you leave out NEW vs NEEDS restore so you care not in a legit compare old car rubber all turns to dust seals gaskets body bushings. I’m sorry I don’t get on board with the justifying the price.
Thanks to all for the input and thoughts. A point I neglected to make was that the money spent say in 1968 or 69 bought you a NEW fully functional automobile. As others have stated, the 30K classic today usually is an unrestored, non running, rusted, and may be non matching numbers, or missing any number of items or parts…so in reality you are not getting what you got back then new. As to the income of today vs. then, the of inflation of income is really besides the point. Everything does cost much more now, relatively speaking, but the cars today do not compare to the cars from 50 years ago. Technology advances have given us vehicles with more tech and safety today than was in the Apollo space program. So while they may still be called cars, in reality there is little in common, especially when safety and performance is considered.Yes, a selling price is determined by what the market will bear or pay for any vehicle, that is a fact of the market and demand. Yet to me it still does not justify the greed or motivation of those selling such cars. No insults intended, demand determines selling price, yet that alone does not justify 30K for an older, worn vehicle for most of us. I love the old ones, am old myself, not a crabby old man here, just trying to reconcile the cost to play vs the value for the buck. BTW my first car was a 1969 Superbee 383, hurst four speed, beautiful used car. Bought in 1974 for $500 of a dealers lot. Is it a $100K car now? No way, sorry but have to be honest and sincere about my perception of value. Thanks everyone, appreciate your thoughts and ideas. God bless.
Rich I agree 100& with your comments.
Rich, you have not added a nickel for rarity and the fact they are not rolling off the assembly line today. This is the driving force of the prices.
Population is growing constantly also, increasing demand.
I suggest you start looking at 4 door Impalas with a 6 banger. And do it quickly before you can’t afford a classic.
Sorry, pay it or don’t drive it.
Looks like a ton-o-fun!
It has new a interior,and a cheap respray over the original paint.She’s a “project” not a survivor .Wouldn’t it be awesome to pick this up from the long term owner BEFORE the flipper gets a hold of it ?
Rust-free??? I beg to differ…there’s a ton of rust on the roof, deck lid, and passenger-side quarter panel that can be easily spotted in that rear 3/4 pic. My guess is the front fenders were replaced not just because they were dented – they likely had rot in the dog legs. Seller claims it’s the original motor, but buyer beware that it’s not a restamped block. Hard pass at $30k for this pile of parts.
Looks like it was converted to a Rally Sport (RS). Every factory Rally Sport I’ve ever seen has the 3 piece rocker molding that follows the body line at the bottom of the door. Still a nice car if it’s a factory Super Sport (SS) car.
Now that you mention it, the best paint on the car is the taillight panel blackout .. . . hmmmm . . ..
A real RS should also have chrome trim caps on the door tops and quarter windows.
Why the blue paint where the weatherstripping would hit in the pic of the right door open. That door didn’t start out life this color. . . And the mess of tar at the front of the trunk floor???? I guess it is rust free because they aren’t charging for what is under there. Not the end of the world, but . . . .
Wonder how much they’re charging for the rust holes and accident damage on the driver’s side (go look at the eBay auction to see what I mean).
It’s been a long time since I had one of these but I believe it is an SS that had the RS added. The add lists it that way. If I recall correctly, the SS without the RS option was a more rare car anyway. Looks like a fun project.
Leave as-is and do lots and lots of burnouts
How about that Bronco in the background?
It’s awfully hard to get a good REAL judgement on this car by the pics and text. With that said we know the trans is not original, the rust free statement seems in question. Lots of questions that need to be researched to be able to answer! Like was said before it’s a project, but is it worth taking on? Only research on the rest of the car can answer that!
How can it be “numbers matching” when the original auto trans has been changed to a 4 speed?
Dan it can’t be numbers matching! Unfortunately it kind of goes along with the NO rust statement, it’s obviously not true! That’s where the personal research comes in because the seller has already shown his cards on if what he is saying is the truth or not! Makes buying very difficult!!
Dave Baily you owned a whole lot of extremely cool cars! I am envious!!
Karl,..I guess I really did. All but The SALEEN, the SD-455, and the Plum Crazy SRT-8, were divers through the years. I never made too much money, so my vacations, etc., were buying used cars that HAPPENED TO BE MUSCLE CARS. Always had one decent family car, and every year , or so, I’d get the itch for an $1200-$1800 MC. I’usually lose money, but not too much. I actually remember as a 4 yr. old in Detroit trying to remember each new/used car walking down the streets with my bolder brothers. I liked the bizarre cars and chrome! LOTS OF CHROME!! Late 1950s…
Hell, I could go to Barrett Jackson or Meacon and get one complete for that number. This is one where you have to take a road trip to look at. After that, maybe offer 15 at the highest. Oh, and back then, you could get a Superbird or Daytona for 3995.00! Look at the prices now.
“Rust-free”? Seriously?
Yes, it is. Do you see holes that I didn’t?
Pugsy thanks for your comment and pov. You got me good with the crack about a 4 dr. 6 cyl. Impala. Sorry but don’t think you truly understand the point being made here. Just because something is rare does not make it worth more to most of us. It may be worth more to someone who wants or desires the item. But not intrinsically worth more. Because something is no longer being produced also does not equate to an increase in value to existing examples. A quick example could be the 8 inch black and white TV of the 1950s era. No longer produced, very rare now, very little demand or value…except to the right guy. My point is that a 50 year old car is just that, and it seems that too many are equating age and rarity to a justification of crazy asking prices. If a trashed 30K classic is your thing, then by all means go for it. I know what I want and am looking for, thus I won’t play the game. To each his own. No offense ever intended, ok? Have a good one.
Well fellas, regardless if it’s collector material or not, I love a big block in a 1st gen. Camaro. Would that be fun to drive or what ? I can only dream because I wasn’t smart enough to buy one thirty years ago.
In my opinion to restore this car you may as well buy one all ready restored because your going to have that much money in it. No mention on what horsepower the 396 is? Can’t tell by the picture if that is a painted cast manifold or if it is an aluminum manifold. I know the 375hp had an aluminum intake.Wonder if they put a M22 in it?
Well said Rich! I too have owned and restored a lot of muscle cars and really made no profit from but was able move to another and that was the fun in it ! I’m still doin it .
Hi Joe, thanks for the support and pov. Some do not seem to understand the point I’m trying to make. Probably my fault. At the risk of sounding pompous, for the first time in my life I can finally afford to pay cash up to about 100K for a vehicle. But wisdom should also come with age if we are lucky. If I wanted an old 6 cylinder Impala would buy one. Or most any other vehicle out there. We all can agree to having likes, wants, and preferences, and hope we can do it without being obtuse with each other. What some like others may not. To me the key is find what you like, research and search, and hope you are lucky enough to find your Grail. Rarity does not equal value. Believe this, rarity simply equates to availability, nothing more. Value and cost are conveyed by the amount of cash that changes hands for any purchase. Please understand this comment is not directed specifically to, or at you amigo. Cars are like people, all are a little different from each other, that to me is what makes the whole thing fun. Sorry if some are offended by my thoughts, no offense intended, ever. Just one guys thoughts here.
Buy the car you want . It is always an emotional experience . If you think you are going to corner the market on that particular car, you need to spend your money on something else . It is an old Pony Car . Buy it . Restore it and enjoy it or drive the hell out of it and enjoy it . It’s just a cool old car .
black plates included oh boy ..another camaro priced twice what it should be..
Thanks John! Not trying to start a movement here, but too much money is just that: too much money. Starting to wonder if some of these prices and unrealistic comments are coming from the 16 year olds with LITTLE real world life experience? Good day I say…
Think I’ll jump in on this conversation. I’m just an ole girl & bought my 1969 Camaro when I graduated high school in 1981 and still have it. I paid $800 back then. Personally I would not pay $30,000 for one that needs that much work. I’m in the process of restoring mine now and it’s not cheap but worth it in the end. Good luck & Happy Cruzin’
My 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 convertible sold for $3,894 new, before taxes. It had a Torque Flite, that blew the clutches at 95,000 miles and the A/C quit at 73,000. Top was complete toast at 85,000 miles (that’s when I learned how to install convertible tops). The radio left town at 115,000.
Cars in the 70s were meant to be enjoyed and people didn’t realize what a pivotal year 1970 was. After all, the age of the muscle car had no where to go but up, didn’t it?
I sold it for $525.00 in 1983. I was making $11.75 an hour as a journeyman
mechanic and couldn’t afford to restore it. There was no internet and the only place for parts was the dealers or junkyards.
Of course I wish I had it today, but that’s always the case.
When I tell young employees at my company about the car and the original cost, they ask me why I didn’t buy 10.