This 1968 Camaro Z/28 comes with some significant documentation, but there’s one piece of its puzzle that makes it even more special than your average Z/28. The vehicle was a dealer order, and this dealer had a reputation for ordering vehicles with unusual paint and drivetrain combinations. That has the potential to make it a genuine 1-of-1 car, although proving this could be a challenge. Regardless, it is a stunning classic that will certainly grab people’s attention wherever it goes. Where it is set to go soon is to a new home, which is why the current owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Z/28 is located in Houston, Texas, and while the bidding has soared to $46,100, this remains short of the reserve.

Research using the original Camaro color charts from this era suggests that the Camaro is finished in the shade called Road Commission Orange. Chevrolet offered this color in the 1967 model year, but not in 1968. This Z/28 was ordered and delivered to Grabiak Chevrolet in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. The Dealer Principal, Sam Grabiak, owned the business for more than 50-years, and he developed a reputation for ordering unusual and attention-grabbing vehicles to park in his showroom. It appears that this car might be one of those designed to lure potential buyers through the door. The owner admits that the vehicle has received a repaint but it was completed in the original shade. Beyond that, the exterior is essentially original. The paint holds a beautiful depth of color and shine, with no evidence of chips, scratches, or other problems. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while there is no evidence of any rust problems for the buyer to tackle. The panels look clean, with no visible issues in the lower extremities or the cowl area. The floors and frame are untouched from the factory and are as solid as you could ever hope to find in a vehicle of this age. The trim is in good order, including the spotless Rally wheels. The dealer ordered the Z/28 with tinted glass, and this shows no evidence of faults or defects.

Lifting the hood reveals where things start to deviate from the original with this classic. This Z/28 features the desirable 302ci V8 that punched out an “official” 290hp. Grabiak Chevrolet chose to equip the vehicle with a close-ratio M21 manual transmission, a 4.10 Posi rear end, and front disc brakes. A ¼ mile ET of 15.2 seconds would be considered respectable, but it was hardly startling in 1968. There were plenty of vehicles at this time that were faster over a short burst, but the high-revving nature of this little 302 meant that it was more at home as speeds grew. That’s why the ¼-mile figure doesn’t appear to be that special, but a top speed of 131mph looked pretty impressive from a vehicle where the engine capacity was considered relatively modest at the time. Once again, the owner claims that this car’s drivetrain combination makes it a rarity, and he states that it may be unique. That’s a claim that is sure to ignite debate and one that potential buyers may need to investigate further. You have to wonder whether this Camaro might have a story to tell because while there are many original components present, the engine block is a December 1968 casting. The cylinder heads, intake, alternator, transmission, and rear-end are all numbers-matching, so maybe the motor has suffered a bottom-end failure at some point. Other changes include an updated carburetor, headers, and a different exhaust. These latter components show their age, and the owner suggests that a new complete exhaust system would be a wise investment. The owner provides no specific information on how well the Z/28 runs or drives. However, the engine bay presents well, and he supplies this YouTube video which shows the moor running. It sounds clean and crisp, with no rattles or odd noises. He also claims that the vehicle has 36,000 original miles on the clock, but he doesn’t indicate whether he holds evidence to verify this. He has the original Window Sticker that verifies the specifications, along with the Protect-O-Plate and Owner’s Manual. These will be included in the sale.

It is worth noting that while the Camaro has received a few interior upgrades, all of the trim and upholstery are original. Grabiak Chevrolet ordered the car with Code 716 Dalmation White vinyl with Houndstooth cloth inserts. There are a couple of minor flaws in the vinyl, but nothing that would demand immediate attention. The dash and pad are spotless, as are the headliner and carpet. Aftermarket additions include a vintage Jensen radio/cassette player that functions correctly. There is also a column-mounted Sun Tach and a Hurst shifter that replaces the original item. Reversing these changes would not be a complex undertaking, and the buyer might choose to undertake this work so that the Z/28 presents in its original form.

Today, new car dealerships will order special vehicles to park in their showrooms to entice people through the door. However, these will generally be little more than standard production models with a few creature comforts inside and panels finished in a premium, but regular production, color. Finding a dealer willing to go out on a limb to order a car with Special Order paint and unique drivetrain upgrades is a rarity. That is what this 1968 Camaro Z/28 would seem to represent, and the documentation that the owner includes can verify this. It is a stunning classic with a lot to offer its next owner, but could that person be you?