I’ve often wondered whether there is any such thing as motoring perfection. By this, I mean a car that has been so meticulously preserved or restored that it is impossible to find any faults or flaws. I’ve always doubted that such a car exists, but this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro seems to go pretty close. I admit that while it is a genuine RS, it is also an SS 396 clone. However, the attention to detail on this build is second to none, and the owner has only clocked 300 miles behind the wheel since he completed the build. After all of that hard graft, he has decided that the Camaro deserves a new owner. Therefore, he has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. The SS is located in Channahon, Illinois, and the owner has set the sale price at $56,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L, who has once again demonstrated the ability to spot some pretty memorable classics for us.
The owner admits that this Camaro started life as a genuine RS but that he aimed to build a stunning SS 396 clone. His attention to detail is admirable, and his decision not to compromise deserves respect. The car wears Granada Gold paint with a Black vinyl top. As you might expect from a vehicle that has only covered 300 miles, the presentation is faultless. The paint shines beautifully, there are no chips or marks, and the vinyl remains in as-new condition. The paint shop applied the Gold over flawless panels. The owner admits that he replaced both rear quarter panels, but he sourced NOS parts rather than taking the easier and cheaper route with reproductions. The car was dismantled to the last nut and bolt, and every component was painstakingly restored or replaced. That has left the vehicle completely rust-free. The glass is perfect, the chrome sparkles magnificently, and the remaining trim is excellent. The owner’s decision to fit 15″ Rallye wheels with Diamondback gold line tires adds the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
This photo is pretty indicative of the state of the Camaro’s underside. Once the owner had dismantled the vehicle, he sent the bodyshell off to be chem-stripped. When it returned, he had it epoxy primed and seam-sealed. The result of this hard work and considerable expense are floors and a frame that are clean enough to eat off. Provided the buyer continues to treat this classic with respect, it should easily survive beyond its 100th birthday without any dramas.
Lifting the hood reveals where a fair chunk of change has gone on this refurbishment. Originally, the engine bay housed a 327ci V8, a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The small-block and Powerglide have been ditched, and this drivetrain is mouthwatering. Getting this classic up and mobile are a 396ci V8, a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission, and a 12-bolt 3.73 Posi rear end. The motor is of 1968 vintage and features the correct intake and carburetor. The original exhaust manifolds have made way for a set of coated headers. The owner has retained as many of the original or NOS suspension and steering components as possible but has seen fit to upgrade some items. These include Global West upper and lower control arms, Del-aluminum bushings, ½” lowered springs, and Hotchkiss sway bars. The original brakes have been fully rebuilt, all fuel and brake lines have been upgraded to stainless steel, the wiring harness is new, and a quick ratio steering box has been installed. The owner does not provide specific details on how well the car runs or drives, but with so few miles under its belt since he put the tools down for the final time, it would be fair to expect it to feel as good now as it would have in 1967.
When you survey the presentation of the rest of this Camaro, it’s no surprise to open the doors to be confronted with an interior that looks factory fresh. I can’t see anything that I could fault. The upholstered surfaces show no wear or damage, the carpet is spotless, while the dash and pad are in a similar state. The car features a console, a factory gauge set, and a tilt wheel. The owner has documented every aspect of this build, and he includes a vast collection of photos and receipts in the sale.
So, is this 1967 Camaro close to achieving perfection, or has it actually hit that mark? There’s little that could be faulted with this build, although potential buyers must accept that they will be handing over their cash for a clone. That will discourage some enthusiasts, but it won’t phase others. The seller hits the nail on the head when he says that you couldn’t build a Camaro to this standard for the price. It seems that no corners have been cut, and I believe that someone will eventually drive away in a classic that will receive admiring glances and plenty of compliments for many years to come. Do we have any readers who might be tempted to pursue this one further?
Just another fake clone. ’67 never used multileaf springs or rear spoiler among many other things. Looks pretty, BUT it ain’t real.
That’s definitely true Doug but you’d have to agree that he made it better by adding the rear leafs that usually eliminates wheel hop, especially with a big chesty built 396 under the hood.
The wheels still hop with multi leaves. You need trailing arms, at least one like a Z28, but preferably two as used on Firebirds of the same year.
Nice, but if are not going to keep it original, you may as well add some more cubic inches. A 502 or 540 would do the job.
A clone, is a clone, is a clone.
Yet I love this build. I wonder how much the build cost? I would think that the price being asked is well “under water”.
You have to wonder why someone would go to so much trouble restoration-wise and then take a loss on the sale. Me? I would keep it for at least a couple of years for lots of smiles for miles.
Mike, from the looks of his garage, this is just one of his many toys. The guy that lives next door to my Father-In-Law has 29 classic cars, most of which are GM and big blocks. Just when I think he has settled on the perfect private muscle car collection, one of his beasts will disappear and a new one appears in its place. My bet is that the owner of this Camaro has spotted another muscle car that he has been smitten by so the Camaro must go.
Does your father in laws neighbor have a single daughter?
As a matter of fact, I think he does Al. Not bad lookin either!
John that sounds like the perfect explanation. I know it is his money (and probably passion) but I still feel at least slightly bemused by the decisions he seems to make. If I was in the same position, who knows, maybe I would do the same. I am a mere mortal however and not a member of the 1 per cent club.
Why not more cubes and a M-22? This seems silly to me…if you’re gonna clone, at least clone a monster. A 396 automatic doesn’t sound as thrilling, lol.
Too much money for a recreation. You can only clone a human being. Not a car. Look it up.
Why paint it the color of Granny’s LeSabre?
This is a beauty…..who cares about the non perfect originalness of the restoration??? I owned this car ( 67 RS )
in 73 and it was already soaked in bondo and had been beaten hard when I bought it for $2300…this car is a treasure… if you can afford it BUY IT…