Stored 40 Years: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 350 demonstrates that there are still some desirable classics lurking in sheds and barns, awaiting the moment when someone liberates them and returns them to their rightful place on our roads. The Camaro recently emerged from a forty-year hibernation. The seller revived this survivor, and with no penetrating rust, the winning bidder could choose between restoration and preservation. The seller has listed this beauty here on eBay in East Aurora, New York. Bidding sits at $15,200, which is below the reserve.

This first-year Camaro has a bit of a backstory, although it is unclear why the owner placed it into storage four decades ago. A previous owner was the late Dennis Safren. For those unfamiliar with the name, he was an actor who starred in The High Chaparral and Mean Mother. Okay, he may not have been a Hollywood A-Lister, but Mr. Safren had a relatively successful career. With syndication such an integral part of the entertainment industry, he pops up on the small screen fairly regularly. The Protect-O-Plate and other documentation confirm he was the first owner, ordering the Camaro in Ermine White with a Black vinyl top. The seller believes it may have received a partial cosmetic refresh at some point, and the car will require a repeat performance to recapture its youthful good looks. The paint is tired, and there are a few small dings and dents. The listing images also reveal surface corrosion in several locations, but what this SS lacks is penetrating rust. The floors and rails are rock-solid. Treating the corrosion to prevent deterioration would be wise, but it appears the grinder and welder can stay in the cupboard during this build. The distinctive RS grille and headlight covers appear to be in good condition, as are the wheel covers.

Although the paint may not be original, this Camaro retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. It features a 350ci V8, a two-speed Powerglide transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The 1967 Sales Brochure quotes a power figure of 295hp for the small-block, which was considered very respectable at the time. The seller states that after its forty-year slumber, they undertook a careful process to revive this classic. They rebuilt the original carburetor, replaced the brakes, and fitted a new dual exhaust. They say that it runs well, but don’t indicate whether it is genuinely roadworthy. If it isn’t, it appears that it won’t require much work to reach that point.

Before I spent any money on this Camaro’s interior, I would treat everything to a deep clean. It wears a consistent layer of dust, but some items still exhibit deterioration and physical damage that warrant replacement. Someone cut the door trims to install aftermarket speakers, the carpet appears tired, and the driver’s seatcover is ripped. The dashpad looks good, and the console may present acceptably once cleaned. Some readers may see a retrim as the most appropriate approach, but only an in-person inspection will confirm whether it is warranted. The interior features a couple of welcome creature comforts, including air conditioning and power windows.

This 1967 Camaro RS/SS 350 is a wonderful discovery, ripe for restoration. However, preserving this classic is a viable option, and the winning bidder may choose to follow that path. I question whether its previous celebrity owner adds anything to its potential value. However, it is a wonderful conversation starter, should the buyer land at a show or a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this SS. It will be fascinating to gauge how you would approach this Camaro if you found it in your workshop. Restoration or preservation? That’s the million-dollar question.