1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

The first-generation Camaro was largely based on the Chevy II Nova. Pre-production, GM considered producing a station wagon version of the Camaro. It was called “The Panther” while in development. In fact, the Camaro was very close to being called the Panther. Despite folklore about the name, Camaro is not the French word for “friend”. The French word for “friend” is “ami.” The word “Camaro” means absolutely nothing.

With 6 digit muscle car pricing these days what's an enthusiast to do? Cash in the 401K, take out a second mortgage, or perhaps sell an organ on the black market? Well keep your innards intact, your investments working for you, and stick with the mortgage free lifestyle. For consignment, the benefit of a frame off, and we mean FRAME OFF, restoration and upgraded in more ways than the average builder dares to take 1968 Camaro SS Convertible tribute. Retina searing red, smooth black interior and big block powered, this car will have all your friends drooling and wondering which kidney you're now missing. Read on and prepare to be amazed.

Exterior
Starting with an essentially rust-free car, then stripping it down to the bare bones, a coating of rust preventative was sprayed into the inner framework, then the body was straightened and bathed in the deep end of the pool Matador Red. In addition to this we see blinding chrome, dent free brightwork and a black canvas top. The top presents clean and tear free but does have a few wrinkles and does not have the rear glass installed. Standard exposed headlights are noted and are framed above by the black nose stripe stretching across the hood on the front edge and dropping down over the fenders. Stock Chevrolet Motor Company 15" rally wheel trim and hubcaps are framed by red stripe Goodrich Silvertown Radials. The SS gas cap is planted firmly in the center of the blacked out rear panel and above on the decklid sits a small ducktail spoiler. Also seen are nicely preserved and shiny trimmings around the wheel wells and rockers.

Interior
Not to be out done by the exterior, a swing of the door reveals a black vinyl covered door panel with a contoured armrest. A bright chrome trim line runs the length of the door and curves up to mimic the armrest and low on the door we see clean black carpeting with a thin trim spear above. The window crank and door release are bright and clean, and a door pull is black vinyl with chrome mounting bezels. All this bling and we've only seen the door. Moving inside we see a pair of low black bomber style bucket seats in synthetic leather and a rear bench in the same material and color. All seats are in showroom condition. A center console shows a chrome handled Hurst shifter which is surrounded by wood appliqué and seat belt holders to the rear. This wood works its way forward to a foursome of gauges that monitor all vital engine functions. Just above, in the center of the dash we see the factory AM radio and the temperature slides for the Classic Heat & Air system. Deep round angled analog gauges create the gauge cluster in front of a black rimmed 3-spoke steering wheel. Black carpet in good clean condition and is covered by SS embroidered carpeted floor mats in black.

Drivetrain
With a lift of the faux vented hood the hits just keep coming. A GM orange/red block and aluminum intake manifold has shiny chromed valve covers and a chromed air cleaner holder atop and is showing in 396ci V8 form. While not numbers matching, as this car was born with a 6-cylinder, it is a correct for 1968 3916323 casting number and EG stamping code engine. A Comp camshaft and supporting Comp valvetrain components have been installed along with a .030 overbore and forged pistons. A 4-speed Muncie M20 4-speed transmission with consignor stated M22 internals is behind this mill and it throws power rearward to a 12-bolt 3.73 geared rear axle. A shout out to the firewall which was stripped to bare metal then prepped and treated with POR-15 rust preventative paint. Very nice presentation under this hood for this SS tribute.

Undercarriage
Our consignor hit the mark with the undercarriage, when he said this car was built to be reliable and safe to drive, we never thought we would see what is coming up next. Long gone is the original front subframe as a TCI subframe has been bolted on which includes a stronger and lighter K member, tubular control arms with adjustable coil overs, a power rack and pinion steering system, and an integrated transmission mount. For the rear suspension we see a TCI 4 bar system with adjustable coil overs. Power disc brakes are now on all 4 corners and a clean exhaust system with headers and Flowmaster mufflers handle the exhale. A veritable sea of black for the floor pans, which had the same treatment as the firewall, are clean with only minor areas of road dirt. 1968 never looked or handled so good!

Drive-Ability
A good driver, quick starter, smooth shifter, and some good grabby brakes. The car handled like a modern car and the interior was spacious and comfortable. It's great to be able to put a top down on a nice day and go for a spin so I can write about these fascinating cars!

A generation 1 SS tribute completely restored with no stone left unturned. All surfaces interior and exterior are good to go, and in good working condition. Noteworthy is the upgraded suspension and brakes. I wouldn't dally on this one too long as top-down season is just a few months away and you won't have to sacrifice your lifestyle to be handed the keys. This Camaro has it all…

VIN DECODE
123678N412009
1-Chevrolet
23-Camaro I6
67-Convertible
8-1968
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
412009-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
04B-2nd Week April Build
ST 68 12467-1968 Camaro Convertible
BDY NOR112040-Norwood Body #
TR 722-Gold Standard Buckets
PNT G2-Ash Gold, Black Top

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.