1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO “RS” CONVERTIBLE

Factory 4-Speed, Console, Rebuilt Original 327c.i., 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Upgraded Suspension, Fuel Systems, Braking, & Much, Much More!

Finished in Striking “Jewel Metallic Red” (2007 Corvette Special Order Color) / Black & Red Custom Interior & Black Canvas Convertible Top

Quality Build by Long Term Owner – Los Angeles Production / California Car!

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OVERVIEW—THIS PARTICULAR 1968 CAMARO CONVERTIBLE “RS”

This 1968 Camaro “RS” has been the subject of a complete restoration by its long time owner.  A considerable investment in mechanical and cosmetic upgrades has resulted in a classic with improved performance, reliability, appearance, and safety while retaining the cars classic 60’s muscle car look.  The Camaro represents a great, high-end driver that can be used for local cruises and shows, and is sure to receive considerable attention wherever it goes!  We have listed a number of the Camaros features by category, but they represent a summary since the files for the restoration are very thick containing extensive receipts including those for repairs, new parts, product brochures, performance upgrades, and a zip drive with before & after restoration photos.  Frankly, the car’s owner is reluctant to add up the receipts, but we know from experience that the cost of a restoration of this quality is very high, not to mention the countless hours dedicated to the process of disassembling the car, renovating and replacing parts, and building the car.  This car was a labor of love, with the car being built as a Camaro the owner thought he would own and enjoy forever.  We have seen a number of cars that were built to “flip”, auction cars where the buyers have no opportunity to review build information and other history on the car, and other inferior builds.  While some of these cars present a good appearance,  some fall into the category of “pigs with lipstick.” This  is not one of those cars.

HISTORY

This history of this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible  (VIN # 124678L333602 ) indicates that the car was originally delivered with a V8 (supported by the VIN#) and factory 4-speed manual transmission.  The VIN # and trim tag decode as follows:

124678L333602

12467 = 8 cylinder

L = LOS (Los Angeles Production)

33602 = Production sequence

TRIM TAG DECODING

09D = Build Date  – (4th Week of September, 1968)

ST68 = 1968

12467 = Convertible

TR = Black Interior/Standard

J= Rallye Green Exterior /White Convertible Top

MECHANICAL

Reportedly, the original numbers matching engine was completely rebuilt as part of the restoration.  However, when the engine was decked, the block identifying numbers were removed, but the cars owner indicates that the engine was numbers matching.  A summary of the extensive rebuild and mechanical components / trim is as follows:

• “Built” 327c.i. V8 (reported as #’s matching but decked and numbers removed) engine with a wonderful sound & moderate cam (idles excitedly) – Cam specs shown in photos, .030 over, all new internal components <2K miles ago
• Factory 4- speed manual transmission w/ Hurst shifter on center console
• Saginaw kit / rebuilt TH350 transmission
• New clutch, pressure plate, and related components
• Holley 4-barrel 650 double-pumper carburetor
• Black “Chevrolet” air cleaner
• Black Chevrolet logo rocker arm covers
• Engine dress-up kit
• Powder coated radiator shroud
• K&N air filter; aluminum intake manifold
• Improved ignition wires, performance coil
• Exhaust headers; duals exhaust with turn downs under rear-end
• New steering gear box, motor mounts
• New power steering pump, return lines, pressure hose, with new brackets
• No significant fluid leaks
• Power steering and power brakes
• All new braking system including 4 wheels disc brakes, new stainless steel lines, new master cylinder, calipers, rotors, etc.
• New fuel system including tank, lines, and hardware including fuel pump, gaskets
• Eliminator Series aluminum radiator, dual fans, all new hoses & fittings
• Billet Specialties Fastlane 17″ x 8″ front wheel / BFG G-Force Super Sport 235/45/ ZR17″ tires Note: Over $4K in wheels & tires alone
• Billet Specialties Fastlane 18″ x 8″ Rears / BFG G-Force 245/45/ZR18″ tires
• Rear P295/50R15 Dunlop radials w/ raised white letters, 8/32” tread
• Hotchkis vehicle system
• Hotchkis convertible sub-frame connectors
• Completely rebuilt front end (tie rods, idler arms, etc etc.)
• New center drag link
• & much, much more!

EXTERIOR

• Repainted in beautiful “Jewel Metallic” red (A custom order color for the 2007 Corvette) Very high quality paint
• All new weatherstrip, felts, soft trim
• Quality canvas convertible top with glass window
• Powder coated convertible top frame/bows
• New boot cover and storage bag
• Quality car cover included
• Steel hood with functional scoop, new hinges and fasteners
• Good panel fit for the vintage with locking doors, trunk and original hood release
• All chrome exterior trim is excellent and free from pitting & damage – ” California Quality”
• All stainless trim is excellent with replaced windshield
• Original stainless around upper door is in excellent condition and highly polished giving the appearance of chrome
• All glass in excellent condition and windows roll-up/down
• Fitted with proper front “RS” front & rear valances and all new hardware
• Proper RS exterior trim including back-up lights
• RS gas cap & front RS badge
• All new vacuum components for front RS headlights, actuator, relays, switches, etc.
• Functional windshield wipers (chrome) removed with chrome caps for appearance but can be installed by the new owner
• All new side marker lights, bulbs, gaskets, etc.
• Radio antenna is hidden / mounted under the dash, behind the glove box
• No fender modifications / flaring
• All lights operate properly

INTERIOR

• New reclining seats with rails (adjustable), custom covered in black / red
• Front seat belts
• All new carpet with custom mats
• New pedals for brake, clutch, accelerator & paring brake
• Beautifully painted dash in exterior color of Jewel Metallic red
• In dash Bow Tie radio (I-Pod connection in glove box)
• New gauges (AutoMeter) including Speedometer, Tachometer (reset at time of restoration, now reading under 2K miles), Oil Pressure, Voltmeter, Water Temperature
• Center console
• Hurst 4 Speed
• Virtually all new interior from sun visors to door panels, dash pad, handles and too many other parts to list
• New dash pulls, switches, gauges (all functional)
• New, proper style carpet / Custom mats
• New seat belts
• Nice  console with old school 4-speed shift knob
• Attractive aftermarket 3-spoke polished steering wheel
• New  Fisher logo sill plates
• Heater is plumbed with functional blower
• Rear quarter windows operate properly
• Trunk fitted with custom sound system…beautifully installed

COSMETIC CONDITION

The Jewel Metallic red paint is high gloss with nor sings of paint preparation, orange peel, or other defects.  It was completed to a high standard, and and shows very well.  The car is free from accident damage, and any minor imperfections from limited use do not detract from the appearance of the Camaro.  All of the bright work including the stainless trim, chrome bumpers, and RS emblems  are in fine condition. The black and red interior is in beautiful condition and was completely re-done at the time of the restoration including new seats reupholstered to match the exterior, new carpet, coor panels, gauges, painted dash (body color), new switches and wiring, new convertible )canvas) top, and much more (refer to “Interior’) for details.

The engine compartment is very clean, highly detailed and fitted with a large number of dress-up items.  The trunk is fitted with a high end audio system.  There are no signs of rust in the trunk area, or rear window area (a common source of rust for “rust zone” cars). The floor, chassis,m and suspension components are free from rust and damage and show very well (refer to undercarriage photos).  The underside of the car reflects the mechanical upgrades (upgraded suspension, headers, free-flow exhaust, frame connectors, etc.).

The current odometer reading is 1,970 and was reset when the restoration was completed.  Based on the age of the Camaro and lack of Car Fax on an automobile of this vintage, we are showing the vehicle as “total mileage unknown.”

Overall, the Camaro is a striking example with desirable upgrades that can be proudly cruised, taken to car shows, and appreciated by a wide range of enthusiasts and Camaro aficionados. The extensive photographs accurately reflect the car’s excellent condition including the body, paint, engine compartment, interior and underside.

OTHER

• Clear California title & current California registration
• California smog test not required for vehicles 1975 and older
• Passed the California required safety inspection for working wipers, turn signals, lights, brakes, etc.
• Miscellaneous new, take off, and other parts included (refer to photos)
• Shop manuals & build information included
• Extensive receipts (refer to photos) will be provided to the new owner

HISTORY OF THE 1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO

The first-generation  appeared in dealerships on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year on an all brand new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, coupe or convertible with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 powerplants. The first-gen Camaro would last up through the 1969 model year.

There were three main packages, the RS, the SS and the Z/28.

The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, RS badging, and exterior bright trim.

The SS performance package consisted of a 350 or 396 cu in V8 engine and chassis upgrades for better handling and to deal with the additional power. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging.

The Z/28 performance package included a solid-lifter 302 V8, 4-speed transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide stripes down the hood and deck lid.

The styling of the 1968 Camaro was very similar to the 1967 design. With the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system, the side vent windows were deleted. Side marker lights were added on the front and rear fenders which was a government requirement for all 68 vehicles. It also had a more pointed front grille and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop.

Almost all of 1967-1969 Camaros were built in the two U.S. assembly plants: Norwood, Ohio and Van Nuys, California. Production numbers:

Classic Cars Ltd.

925-846-1451