1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396

Description

Even at this price, this incredible 1968 Camaro SS396 has to be considered a bargain. Restoring a matching-numbers car to this level takes serious dollars, and they didn't stray far from the factory specs while doing it. Combined with a great color combination and expert detailing, this is a car that's worth every penny of the asking price.

In 1968, the guy buying this sleek high-performance Camaro was sure about what he wanted. Code NN Cordovan Maroon paint gives it a subtle look, but he specified the stinger-style SS stripe in white, arguably the best look for these early cars. He checked off the option boxes for an L35 396/325, an automatic transmission, and according to the original window sticker, the SS package including front and rear spoilers. It was restored to those same specifications just a few years ago and was so nice that it landed on the cover of the NPD catalog right after it was finished. The paint is deep and rich, the stripe is crisply rendered, and it retains things like the factory hood with velocity stack inserts so it has a rather unique look that's very attractive. It was restored for show and still presents quite well, although there are now a few minor signs of use. Nothing serious, mind you, but this is a car that's going to get a lot of respect when you roll into the next cruise night.

Even more striking is the code 724 bright red bucket seat interior, which is also correct for this car. There were new seat covers, door panels, and carpets at the time of restoration and they're holding up rather well thanks to quality materials and workmanship. In fact, we strongly suspect that the back seat is original, which should give you a good idea of how nice this car was before the work even started. The gauges, including the clock and auxiliary dials down on the center console, are all fully functional with bright faces, and all the chrome is very nicely finished. The correct SS steering wheel, a horseshoe shifter, and the woodgrained appliques on the center stack and console have all been restored to factory condition. Color-matched floor mats add a nice finishing touch and the trunk is outfitted with a new mat and spare tire cover.

That is the original, numbers-matching L35 396 cubic inch V8. Rebuilt to stock specs, it makes a rather substantial 325 horsepower in factory trim, but the torque is what moves this F-body. Exceptional detailing and minimal use provide an engine bay that's very close to being show quality, with Chevy Orange paint on the block proper chrome air cleaner and valve covers, and reproduction GM-stamped hoses. The only notable deviations from stock are a Mallory Unilite distributor and an MSD coil to fire it, but otherwise it's 100% GM. Power steering and power brakes are welcome upgrades on a car with a big block in the nose and the TH400 3-speed automatic doesn't even flinch with all the torque churning through it. The chassis is detailed for show with red oxide primer on the floors, new lines and hoses, and a fresh gas tank out back, just behind the correct transverse muffler. The front discs are cross-drilled and slotted to help shed heat and they live behind period Torque Thrust wheels on 215/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Beautifully restored and expertly maintained since it was completed, this is an extremely high-quality Camaro with a bulletproof pedigree. Call today!