This ultra-clean 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS tribute has impressed us all here at Streetside Classics. It's often easy to overlook subtle cars, and it's only once you get up close to start to see just how nice this one really is. It also offers perks like a 4-speed gearbox, a gorgeous interior, and lots of horsepower to match its go-fast look.
The bodywork is awfully close to being ready for show, with great excellent prep, a deep shine, and those painted on SS stripes that look great against the graphite metallic paint, which is so beautiful you wonder why it wasn't on the original roster. It was carefully assembled, too, with good gaps and alignment throughout, so it doesn't disappoint on close inspection. That cowl induction hood gives it an aggressive overall look, and combined with the satin black chin spoiler and ducktail on the trunk, it looks fast just sitting still. Chrome is a combination of good original pieces and restored or replacement parts, adding a little sparkle to the car's clean shape. A blacked-out SS grille and 350 badges give it a real SS look, but with the way Chevy was doing their cowl tags, there's just no way to know for sure. But at this point, does it really matter? This one is just so much nicer than your average factory-grade SS.
The simple black vinyl interior is every bit as nice as the exterior, and the bucket seats are still firm and supportive. Many enthusiasts favor the more interesting seat pattern of the '68s, which shows more detailing than later designs. There's no console, so you know this one was built for combat, and the 4-speed Muncie transmission is managed by a Hurst shifter with cue ball knob. The steering wheel is a modern wood rimmed unit that looks appropriate but feels far more substantial in your hands than the original skinny plastic piece. This ready-to-rock car also includes a trio of auxiliary dials under the dash to monitor the vitals, since the factory dials only handle speed and fuel level. For entertainment, there's an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette stereo in the factory location, and there's a CD changer in the glove for longer trips and an amplifier in the trunk. That trunk is clean and offers a fresh reproduction mat for a correct look.
The engine is a sweet-running 350 cubic inch V8 with several aftermarket upgrades to add a little extra horsepower. Intake duties are managed by a 4-barrel carburetor sitting atop a shiny aluminum intake, while the exhaust is dumped by a set of long-tube headers. Aluminum valve covers work with a chrome Edelbrock air cleaner but the rest looks pretty much like it might have in 1968. There's Chevy Orange paint, factory-style wiring and bracketry, and great service access to all the vitals. That 4-speed manual transmission, combined with front disc brakes and power steering make it a pleasure to drive, and the exhaust barks the way you'd hope your next performance car would. The floors are extremely clean and there isn't a better choice of rolling stock than original style Rally wheels wearing 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.
So if you're looking for an incredibly clean early Camaro that you can drive or show with confidence, look no further. Fully sorted, fun to drive, and loaded with horsepower, this Camaro won't last long, so call today!