Grabber Orange Nice Clean Interior 1969 396ci V8/Saginaw 4-Speed

1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared in Chevrolet dealerships in September 1966 for the 1967 model year on a brand-new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2 + 2 seat, hardtop (no "B" or center pillar) or convertible, with the choice of either a straight-six or V8 engine. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.

This 68 SS as we can see from the decode, had undergone a recent restoration with some major changes to the original configuration. A consigner stated 61,000 miles however we do not know how many miles are actually on the car, and especially the engine due to a recent change in the engine. Read on and I'll explain!

Exterior
The original LeMans Blue has been sprayed over with what is now Grabber Orange. Steel panels are straight, gaps are good, and paint presents nicely with very few inclusions or dirt. Chromed air intake vents are inserted into the long pony hood. Moving toward the grille, a shiny black horizontal stripe, above open headlight grille, curves around the front quarter, then heads to the rear and runs along the belt line of the car where it turns thinner, dying before it gets to rear quarter. The badging, brite-work and trim chrome appears in good condition. Original Camaro wheel covers are on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the vinyl covered door panels, reveals shiny black vinyl bucket seats in very nice condition. These flank a center console, with a glove box, and Hurst shifter which sits in the center of a wood grained insert into the console. The dash is original and possibly restored as it looks clean. The iconic deep round gauges front an original steering wheel with the SS logo on the center horn button. Black carpet in good condition floods the floor.

Drivetrain
According to the decoding, the original engine has been replaced by a 1969 396ci V8 which is shoehorned into the restored engine bay. Nice red paint covers the block, and chromed air cleaner cover, and valve covers along with a radiator connection to the block add bling to the under the hood repackage. A Saginaw 4 speed manual transmission with a new clutch is bolted to the back of the 396 and shifts smoothly.

Undercarriage
Independent front suspension, and rear leaf spring are seen underneath. As is a 12-bolt rear, traction bars, and 4-wheel drum brakes. Long tube headers for a dual exhaust system all are within a clean and restored undercarriage, which appears to have a structurally strong frame, clean rust free floorpans and toe boards.

Overall a nice job on this restoration, with a spicy grabber orange, a saucy 396, a hot Saginaw tranny, a peppery 12 bolt posi rear, and a good taste interior. I have an appetite for a 68 Camaro, and it can be satisfied at Classic Auto Mall! Hurry before it gets eaten up.