Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Restomod

VIN – 124678N302082
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black with Red Accents
Engine – 402 cu. in. V8
Transmission – 5 -Speed automatic
Current Miles – 100,443 miles
Current Owner Purchase – May 2009 with 86,523 miles
Miles Driven by Current Owner - 13,920 miles

VIN Decoded

12467 – Camaro 8 cyl. 2dr. convertible
8– 1968 year of build
N – Norwood assembly plant
302082 – Serial number

Trim Tag Decoded

08D – August, fourth week production
NOR – Norwood, OH assembly plant
722 – Standard bucket seats, gold
2241 – Fisher Body number
G2 – Ash Gold paint, black convertible top

General Overview

After the release of the 1965 Mustang, GM appeared to have been caught with their foot off the marketing throttle. But GM was already in development for their offering in late 1965 which would be available to customers in late 1966 as a 1967 model. Though 18 months behind Ford, the Camaro would set a new standard for GM with a compact 2+2 package and sporty engine combinations in both convertible and hardtop body styles. The first-generation models ran from 1967-1969 capturing strong sales with models ranging from 6 cylinder economically minded family cars all the way up to the monster 427 COPO, one of several specialized high-performance big block option packages.

Over the 50+ years since the introduction of the Camaro enthusiasts have continued to collect, restore, and modify these cars to suit their personal tastes and performance goals. Restored and modified, known today as “Restomod” cars offer all the beauty and vintage features of the original with updated powertrain, brakes, and suspension, cleverly concealed within the original body lines and interior specifications.

History and Build Details of This Car

This factory V8 convertible Camaro was built in the Norwood, OH manufacturing facility and delivered to the first owner finished in Ash Gold with gold bucket seat interior and a black convertible top. The current owner purchased the car in May 2009. At that time, the “actual mileage” was recorded on the title as 86,523 miles. The owner, a Northern California performance enthusiast and capable mechanic, enjoyed the car for the summer and, in 2010, began building the car to reflect a higher set of performance objectives.

The core of the build would be the 402 cu. in. Shafiroff EFI “Real Street” V8 engine mated to a Tremec TKO-600 5-speed transmission. Copious invoices accompanying the car include three pages from Sahfiroff detailing the build specs for the engine and components, including a 2010 dyno sheet indicating an average of 490 hp with 441 lb. ft. torque in the 3500-6000 rpm range. Engine features include a 3-piece performance pulley kit with power steering and heavy-duty alternator, Be Cool radiator, and electric exhaust cutouts. The engine was installed by Gotelli Speed Shop, San Francisco, CA along with prepping various other components in the build including the installation of Hotchkis Chassis Max Handlebars and an adjustable shock tower brace. This set up drastically reduces chassis flex by triangulating stress loads through firewall braces and control arms. The Tremec TKO conversion to the 5-speed manual transmission included a custom powder coated TKO crossmember, 3 ½” steel driveshaft, and urethane transmission mount. Other upgrades include a 3.55 Positraction differential, four-wheel disc brakes, power dual master cylinder with Summit racing Procomp electric vacuum booster, power steering, MSD digital ignition, and Sanderson headers.
Numerous period-correct parts were purchased for the interior including a new dash pad, new carpet, new handles and trim, and custom front and rear seat upholstery in red and black vinyl. The exterior trim was also enhanced including a fresh coat of red paint with black stripes, rechromed bumpers and trim, new electrical wiring for headlights and accessories as needed, new windshield trim molding, a new convertible top with zip-out rear window, a new stainless steel luggage rack, new emblems, and new hood hinges.

In 2021, the owner updated the car considerably including installing a new Holley 4160 750 CMF carburetor, bypass fuel pressure regulator, recurving the distributor timing, electronic choke, new fuel lines, a new HTE Blaster 2 ignition coil and ignition box, a new set of Sanderson headers, new various exhaust sections, collector pipe, and an oil and filter change. In 2023, the exhaust mufflers were replaced, and a new radiator was installed. In addition to regular services and detailed maintenance by the owner, records with the car include regular oil analysis performed to understand the overall health of the engine.

Condition Overview

Today this Camaro convertible presents in excellent condition offering a handsome generally stock exterior appearance with tasteful upgrades. The red paint is glossy and properly prepared with excellent coverage throughout the body and very nice workmanship on the gloss black dual stripes. The hood, doors, and trunk show consistent panel gaps and proper fitting to the body, opening and closing with ease. The body lines are crisp and well defined including the rear spoiler and stock height power bulge hood. The exterior chrome and various polished trim, emblems, and badges are all in excellent condition, having been sourced from top-tier restoration parts experts serving the Camaro restoration community. The glass, lenses, and lighting have very nice factory finishes overall with newer rubber and gasket material in various places addressed during body and paint work performed in 2010. The restoration, though ten years old, still maintains a fresh and cohesive appearance including a beautiful grille, wheel lip moldings, and a correctly fitting black convertible top. A set of 17” American Racing Torq Thrust performance wheels are in excellent condition with polished rims and spokes showing no significant scratches or marks. A new set of Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 235/45 ZR17 radial tires, dated 2022 and 2023 have been mounted in preparation for sale.

The interior has been very nicely restored using correct components, proper materials, and attention to detail throughout including an excellent instrument panel, correct contoured dash pad, very nicely finished instruments, and correct factory door panels. A set of contoured Recaro seats have been installed with Schroth racing harnesses for both seats, anchored to the steel body through the rear seat support (a pair of original type matching red/black upholstered bucket seats are included as spares). The rear seat also has a center mounted lap belt. The dash houses a contemporary radio, a set of three accessory gauges (water temperature, oil pressure, and volts), and an aftermarket padded Grants steering wheel with a column mounted Sun SuperTach. The interior is very nicely detailed offering a stock appearance to the sporty cockpit. All chrome interior features are in very good condition including the detailed knobs, switches, unique Camaro script on the dashboard, updated features, and quality finishes. An Optima dry cell battery is mounted in the trunk fitted with an electrical cutoff switch and the general condition of the trunk is clean, well prepared, and largely stock.

Under the hood, the 402 cu. in. engine has been tended to with attention to detail and important performance upgrades. The painted finishes are in very good condition including updated hardware, MSD Digital 6AL ignition and ProBillet distributor, a heavy-duty alternator, and other enhancements to improve reliability and performance. To properly handle the 490 hp, a set of Hotchkis front suspension handlebars and a shock tower brace have been installed. The look of the engine compartment is crisp, detailed, and tastefully done. The underside reveals a combination of original features and stock suspension components with a few upgrades such as a heavy duty sway bar and leaf springs, as well as new fuel and brake lines. The original finishes appear dry and free from structural corrosion. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and runs smoothly, delivering a potent V8 sound that captures the heart of any performance enthusiast. For those who want a bit more exhaust note, a set of electronic exhaust cutouts have been installed allowing for chest-pounding V8 combustion when uncorked via a convenient switch. The 5-speed Tremec transmission shifts smoothly and offers stout acceleration and incredible downshifts when passing on the freeway.

This handsomely modified Camaro is ready for enjoyable driving and showing, delivering all the power and excitement of performance motoring from the proud and potent American Muscle Car era with modern and welcomed performance upgrades.

Items Included with the Car

This Camaro is offered with a spare set of original style red/black upholstered bucket seats, convertible top boot cover, a car cover, misc. spare parts, Camaro parts catalogs, two large stacks of receipts for restoration and parts, a spare air cleaner, various service books, and four racing oil filters.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608