1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS

A second-year 1968 model finished in the timeless combination of black bodywork over a black vinyl interior, this CA-produced example was first imported into the UK during 2019 by the former keeper, and purchased by the current owner around 18 months ago during lockdown.

Whilst in the care of the former keeper, the vendor reports that the car was meticulously restored and overhauled “with no stone left unturned”. In the current ownership, the car has been used extremely sparingly, on account of the vendor having other vehicles and two small children that - quite understandably - have taken up his time.

Following purchase of this fantastic ‘SS’ the vendor took the car to a local vintage car specialist for a full assessment, which, apparently, went so well that said specialist offered to buy the car off of him there-and-then. In the months since, when not in use, the car has been kept in a showroom near Brands Hatch circuit, regularly run up to temperature to keep everything ticking over nicely, and no faults or issues have been reported by the vendor.

In his words, it is “crying out to be used” and we couldn’t agree more!

Cutting a menacing figure finished in all-black, this Camaro SS presents fantastically throughout, and certainly draws plenty of attention when simply standing still, let alone when the engine is fired up and that wonderful V8 soundtrack is unleashed for all to hear. This is not a car for the shy-and-retiring type!

Looking along the flanks of the vehicle, there are no signs of any dents, impact damage or mis-aligned panels, with all apertures (doors, bonnet, boot) opening and closing with ease and sitting well.

The paintwork, too, is in excellent condition overall. The front end shows a typical brace of stone chips (commensurate for a high-performance vehicle such as this, we’d say) whilst there is also evidence of some - what appear to be - paint runs on the upper nearside C-pillar area, and a large touched-in chip above the boot lock/fuel filler area, though this is hidden in day-to-day use.

Elsewhere, the various chrome fixtures, fittings and details all present well, showing only some light dulling and patina in a few areas, nothing that would be considered untoward, however.

All four wheels remain in excellent condition, and are shod in period-correct BF Goodrich Radial tyres, which complete the look for this menacing American thoroughbred.

Moving inside, the good news continues largely unabated, as the black-over-black cabin (are you sensing a theme yet…) presents fantastically, and is wonderfully period-correct, even down to the - perhaps questionable - skull-topped shifter for the ‘four-on-the-floor’ transmission.

All of the seats remain in excellent condition, with no damage, large scuffs, rips or tears noted during our inspection, and all of the foams remaining taut and supportive. Leg room is a little restricted in the rear, but two children or shorter adults should fit without issue, in case you were looking to justify this purchase as a ‘practical sports car all the family can enjoy’.

Up above, the headliner is taut and undamaged throughout, whilst down below the carpets present well, too, with no large stains, wear or issues to note.

Elsewhere, the high-traffic areas such as the door pulls, arm rests, shifter, steering wheel and pedals display an expected usage patina in-keeping with the vehicle’s considered use over the years.

As far as we could tell, all systems are working as Chevrolet intended all those years ago, including the tachometer, speedometer, and the brace of system/auxiliary gauges located ahead of the transmission tunnel.

Pop the hood - or open the bonnet, if you aren’t quite into the whole American theme - and the ‘big block’ 5.7-litre V8 is unveiled in all its glory.

Despite its name of ‘big block’ we were shocked by just how accessible and spacious this engine bay truly is, which lends itself nicely to any competent (or learning) home mechanic that would wish to get their hands dirty working on and maintaining this iconic classic.

Looking around the bay, the block, ancillaries and various details all present fantastically, with nothing beyond a little bit of dirt and grime making itself known, and no sign of any oil or fluid leaks that we could see, nor any obvious issues with any of the cabling, trunking or hoses.

Now, for the main event. Twisting the key and firing up that wonderful V8 engine results in the sort of sound that will make any petrolhead’s hairs stand on end, and perhaps even resurrect the dead. Ok, that last point may be a little superfluous, but the point is clear - this is a wonderful sounding engine, and the aural onslaught of the exhaust note is all part of the fun here.

That said, this Camaro is wonderfully civilised on idle, sitting there with a characteristic burble, though it sounds nothing short of fantastic at full chat. Remember how we were saying this isn’t a car for the faint hearted..?

Out on the road, the power-assisted steering is typically vague and of-its-era, though it works as it should, whilst the brakes, throttle and transmission are all tight-as-a-drum and nothing short of a joy to interact with. Going over uneven and broken roads did not reveal any untoward noises from the suspension or chassis, and during our shoot the car behaved impeccably.

On account of its age, this Camaro SS is correctly registered as a historic vehicle, and therefore exempt from mandatory MoT examinations. The vendor reports no known faults with any of the electrical or mechanical components on the vehicle.

Included with the vehicle is the V5 registered keepers document showing first UK registration in 2019 and just one former keeper, along with a full vehicle HPi check, which can be viewed at the end of the gallery below.

If you couldn’t tell from the lashings of praise heaped upon this Camaro SS above, we’re really rather fond of this classic American muscle car icon here at The Market, and it’ll be a shame to see it leave our HQ for the final time.

That said, whoever is lucky enough to win this auction will have a wonderful example on their hands. Yes, the history folder is somewhat on the lightweight side (lightweight enthusiast Gordon Murray would be ecstatic) but the condition of the vehicle appears to back up the vendor’s statement of the car being previously restored prior to his ownership, and it certainly drives nothing short of superbly.

Offered for sale with an estimate of £30,000 to £40,000, this Camaro SS would be a fantastic first foray into the world of American muscle car ownership, or a wonderful addition to a pre-existing collection.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.