
Lot 275 - 1968 12880 Camaro RS
Lot Number | 275 |
Registration | XYY 439F |
Chassis Number | 131278L337990 |
Odometer reading | 1,088 miles |
Estimate | £30,000 - £35,000 |
The Chevrolet Camaro was launched in 1966 and available as a
two-door coupé or convertible with 2+2 seating. General Motors were
concerned with the runaway success of the Ford Mustang so the
Camaro was to have the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine
configuration as the Mustang and Chevy II Nova. In addition, the
Camaro was designed to fit a variety of engines in the engine bay
with a choice ranging from 3.8 to 7 litre, V8 power plants and
sharing its platform with the Pontiac Firebird.
Before any official announcement, reports began running during
April 1965 that Chevrolet was preparing a competitor to the
Mustang, code-named Panther. On June 21, 1966, journalists received
a telegram from General Motors stating, "...Please save noon of
June 28 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to
help scratch a cat. Details will follow..." The following day, the
same journalists received another telegram stating, "Society for
the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold
first and last meeting on June 28". On the 28th, General Motors
held a live press conference in Detroit; the first time in history
that 14 cities were hooked up in real time for a press conference.
Chevrolet stated that all attendees of the conference were charter
members of the 'Society for the Elimination of Panthers from the
Automotive World' and that this would be the first and last meeting
of SEPAW. Then announcing a new car line, claiming the name of the
motorcar, "suggests the comradeship of good friends as a personal
car should be to its owner" and that "to us, the name means just
what we think the car will do... Go!" The new Camaro name was then
unveiled. The automotive press asked Chevrolet representatives
"What is a Camaro?" and were told it was "a small, vicious animal
that eats Mustangs."
This 1968 Camaro RS 5.8 litre, V8 350 has taken the best part of
nine years to complete and the vendor, now satisfied with the
completed project, is happy to move on to the next. Having been
treated to a full bare metal re spray in metallic black with
metallic blue double stripes and a Dana 60 rear end, the interior
has been finished with a complete deluxe re-trim including new
headliner, door cards, centre console and carbon gauge cluster. You
will certainly feel the investment from behind the new chrome
steering column and leather/chrome wheel.
With an exhaustive list of works having been undertaken, the car
has to be viewed to be truly appreciated. The engine is an original
350 small block bored out to 355 (5800cc), rebuilt Chevrolet four
bolt main with ported cast iron dart heads, Manley stainless steel
valves, stud girdles, steel crank, dual roller timing chain,
studded block and competition cam coupled with a new Magnaflow
stainless steel exhaust system. The refurbished four speed Muncie
gearbox with new racing clutch and chrome shifter plus linkage
ensures a quick and smooth change up and new drilled and slot disc
brakes with two pot black callipers all round give stopping power.
This stunning example sits on new one piece 17" centreline alloy
wheels with deeper rear dish.
Full photographic evidence of this complete and impressive
restoration is supplied, as is the V5, Valid MoT test certificate
until July 2014, comprehensive file full of bills, history and
other documentation. This Camaro is a complete credit to the vendor
and ready to drive away; undoubtedly turning heads wherever it
goes. With just 1,088 miles since the restoration, why do the hard
work when someone else has completed it all for you?
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.