1968 Chevrolet Camaro
F-body · Second year of the first-generation Camaro. Vent windows wer... · The middle child of the first-generation Camaro
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
235,147
Original MSRP
$2,694
Assembly Plants
Norwood, OH · Van Nuys, CA
Wheelbase
108 inches
Body Styles
Sport Coupe · Convertible
Curb Weight
Unknown
Notable Packages & Production
SS 350 / SS 396 — Z27
bumblebee nose stripe, SS hood with simulated chrome vents, hidden-headlight RS option
2-3x base
27,884
produced
Rally Sport — Z22
Hidden headlights and RS trim
1.2-1.5x base
40,977
produced
Available Engines
230 230ci — inline-6
Base six
140 hp
250 250ci — inline-6
Optional six
155 hp
327 327ci — V8
Base V8
210 hp
L30 327ci — V8
Four-barrel 327
275 hp
L48 350ci — V8
SS 350 — standard SS engine
295 hp
L35 396ci — V8
SS 396 base big block
325 hp
L34 396ci — V8
Mid-level SS 396
350 hp
L78 396ci — V8
Solid-lifter SS 396 — the top street Camaro engine for 1968
375 hp
L89 396ci — V8
L78 with aluminum heads — very rare
375 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: The VIN does not show SS or engine size — cloned SS 396 cars are everywhere. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode the cowl tag for paint, trim and build date
Check the block pad for the engine suffix code and partial VIN
The VIN does not identify an SS — ask for documentation on any SS 396
Inspect floor pans, trunk floor and rear frame rails for rust
Check the cowl and windshield channel — water leaks rot the floors
Big-block cars should have staggered rear shocks
RS cars: test the hidden headlight doors
Look for filled holes where 1967 vent windows or trim were swapped in
Known Problem Areas
SS 396 clones built from six-cylinder or 327 cars
Floor pan, trunk and quarter panel rust
Cowl rust causing water leaks
Sticky or failed RS headlight door actuators
Rear leaf spring sag
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Documented SS 396, especially L78 or L89
RS/SS combination
Convertible with big block
4-speed manual
Original paint confirmed by cowl tag
↓ Decreases Value
Undocumented SS clone
Non-original engine in an SS
Rust repair with poor panels
Six-cylinder cars priced as V8s
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Low-Medium
Parts Availability
Excellent — first-gen Camaro parts are almost all reproduced
Driver Quality Cost
$20,000 – $40,000
Show Quality Cost
$60,000 – $110,000
Key Suppliers
Classic Industries · National Parts Depot · Rick's Camaros
Pop Culture & Legacy
First-generation Camaros remain the most restored GM muscle car
1968 is the only first-gen year with no vent windows and the original grille and bumper look
Other Chevrolet Camaro Years