This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe was delivered new to City Motors Ltd of Labrador City in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The car reportedly was disassembled by a friend of the seller’s in the 1980s, and the seller acquired the vehicle in 2017 and completed the refurbishment over the course of seven years. Power is supplied by an overbored 396ci L35 V8, and the car has been modified with installation of a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission as well as a Holley 650-cfm carburetor, American Racing 18″ wheels, Hotchkis suspension components, stainless-steel dual exhaust, TMI front seats, a suede headliner, and a retro-style radio. Finished in red over red upholstery, the car is also equipped with concealed headlights, an SS-style hood, a rear spoiler, power-assisted front disc brakes, and power steering. This Camaro is now offered by the seller on behalf of their spouse with a Vintage Vehicle Services report, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean Florida title.
Finished from the factory in Matador Red (R), the car was repainted following replacement of the quarter panels, doors, fenders, and hood during the aforementioned refurbishment, which was completed in 2023. Features include RS-style hideaway headlights, an SS-style hood with raised simulated air intakes, a driver-side mirror, a rear spoiler, chrome bumpers, and bright trim.
American Racing VN507 Rodder 18″ wheels are mounted with ContiSportContact tires measuring 235/40 in front and 265/35 out back. An older spare tire on a 14″ wheel is stored in the trunk. The car is equipped with power steering, and braking is handled by power-assisted cross-drilled and slotted front discs complemented by rear drums. Components from Hotchkis Sport Suspension include tubular front control arms, rear leaf springs, front and rear sway bars, and Hotchkis-Tuned Fox 1.5 Street Performance Series shocks.
TMI Products front bucket seats installed during the refurbishment are trimmed in red vinyl, as is the rear bench seat. Interior appointments include black lap belts, a red suede headliner, a heater, and a retro-style push-button radio with an auxiliary input. The carpeting was replaced during the refurbishment, but the rear seat and the door and side panels were not.
A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a 120-mph speedometer as well as a tachometer that has a 5k-rpm redline and a replacement inset clock. Gauges located ahead of the horseshoe-style console shifter monitor voltage, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 62k miles, approximately 500 of which were added under current ownership; true mileage is unknown. A Dakota Digital ECD-200BT-1 electronic-to-mechanical setup has been adapted to operate the speedometer.
The 396ci L35 V8 is said to have been bored .030″ over during the refurbishment and equipped with a Holley 650-cfm four-barrel carburetor and a “mild” camshaft update.
The engine stamping is shown above. The MY suffix corresponds with a 325-horsepower 396ci V8 intended for use with an automatic transmission.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission that was installed during the refurbishment along with a stainless-steel dual exhaust system.
Decoding the Fisher body tag reveals the following information:
- 09D – Fourth week of September build date
- 68-12437 – 1968 Camaro sport coupe
- NOR13045 – Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant; body number
- 725 – Red custom bucket seats
- RR – Matador Red monotone paint
Documentation from Vintage Vehicle Services Inc shows initial delivery to City Motors in Labrador along with factory equipment and production statistics.
