You remember the Ford vs. Chevy rivalry back in the muscle car days? The 1967 Camaro came out swinging to take on the Mustang, and in ’68, they upped their game even higher.
I get why the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro was such a big deal back then — and honestly, it’s still got that “Wow” factor today.
Its Exterior Looks (And Is) Classy
Man, the 1968 Camaro has always been a classic for me. It keeps much of the sleek look from the ’67 — which I have admired since I was young — except for one huge change: the Astro Ventilation.
Getting rid of the 67′ side-venting windows doesn’t just help clean up the lines but also improves airflow — a perfect partner for my hot summer drives! The side-marked lights sit prettily at the sides to comply with the safety rules at the time.
But what really draws me in are the rear and front changes; the grille couldn’t have looked pointier, giving the whole car a… meaner, more aggressive look.
Those split rear taillights make our beast look wider from behind, accompanied by the oval running lights (for the non-RS models, I mean). Sure, changing these running lights from circular to oval seems like a small detail, but the modern touch they bring about is no joke.
And let’s talk about my all-time favorite, the big-guy Camaro SS models. Chrome hoods that look like velocity stacks? That’s pure muscle car style right there! My kids also love how the black, low-gloss rear taillight panel blends into the entire design without being too flashy.
I miss the good old days when people around the neighborhood gasped softly to themselves as my SS Camaro passed by — it’s got the style, the edgy vibe, everything.
Its Inside Is Just As Jaw-Dropping
I wouldn’t have fanboy-ed this much over the ’68 Camaro if it was just about exterior looks. Nope, they paid attention to the little details inside as well.
The color-keyed vinyl seats (with Strato-buckets) are super comfy, hugging me JUST right whenever I am tearing down the road. And I like how the side panels look stylish yet practical, not to mention scuff-resistant; they give off that sharp, clean-cut edge the Camaro is so famous for.
And who digs the color-keyed carpet? Well, count me in. It ties everything nicely with a polished feel, deepened by the classy front armrests and their bright-colored base.
The built-in ashtray and cigarette lighter are not exactly my things (I’ve never been a heavy smoker), but I bet many of you will appreciate them.
Driving at night used to be a wild adventure for me, thanks to the automatic switches to the courtesy or dome lights.
Back then, I liked to sneak out of my room at midnight sharp and relax behind the wheel as my Camaro roared on the empty road.
I love my wife and my children, of course, but oh, how I sometimes wish I could wind up the clock to 10 years younger.
A Raw Beast Ready To Lash Out
Do you know what REALLY sets the ’68 Camaro apart from their ’67 siblings? All the insane performance upgrades they threw in, of course.
Take the rear-shock absorber mounting, for example. Staggering them wasn’t just a visual-driven choice; it actually solved serious wheel hop problems, especially when I put my foot down hard.
The multi-leaf rear springs only give me better handling and traction, making sure all that power stays planted on the road. Those flimsy single-leaf ones simply could not compare.
And don’t even get me started on the engines; the 396 cubic inch big block they offered for the SS is a beast! I mean, 350 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque — talk about raw power.
These cars were clearly built to dominate the track, so I wasn’t surprised at all that these babies sold like hotcakes back then. There used to be a time when I saw nothing else but lines of the 68 Camaro on the streets.
I wish they had offered the 427 (7L) engine as a regular option, but with what they already packed into the ’68 Camaro, it didn’t really matter!
Driving The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Is Like A Visit To History
Whenever I turn the key, the engine’s throaty rumble instantly brings a rush of hot adrenaline.
Yes, its steering is far from anything we would get in a modern car (what with electric assist and all), and you would need a bit of arm muscle, but that’s part of the charm.
I like that I could feel the road more, especially at slower speeds.
The low ride height makes me feel connected to the pavement as I ease onto the road. Its suspension is quite stiff (I bet much stiffer than what you’re used to) and translates more road feel into the cabin.
But hitting the gas will be where the fun starts! These engines are known for their power, so I often feel a very satisfying shove as the car accelerates.
Again, be prepared that the manual transmission will demand a confident hand, but you will be rewarded with a feeling of being in COMPLETE control of the driving experience!
Visibility might also be a bit challenging. The thick pillars and smaller windows of the 1968 Camaro tend to create a bit of a blind spot (at least for me).
I’ve gotta be more aware on the road, but it actually adds to the thrill of driving something so classic.
Believe it or not, there’s a certain sense of nostalgia that often comes with driving a decades-old Chamaro.
I mean, imagine rolling down the windows (no electric buttons here!) and feeling the wind in your hair as the throaty engine sounds fill your ears.
It’s as if we’re stepping back in time to the golden age of American pony cars.
Dream of cruising in a bygone era? Owning a ’68 Camaro is pretty straightforward, with prices on the used market ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
It’s just that pristine shine off the lot won’t be the deal, though.
I was watching ‘Aloha, Bobby and Rose’ (1975) with my kids yesterday, and when Bobby rolled out his slick ’68 Camaro, it hit me right in the feels.
Got any memories with this car you wanna share with me? Tell me!