1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

Tribute cars always seem to mimic the big-dollar machines, but this beautifully finished 1967 Camaro is a smarter choice that brings lots of fun in a more affordable package. After looking at so many undocumented SS clones, this one's unassuming nature is quite refreshing, and it still gets all the looks when you take it out for a drive.

The paint looks pretty close to Bolero Red, and the hue gives the Camaro a racy look without seeming out of place, because Camaros were always about getting noticed. For fans of the simplicity of the early Camaros, it's easy to see why the car was such a runaway success when it first hit the market and before we even knew what "SS" meant, especially with the black vinyl top. The bodywork is quite well done; just look at the kick-up behind the doors and the sharp crease that runs the length of the body, neatly bisecting the doors and rear quarter. Up front there's a black bumblebee stripe around the nose, and both chin and trunk lid spoilers are always welcome additions, and there aren't many Camaro fans who don't prefer the simple single-element taillight lenses that are part of the package. Chrome is quite good throughout thanks to new bumpers, and the only item that seems out of place might be the SS gas cap, but that's easy to remedy. Or leave it there, because this isn't a car that's going to make people complain.

Complementing the bright paint is a set of freshly restored black Strato buckets that greet you when you climb aboard. Fresh carpets and matching door panels complete the OEM look (760 Black is the car's original interior color code, so it's quite authentic-looking). This one also carries a few neat upgrades, including auxiliary gauges fitted at the leading edge of the center console, and armrest with built-in cup holders, and an AM/FM/iPod stereo that sounds great. There's also a custom Lokar shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic. The steering wheel uses a beautifully woodgrained rim that's a big improvement over the original hard plastic piece and it's connected to power steering, so this Camaro remains easy to handle around town. Open the deck lid and you'll find a very tidy trunk wearing correct spatter finish paint and showing no signs of the dreaded tin worm.

Power comes from an ultra-clean and sweet-running 350 cubic inch crate motor. Finished in basic black with a bunch of chrome dress-up, including the air cleaner, valve covers, alternator, and radiator shroud, it really sparkles. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, polished intake manifold, and long-tube headers are traditional ways to improve performance without compromising reliability. There's also a new alternator with its own chrome bracket and a giant aluminum radiator up front that keeps a small block chilled without effort. The original PowerGlide is gone, replaced by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, which feeds what appears to be a fresh 10-bolt rear end with a chrome cover and new spring perches. Dual glasspack-style mufflers give it a snarling exhaust note and the stance says "high performance" in no uncertain terms and the wheelwells are stuffed full of 18-inch polished Boss Motorsports wheels and staggered 235/40/18 front and 245/40/18 rear performance radials.

Well built, clean, and a lot of fun to drive, this is an awesome Camaro in great colors and just a bit of attitude. If you're weary of early Camaros that are just a little too perfect to be enjoyed, this is a great alternative. Call today!