Numbers-Matching Actual True Barn Find! 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Try saying that title five times fast! I feel like Jerry from Seinfeld when he's describing a woman to George in the "Fix Up" episode. On that note, vintage Camaros are among my favorite classic cars of all time, especially the first generation ones. The problem with first-generation Camaros is finding a clean, unmolested stock one is like trying to find an honest politician. An exception to the previous statement is this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS, a V8 model that is unrestored and a true barn find. Find it here on eBay in El Cajon, California, with reserve not met and a little over 14 hours left to bid.

After Ford shocked the American automotive market by setting sales records for three years in a row with its Mustang, Chevrolet decided to respond with its own pony car. In previous years, Chevrolet had tried to unsuccessfully market its compact Corvair as its Mustang fighter, but the lack of a factory V8, quirky styling and engineering, and the lack of enough oomph from the Corvair prompted Chevrolet to develop its own response to the proverbial pony car. Code-named "Panther", development of the Camaro began in early 1965, with reports from the automotive press revealing the secret project being revealed in April 1965. On June 28, 1966, General Motors held a press conference in Detroit's Statler-Hilton hotel; in that press conference, Pete Estes, Chevrolet's general manager at the time, announced the Camaro (then code-named as XP-836) as its new model for 1967. A few weeks later, the Camaro was officially shown to the press on September 12, 1966 in Detroit, Michigan, and on September 19 in Los Angeles, California; the Camaro was officially shown to the public on September 26, and the Camaro hit dealerships beginning on September 29. 

Though there were sportier and muscular versions of the Camaro, a stock first generation Camaro RS coupe is a welcome sight today and can be a great car to own for a car enthusiast. According to the seller (who is the the third owner), the original owner passed away, and the second owner owned the car for 20 years before selling the car to the seller. A vinyl roof was on the car at some point, but that is long gone, leaving a roof with minimal surface rust. Previously sitting in a field in Arizona, water had collected near the driver's-side seal plate and moisture developed under the seal plate. The paint is original, and there is very little rust and no Bondo otherwise. The stainless and chrome trim present very well too, and I love those simulated Mag wheel hubcaps. I would drive the car as-is before springing for a repaint in its original color and a fitting of a new vinyl top (I'm guessing it originally had a black vinyl top).

Yessiree, folks, that there is a V8! Though the seller lists the motor as a 350 two-barrel, I'm pretty sure it's actually a 327 two-barrel V8. Rated at 210 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, the 327 two-barrel is no barn-burner, but is perfect for cruising. Backed by the two-speed Powerglide automatic and featuring a ten-bolt rear end, the seller states that the engine is numbers-matching and still has its original California Smog equipment. The carburetor and heads (redone before the original owner passed) and original valve covers and air cleaner are in the trunk, so everything will need to be refitted. I would get the drivetrain in top operational condition, detail the drivetrain and drive this car in the nice weather and to local shows and cruise nights.

Welp, everything at least has one flaw of some sort. Inside, the interior of this Camaro RS has seen better days, and is one area I would definitely restore right away. The dash top is shot, the seats are torn and tattered, the door panels and carpet are shot, in short, the interior is worse for wear and tear. The console-shift Powerglide garners my approval, as does the three-spoke steering wheel, air conditioning and manual windows. I would fully restore the interior and enjoy this car with gusto. Overall, this Camaro RS has a lot of potential, and once all of the necessary areas are addressed, would be perfect to drive as-is for a while. What are your thoughts on this first-year, V8-equipped Camaro RS coupe?