1968 Chevrolet Camaro
The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro was a pivotal model year for Chevrolet's immensely popular "pony car," representing a significant evolution from its groundbreaking 1967 debut. Building upon the success of the original, the '68 Camaro introduced a range of styling refinements, mechanical updates, and the introduction of new performance options, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the youth-oriented automotive market.
Key Features and Changes:
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Revised Exterior Styling: While retaining the iconic long-hood, short-deck profile, the 1968 Camaro received subtle but impactful exterior enhancements. The most noticeable change was the elimination of the vent windows on the coupe models, replaced by a single "one-piece" door glass, contributing to a cleaner, more modern appearance. The front grille was restyled with a more pronounced horizontal bar and a slightly altered shape. The taillights were also redesigned, moving from the rectangular units of 1967 to a deeper, more sculpted concave design that wrapped slightly around the rear corners, adding to the car's visual depth and aggressive stance. The front fender badging was also updated, and the side marker lights became standard equipment across all models, a safety regulation change.
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Interior Refinements: The interior also saw minor updates, including new seat patterns and door panel designs. The dashboard remained largely the same, offering a driver-focused layout with clear instrumentation.
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Engine Options: The '68 Camaro offered a diverse range of engine choices to cater to a wide spectrum of buyers, from economy-minded commuters to performance enthusiasts.
- Inline-Six: The base engine was the reliable 230 cubic inch (3.8L) inline-six, producing approximately 140 horsepower.
- Small-Block V8s: The popular 327 cubic inch (5.4L) V8 was available in two states of tune: a standard version with around 210 horsepower and a more potent "Power Pak" version offering approximately 275 horsepower.
- Big-Block V8s: For true muscle car performance, the '68 Camaro offered two formidable 396 cubic inch (6.5L) Mark IV big-block V8s. The L35 option delivered a stout 325 horsepower, while the L78 offered a thrilling 375 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Camaros available.
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Drivetrain Options: Transmission choices included a three-speed manual as standard, with a four-speed manual and a two-speed Powerglide automatic (primarily for six-cylinder and lower-horsepower V8 models) and a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (for V8 models) available as options.
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Suspension and Handling: The Camaro featured a competent independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. While capable for its class, performance-oriented models often benefited from optional upgraded suspension components.
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Trim Levels and Options: The 1968 Camaro was available in both coupe (Sports Coupe) and convertible body styles. The highly sought-after "SS" (Super Sport) package added distinctive badging, special wheels, and often included the 396 V8 engine. The even more potent "Z/28" package was introduced specifically for the SCCA Trans-Am racing series. This package featured a high-revving 302 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 engine (built to comply with racing regulations), a four-speed manual transmission, a heavy-duty suspension, power front disc brakes, and quick-ratio steering. The Z/28 was a track-bred machine, renowned for its exceptional handling and performance.
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Legacy and Impact: The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro continued the legacy of the first-generation Camaro as a highly desirable and influential automobile. It successfully blended stylish design with a range of performance options, making it an instant hit with consumers. The introduction of the Z/28 further cemented the Camaro's reputation as a formidable competitor in motorsport and a symbol of American muscle car culture. Its distinctive styling, potent engine choices, and customizable nature have ensured its enduring appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.