The classic 1969 Camaro Pace Car, a California native with a storied past, has undergone a dramatic transformation. Its original drivetrain is a distant memory, replaced entirely with a modern masterpiece. A Schwartz Performance chassis now forms the foundation, boasting an independent rear suspension featuring components from a sixth-generation Camaro. Under the hood lies a monstrous LT4 engine with a dry sump oil system, breathing life through a 10L90 automatic transmission. To keep this beast cool, a C&R Racing radiator and cooling system with SPAL brushless fans ensure optimal temperature control.
The Last 5%
Although this Pace Car – a real one, by the way – has an amazing list of parts installed, the owner wanted some final details addressed before hitting the road with his prized Camaro. We’ll be knocking out a punch list more commonly known as “The Last 5%” – you know, little details that linger at the end of a restoration or performance build that prevent it from being 100% complete and ready to rock. We’re honored at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for the opportunity to bring this car across the finish line.
It’s not a Delorean, but this Camaro SS survivor is a time machine.
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and for the owner of this super cool 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, it’s turned up to 11. You see, this is not only a really cool 1967 Camaro, with it’s factory-installed first year 350 V8, Rally Sport (RS) appearance package, and Super Sport (SS) performance goodies, but it’s a valued family member that has returned to the fold.
The Car
When a car arrives at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we like to verify it’s identity to see what we’re working with. This time, the VIN and cowl trim tag spell out how this car was built in the first week of November, and was originally painted Butternut Yellow with matching interior and black vinyl top. The RS SS packages are original, as appears the new for 295 horsepower 350 V8 and 4-speed manual transmission installed at the Los Angeles (Van Nuys) CA plant.
The Story
The owner was fortunate to have some great times in the car “back in the day”, as he and his brother would drive it in high school together. As you can imagine, there are many stories about those days. Unfortunately, his brother is no longer with us, and the Camaro got away from the family. However, our customer’s wife eventually located the car, purchased it, and presented it back to the owner for a very special birthday present. We can only imagine the flood of memories and emotions that day when he slid behind the wheel of this treasured Camaro once again.
Check Out The Story In The Video
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Next steps for the Camaro SS
After reviewing the condition of the Camaro, the owner determined he needed a hand to get it back on the road. He contacted us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to evaluate it’s condition and create a plan that brings the car right back to the condition it was in back in high school… or maybe a bit nicer! Although originally yellow, the owner’s experience and memories are with it in black, so black it should stay. We’ll go over the car and propose a least-invasive restoration and preservation to make it safe, reliable, and ready to burn up the streets once again.
What’s your car’s story?
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop mission statement is to “connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels”, and this is a perfect example. We are honored for the opportunity to work on this prized Camaro SS, and fully understand the significance of cars like these… they all have stories, but some are never known. In the end, it’s really all about the people and good times had with the car.
How can we help write your family heirloom Classic or Muscle Car’s next chapter?
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team stands at the ready to assist with your classic car’s maintenance, preservation, partial restoration, modification, complete restoration, or even to build a totally custom, bespoke, one-of-a-kind automobile that reflects your desires. Contact us today to start the conversation… we love a great car story!
This great looking 1968 Chevrolet Camaro LS3 Restomod came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to fix some tuning issues and to have a new custom interior installed. The plan was to modernize the door panels with some Fesler pieces, and custom design and build a center console to house the Vintage Air A/C controls, the power window switches, a pair of stainless cup holders, a double-din audio system, USB power, and the Tremec T56 6-speed shifter.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop interior department completely designed, built, upholstered, and wired the custom console before installing it in the Camaro. The Fesler door and rear side panels were upholstered in matching black vinyl with a corresponding hounds-tooth insert to match the Camaro’s seats.
Before the car was complete, our team identified that the roof skin was rusty and improperly installed, so the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Fabrication Department went to work removing the old skin, repairing the rust, and installing a new piece. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Body Shop finished the job and painted the new roof with a black industrial coating, then the Interior Shop installed a new vinyl top.
The LS3 1968 Camaro makes great power, and is a real blast to drive. We’re excited to see this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro rolling down the road, and the owner is looking forward to making more memories on road trips with his restomod Camaro.
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for all your restoration and performance needs! 314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.
1968 Chevrolet Camaro LS3 Restomod Interior Upgrades and Driving Video V8 Speed & Resto Shop V8TV