Walking around a local cruise in this past weekend baking in
the sun, I didn’t see too much that caught my eye. These weekly cruises can
eventually become redundant as inevitably the same frequenters show up with the
same Camaro I have shot many times over. These types of shows are usually just
a way for me to kill some Sunday afternoon while my wife is away at work.
Eventually a spotted a 67 Camaro pulling in out of the corner of my eye, and
what initially grabbed my attention was that at high noon sun, the paint on the
car barely had a glimmer. Right off the bat this told me it was a ‘driver’ car
which most know, those are my favorite. The trailer queen rotisserie restored
car is great, the hacked up hot rods are fine, but my preference has always been
the unrestored, drivers car. These cars show their age, the paint is dull, the
chrome has some rust speckled on it, it has a few dings and scratched here and
there.
I found where the man had parked, under a tree way near the
back mostly out of sight. He was still sitting in the car, so I snapped a few
pictures and walked off not wanted to intrude. What I got right away is what
caught my eye got better as I got closer. The paint was very faded, the trim
was showing 50 years of age. I made my rounds again and finally came back to
see him sitting in a lawn chair. I walked up and asked if I could take a few
pictures, he said yes, so I got to work. This car was as original as could be,
top to bottom. Even better it was an original California car, so no rust! It’s
as clean as they come, retained all original components (even the smog pump).
When the owner and I began chatting I realized what a find
he really had. The story is as follows: Back in 1967 a young mans parents
purchased him the 67 Camaro SS/RS 396 4-speed car for his college ride. The man
was a student at USC, and to my surprise the car remained factory. Being a
product of Southern California culture, you can picture this car being
modified, parts thrown in the dumpster and taken out to be a stop light bruiser
on the boulevard. Oddly enough though, the kid was an avid surfer and just used
it to get to school and the beach. Imagine, having this kind of pavement
pounder for a daily driver. After graduation the kid left the car at his parents’
house and moved away. Years later in 1988 a car collector from Michigan flew
out to California to buy a car when he spotted this Camaro sitting in a
driveway. He pulled over and as those stories go, made them a deal and off the
Camaro went back to Michigan. The car remained in the collectors hands up until
a couple of years ago when the man I met this weekend picked it up off of him
for a deal because they were old high school buddies. The car only acquired 20k
or so miles in California, and only a couple hundred miles after that. The car
still retains its 1988 Registration sticker on the window! Also has the University of Southern California sticker on the back window.
The current owner drives it around, takes it to shows, and
enjoys it. Careful to keep the big block in check he did replace the original
radiator to keep it cooler. The 67 brake calipers have been swapped for better
performing OE 68 Camaro units as well. Otherwise the car remains the way it was
factory, just with 51 years of age washed over it. Though I did not ask, he was
quick to note that it is not for sale and will be given to his grandchild.
Which is fine with me, I want the next generation to enjoy this car as well.
I shot about 40 more photos of the car, marveling, and chatting up the owner who was generously offering up information as well as enjoying talking Camaros in general. I hope to see it out again soon, this car is too awesome to be parked.
Quick specs: 1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 (late build), 4-speed, in Madera Maroon. All original except radiator swap, and front brake calipers. otherwise retains factory originality, just with 51 years of
wear!
Please visit my instagram @CamaroHistorian for a video I have posted of the car, as well as upcoming pictures I will be posting of this beautiful Camaro.
Sweet ride - even better story!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
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