Unrestored Orginial 68 Camaro SS/RS w 9,556 miles!

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

I recently purchased a unrestored orginial 68 SS/RS with well documented 9,556 miles which has been authanticated by Jerry MacNeish. Car is completely orginial (even tires) except for the exhaust. Jerry refered this car as the "68 benchmark".

1968, SS and RS packages, 350.
Matador Red with White deluxe interior
Options: Per original window sticker: 4 speed, PS, Dlx belts, RS, SS, Cust Intr, floor mats, AM radio, Center Console, Clock, 350 Engine, Aux. Lights, SS Wheel cover, F70x14 ply w/strp.

History: I purchased the car on 4/2/11 from the family of the original owner who passed away 5 years ago (the niece inherited the car) . The original owner, Gordon Thomas, took delivery of the car on 11/17/67 with the intention of keeping the car completely original and only driven to car shows. Mr. Thomas was successful as the car is totally stock (except the exhaust which has been replaced) even the tires are original. You see, Mr. Thomas was autistic and could not drive the car himself. His family would take him to car shows in the Danbury CT. area when the weather was nice. The car has never seen rain and no one have ever sat in the back seat.

Now for the amazing part, the car only has 9,576 well documented miles. Mr. Thomas was so diligent in keeping the car original that back in the 60’s he purchased many new spare parts that came with the car when I purchased ( 6 large bins worth). He was concerned that if he needed to replace something he would not be able to purchase the original part. He also has every piece of mint condition documentation; including dealer invoice, window sticker, owner’s manual, warranty booklet and card, temporary CT registration card, finance agreement, original title, yearly registrations and insurance cards. Each and every document is in mint condition. To be kind, due to Mr. Thomas’s disability he was obsessed with keeping this car totally original and in mint condition and his legacy is that he succeeded.

I expect the reason the car is not widely known is that while a legend in the CT. area (Mr. Thomas was known as Mr. Original), the car never traveled more than 50 miles from home. The car has been featured in a few small magazines throughout the years. I recently had the car on display at the Camaro Nationals a few weeks ago and the car receive a tremendous reception with lots of shaking heads and smiles. Mr. Scott Settlemire from GM attended the show with their 2012 SL1 Camaro and personally requested to have my car parked next to his to be displayed.

Mr. Jerry Macneish has verified and documented the car as authentic and labeled this car as the “Benchmark 68 Camaro

Here’s a link to some pictures: : http://s1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/

[mockingbird812]

Wow - terrific car, terrific story! Welcome aboard! Thanks for checking in!

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/735-1.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/740.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/720.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/725.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/729.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/737.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/713.jpg http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/fremite/036.jpg

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

Thanks. Can you see the photos in the link?

[mockingbird812]

You bet - I just embedded a few above. What a sweet heart! Do you have any underhood shots?

[L89DRMR]

I'm very sorry to hear of Mr. Thomas' passing. I saw him and this incredible Camaro many times in Danbury and Norwalk. I always enjoyed talking with the owner and checking out the details of the car. It was one of favorite cars and I remember seeing Mr. Thomas sporting his "Mr. Original" T-shirt at most of the showings.

Dave

[mockingbird812]

Please fill out the rest of your profile. Thanks!

[markinnaples]

Wow. Amazing.

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

His family is very nice as well. I consider myself as the caretaker of his car as this would not exist if not for his vision to keep the car orginial.

[Xplantdad]

You should bring it to the MCACN show! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[mockingbird812]

Bruce - great minds think alike <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif! I hope to talk to Fred ('68 Camaro owner) later today to discuss the very same idea. You are just <span style="font-size: 26pt"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #FF0000">BRILLIANT</span></span></span></span></span> Bruce! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif

[Salvatore]

that is a great car! Killer color combo too! Bring it to Chicago in November. Car will definetly be a star!

[1969z280]

It will be worth the MCACN entry fee just to see this Camaro!

Fantastic! Congratulations, Ed

[Bill Pritchard]

Simply amazing!

Are those Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires? It looks like they are...I had two of those in perfect condition that I sold about a year ago <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

[1969l78]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif

[Fast67VelleN2O]

Awesome car! I never liked that style of hubcap though.

[GTO_DON]

That car is simply Awesome. Good luck with it....I cant believe chevy reused those caps on a 68. Those are the same ones used on 63 Impala super sports. They look good on 63's.

[69SSZL1]

WOW! I can't believe how many original cars are turning up.

[enio45]

beautiful car - any shots of the engine compartment?

[69L78]

I took these pics at the Frederick, MD Camaro show the same weekend as GM Carlisle

[mockingbird812]

Thanks for the shots Jeff. Underhood looks unbelievable!

[Charley Lillard]

Great car...Can I have it ?

[Mr. Chevy]

AWESOME CAMARO!!

I would have loved to have seen what the 66 Malibu looked like that the gentleman traded in for this car according to the paperwork.. I'm sure it was a clean car..

Rich

[m22mike]

Grady...are you <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif ing yet ??? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[mockingbird812]

Oh, I know Grady is drooling. No doubt!!!!!!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr. Chevy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AWESOME CAMARO!!

I would have loved to have seen what the 66 Malibu looked like that the gentleman traded in for this car according to the paperwork.. I'm sure it was a clean car..

Rich </div></div>

I was thinking the same thing Rich!

[427TJ]

What a nice car! Those wheel covers make the car for me as well as the whitewalls. Nice to see an original, never-raped Camaro SS.

[Steve Shauger]

What a fantastic car. Look forward to seeing the car in person. It's very fortunate to have you as it's caretaker. As been mentioned it would be wonderful to have that car at the MCACN show in November. Anyway congrats!

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

Yes, they are tiger paws. Great condition with no cracking due to age. The spare is pretty cool as it has never been removed and still has all the nubs on it.

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

I would love to get the car to MCACN. I'm in NJ and have an open trailer, any suggestions on transporting the car? Really don't want to go that far in an open. Thanks.

[Charley Lillard]

Official sponsor for MCACN is Reliable-Carriers. There is a link to them at the top of this page. Call em and get a rate quote. They are hauling quite a few cars to the show so they might have a truck coming thru your area.. We would love to have the car there.

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

Thanks for the lead, I'll check it out.

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

2,500 round trip is a bit to expensive for me. Can folks get sponsors to help out with this type of expense?

[sappy787]

Nice car

[RAIIIT/A]

How much were you able to purchase the car for?

[enio45]

Im in touch with Bob Sellers to see what we can do to help on on the transport - stay tuned.

Are there any other cars needed transport from the east coast that i can arrange with bob to help the overall cost?

[njsteve]

I would consider bringing the hemi charger there, but the cost of getting it there and back is just too much of a hit on the wallet.

[Charley Lillard]

Don't be such a baby Steve...Just bring it and consider it a marketing cost...

[mockingbird812]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider bringing the hemi charger there, but the cost of getting it there and back is just too much of a hit on the wallet. </div></div>

Happy to help you with working on the pricing Steve. There are cars coming from yr area and the more cars the better the pricing. Eddie M. has a good relationship w/ Reliable, so say the word. Btw, w all the eyes you'll get on that beast of yours it may be a one way trip!

[njsteve]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't be such a baby Steve...Just bring it and consider it a marketing cost... </div></div>

Well since you put it that way, I guess I have to go now. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[mockingbird812]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif now you're talkin!

[Charley Lillard]

Ashton....sign em up...

[bashton]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ashton....sign em up... </div></div>

Steve's in with his beautiful Hemi Charger RT/SE...now about that incredible Camaro. We indeed have Reliable trucks coming in from the East.

stay tuned...

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

Reliable came through with nice price so I'm in! Thanks to Eddie and Sam for all the help and looking forward to meeting you.

[mockingbird812]

Wonderful news Fred. Can't wait to see your beauty!

[Steve Shauger]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Orginial 68SS/RS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Reliable came through with nice price so I'm in! Thanks to Eddie and Sam for all the help and looking forward to meeting you. </div></div>

Fantastic news Fred. The Vintage Certification team is very excited about your participation. The Vintage Certification line up is again amazing. If you are into unrestored original time capsules this is a must see line up:

1973 Trans am SD 1700 miles
1967 GTO
1968 RS/SS 9500 miles
1981 Camaro Z28 5000 miles
1966 Chevelle SS
1984 Camaro Z28 6000 miles
1970 T/A Challenger 173 miles

There will be a few other cars participating such as 1971 Olds W30 convert &amp; 1965 Chevelle Z16.

If anyone has an unrestored car and would like them to be displayed in the Vintage Certification area let me know.

Every year the bar gets set higher and higher for this show. Based on the quality and diversity of the cars registered it will be a truly amazing event. The best part is seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

[TMagda]

Mr. Original! I wondered when this car would turn up here.

[TMagda]

@Original 68 SS/RS. I have one of those magazines. If you want it, just PM me your address and it's yours.

[bashton]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Orginial 68SS/RS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Reliable came through with nice price so I'm in! Thanks to Eddie and Sam for all the help and looking forward to meeting you. </div></div>

We are truly honored to have you join us. This is another example of showcasing the absolute best of the best in a the Muscle Car and Corvette world. Yet another reason for everyone to join us November 19-20.

Thanks go out to Eddie, Sam, Steve Segal and Steve Shauger for the &quot;peer pressure&quot; (j/k) and also to Bob Sellers at Reliable for jumping in to help make this happen!

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[Orginial 68SS/RS]

Hi Folks, ready to roll, air and hotel squared away.. now just the car transport arrangements! Thanks for all the help and can't wait for the show!