The 1968 Camaro SS
Arguably one of the best American muscle cars ever is the 1968 Camaro SS. With its aggressive design, powerful engines, and presence on the road, the ’68 Camaro SS has built a huge fanbase. Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Mustang, the Camaro quickly became one of the most covered cars in the muscle car world, especially in the SS trim, which stands for “Super Sport.”
In this article, I’ll dive into what makes the 1968 Camaro SS special, break down its engine options, horsepower, torque, and discuss the key features that made this car a legend.
The 1968 Camaro SS
The 1968 Camaro SS stands out with its unique design and aggressive curves. Chevrolet refined the original Camaro’s look with a few important changes in 1968, like a new Astro Ventilation system that replaced vent windows and gave the car a cleaner look. The SS trim added extra flair, including a blacked-out grille, SS badging, and optional hood stripes that made the car look meaner and ready for action.
Key Features of the 1968 Camaro SS
- SS Grille and Badging: The SS trim featured a unique blacked-out grille with “SS” badging, instantly signaling this wasn’t just any Camaro.
- Hood Stripes: Many SS models came with hood stripes, adding to its sporty look.
- Cowl Hood: The SS model included a special cowl induction hood, increasing air intake for better engine performance.
- Wheels and Tires: Chevy equipped the SS with 14-inch wheels that featured chrome accents, making it look wide and aggressive.
1968 Camaro SS Specs
The 1968 Camaro SS wasn’t just about looks but it had amazing power under the hood. Chevy offered a range of engine options to suit different levels of performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key engines available for the Camaro SS, with horsepower, torque, and displacement for each.
Engine Options for the 1968 Camaro SS
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 V8 (L48) | 5.7L | 295 hp | 380 lb-ft | Smooth power delivery and reliable performance |
| 396 V8 (L35) | 6.5L | 325 hp | 410 lb-ft | Strong low-end torque, great for daily driving |
| 396 V8 (L78) | 6.5L | 375 hp | 415 lb-ft | High-performance engine, popular with racers |
Each engine had its own character, making it possible for Camaro SS buyers to find an option that matched their driving style. The 350 V8 was a favorite among those looking for a balanced, all-purpose engine, while the 396 V8 L78 offered max horsepower for those who wanted to get the most out of their muscle car.
Transmission Options
The 1968 Camaro SS also offered a range of transmission options for different driving preferences:
- 4-Speed Manual (Muncie M20, M21, and M22): Most enthusiasts preferred the 4-speed manual, which provided a more engaging driving experience.
- 2-Speed Powerglide Automatic: Known for its durability, this transmission was smooth but not as sporty as the manual.
- 3-Speed Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic (TH350): Available with some of the higher-performance engines, this transmission was more responsive and became a popular choice among automatic fans.
Interior
The Camaro SS wasn’t just about muscle and performance, it also offered a driver-focused interior. The dashboard featured a simple layout with simple gauges, and optional extras like a center console with additional gauges made the driving experience even better.
Key Interior Features of the 1968 Camaro SS
- Bucket Seats: Standard bucket seats gave a sporty feel.
- Optional Console Gauges: Extra gauges for fuel, oil pressure, battery, and temperature provided key info to the driver.
- Sport Steering Wheel: The SS package offered a unique, sportier steering wheel.
- AM Radio and 8-Track Player Options: High-tech for its time, the radio options let drivers enjoy music on the go.
Comparing the 1968 Camaro SS Models
The different engine and transmission combinations mean each 1968 Camaro SS can feel unique. Here’s a quick comparison to help potential buyers or enthusiasts understand the differences between the models.
| Model | Engine | Transmission Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro SS 350 | 350 V8 | 4-Speed Manual, Automatic | Balanced performance, daily driving |
| Camaro SS 396 | L35 396 V8 | 4-Speed Manual, Automatic | Muscle with everyday usability |
| Camaro SS 396 L78 | L78 396 V8 | 4-Speed Manual (M22 preferred) | Maximum performance, racing potential |
Why the 1968 Camaro SS is Still a Classic
So, why has the 1968 Camaro SS remained a favorite among classic car fans? For me there’s something about this car that just checks all the boxes for a true muscle car experience. The aggressive design, the powerful engines and the unbelievable and unique driving experience. For collectors and muscle car enthusiasts, the 1968 Camaro SS isn’t just a car, it’s a piece of American history.
Here are a few reasons why the Camaro SS is still sought after:
- Collector’s Item: The 1968 Camaro SS is highly collectible, and values have increased over the years, making it a smart investment for classic car collectors.
- Timeless Style: The bullnose grille, bold lines, and SS badging give it a look that’s hard to beat.
- Powerful Performance: Even by today’s standards, the Camaro SS packs serious power.
- Cultural Icon: It’s more than a car, it’s an icon of the muscle car era, appearing in films, music, and pop culture as a symbol of American horsepower.
Final Thoughts
The 1968 Camaro SS is truly a legend. Whether you’re considering buying one or simply admiring it, there’s no denying its impact on American car culture. With its unique styling and powerful engines, the Camaro SS is a car that keeps people turning their heads.
My name is Sebastian and I am the writer of Redwoodcorner, the Classic Car Blog for every enthusiast and car fan.
