Frame Off Restored Camaro SS Convertible 396 V8 4-Speed

There's no question that first generation Camaros are one of the hottest commodities in today's muscle car marketplace. Regardless if you're a first time buyer looking for a fun weekend car or a seasoned collector of rarities, there's an F-body out there for you. This 1967 Camaro SS carries all the visual appeal of a stock restoration, but the fun factor of a resto-mod with a 400hp crate engine, Muncie 4-speed, and the ultimate sunny day option – a convertible top. The subject of a two-year frame-off restoration, the car looks showroom fresh and drives with a spirit no stock Camaro ever had. If you're looking for a perfect summer toy to hit the back roads and local shows with, you're Chevrolet has arrived!

We'll get started by breaking down the cowl tag so you know exactly how the car started life:

06A: Body date – June (1st week)
E: Black interior trim
12467: 1967 Camaro convertible – standard interior
NOR: Body assembly – Norwood, Ohio
130905: Fisher Body unit number
TR 760-2: Black w/ black carpet, instrument panel, and steering wheel
A: Tuxedo black paint
2: Black convertible top

Group Option codes: W 2LG 4N

Group 1: W – Tinted windshield (only)
Group 2: L – Four-speed manual transmission
G – Center console
Group 4: N – 396ci/325hp L35 V8

The latest chapter of this convertible's story started in Kansas where the car was located by the current owner in the late 2000s. It was in good shape overall, but needed some rust repair on the quarters. Once that work was completed, the project, as projects do, became a lot more involved. Efforts continued on the outside, where the decision was made to stick with the factory-chosen shade of Tuxedo Black. It's a great color, but one that requires full dedication to getting every line as straight as possible. Judging by how the car looks today, that challenge was fully accepted. The paintwork presents well, offering mirror-like reflections from any angle while a white nose stripe adds some classic muscle car flavor. When the weather acts up, a taut black canvas convertible top acts right, keeping the elements out and finishing off the roof line in style.

Zoom in on the details and this Camaro continues to impress. At the front, a pair of round headlights and turn signals frame a pointed grille, fronted by a blue bowtie. A body-hugging bumper fills the space below, offering a perfect point to end the nose stripe. This was before the ZL2 option was introduced, so you'll find well-preserved chrome trim pieces on the otherwise flat hood, leading towards a new windshield framed by clean stainless. All the glass is new and tinted to keep in line with the cars original style. The straightforward side profile is defined by bright wheel molding and showroom-fresh rocker trim paired with chrome door handles and crisp Camaro badges on the front fenders. Out back, an added D80 rear spoiler matches the chin spoiler up front, while a center-mounted SS fuel cap sits in between a pair of rectangular factory taillights. A second pristine chrome bumper wraps around below, while reverse lights complete the package.

If you wanted the baddest '67 Camaro the factory offered, the L35 396ci/325hp V8 was just one checkbox away from the top option. While it presents like an L35, this big block is actually a stout crate engine from Tuff Dawg Engines in Phoenix, Arizona. At its core is a solid GM block that wears a 3855961 casting number, L235 (December 23, 1965) date code, and a fresh coat of orange paint. Inside, upgrades like a hydraulic flat tappet cam and forged rods help provide a solid foundation while cast factory heads, an aluminum Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, and a single Holley four-barrel top off the package. All told, the 396 is good for approximately 400hp and 430lb-ft of torque – a significant upgrade over even the top shelf L78. The front of the engine turns a vintage Delcotron alternator alongside the water pump and power steering pump while, opposite, an aluminum radiator teams up with the engine-driven fan to keep the big block cool. Spark is carried through fresh MSD plug wires while spent gases flow through stock cast iron manifolds that exhale through a Pypes exhaust system. Aesthetically, it's a straight forward package with a properly decaled chrome air cleaner assembly and painted valve covers covering the big hardware while details like GM hoses and a reproduction Delco batter add a dash of authenticity.

Take a look underneath this F-body to find a chassis stuffed full of new pieces. From body bushings to brake and fuel lines, nearly everything in sight has been rebuilt or replaced altogether. Behind the 396, a close-ratio Muncie M21 resides within an 010 main case. It's not the original piece but, with a new shifter and new clutch, it handles shifts like a brand new car. Power spins back to a proper 3894860 casting 12-bolt rear packed with new 3.73 gears. Around the drivetrain, factory engineering reins supreme with a rebuilt factory suspension. The front sports a double A-arm setup while the rear is supported by mono leaf rear springs with a correct right-side traction bar. There's also a Hotchkis X-brace specially designed to strengthen convertible chassis. The big block up front guarantees the car will be quick in a straight line, but the combination of power steering and power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes ensure the corners will be just as comfortable. A set of Argent Silver rally wheels with bright beauty rings and centers meet the road through 215/70R15 BF Goodrich Silvertown red line radials.

Open the doors to find a fresh black vinyl interior elevated from standard to deluxe appointments. At ground level, Fisher Body door sill plates conceal the edges of new black carpeting which is protected by rubber mats branded with Camaro SS script. Seating is provided by a pair of vinyl wrapped buckets and a rear bench that show zero wear whatsoever. From the driver seat, the factory dash presents well, offering a factory speedometer and tach combination supplemented by a trio of console gauges and a auxiliary temperature gauge mounted on the underside of the dash. The dash also makes room for the heater controls and a slick AM/FM radio that keeps the factory look but features a digital tuner. A tilt column extends toward the driver, topped by a three-spoke steering wheel while a chrome shifter allows control of the Muncie below. At either side, molded door panels finish out the deluxe interior in classic Camaro style. Lift the decklid to find correct spatter paint sprayed over solid floors topped with a fresh full-size spare, roadside tools, proper decals, and both cocktail shakers (vibration dampeners) in place for an authentic look down to the last detail.

The sale of this convertible includes reproductions of factory-supplied booklets and decals. Items include a reproduction warranty, Optikleen decal, owner protection plan, seat belt guide, and wheel trim ring instruction sheet. There's also a spec sheet for the crate engine as well as a Custom Autosound manual for the updated stereo. Finally, a stack of receipts shed some light on other parts purchased and work performed during the restoration.

When it comes down to fun per mile, this is a hard car to beat. The healthy 396 offers all the classic rumble you'd ever want, the 4-speed turns up the fun factor, and the convertible top gives the car a sort of universal appeal that's rarely seen. It has that stock look everyone likes but the non-original powerplant means you can go enjoy the car without having to worry about destroying a priceless investment. If you've been looking for that perfect weekend muscle car, the wait is over!