WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Not my car, but soon to be offered for sale. What's it worth?

Lemans Blue 1968 L78 Camaro SS in Canada with Canadian, factory(POP), and dealers docs.
Original drivetrain, low miles, one family owned, but rusty and needs full restoration.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Vehicle: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396
Trim: 712-Black Vinyl Standard Bucket Seats
Paint: U-LeMans Blue
Production Plant: Norwood, Ohio, U.S.A.
Shipping Date: March 21, 1968
Model Number: 12437-V8 2dr sport coupe
Engine: 396 CID 375 HP 4bbl Turbo Jet V8
Dealer: Belisle Automobiles Ltd. Ottawa Ontario

RPO Code Options

W84 Additional Fuel for Delivery
AS2 Head Rest - Special Contour Type Seat
A01. Glass: Tinted-All Windows
D80. Auxiliary Panel &amp; Valance (Spoiler) Rear
G80. Rear Axle: Positraction (limited Slip Differential)
J50. Brakes: Vacuum Power
L78. Engine: 396 CID-Special Hi-Performance-4BBL-V8
M22. Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Heavy Duty-Close Ratio
V48. Engine Coolant-Increase Protection (Antifreeze)
</div></div>

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ro_project.jpg

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<span style="font-size: 11pt">Does it run?? Condition of engine would seem to be an important component.

Very neat car...I'm not a Camaro guy, but I would say it should fetch good money if everything is there and the engine is not damaged. The Canadian and dealer docs are huge plus...

-wilma</span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Rusted out hulk

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

40,000 as-is

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: frankk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rusted out hulk </div></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt">
Well...that would make a difference...hard to tell from the 2 photos, I assume you know the car [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] </span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luzl78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">40,000 as-is </div></div>

Wonder how owners come up with an unreasonable expectation...I was told $40,000 as is. $15 at best.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I think it's worth more than 15,000 especially with the docs and original drivetrain and high performance pedigree. I said 40,000 cause this is a wacky car world we live in

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I am thinking it's a 50-60K car restored and a 20-25k as it sits.

Definitely rusty, but the worth saving.

Pretty sure the owner is not looking for anywhere near 40K as is. He is just looking for a reasonable price range.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...l78_engine.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8_interior.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-l78_rear.jpg


More pictures

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Is the car still in Canada James? If so where?

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Sells for 25-30,000 takes 50-70,000 to restore it and is worth 50,000 after 80-1000,000 is into it.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<span style="font-size: 11pt">These photos certainly give a better understanding of the car...shame it was allowed to get to this point.

The 'restored value' will depend greatly on the quality of the restoration...and perhaps who does the work. It appears there will be a great deal of sheet metal required and extensive body repairs. The bill for the work and parts could easily surpass your 50-60k value. If this car was done to the highest standards, using real GM parts...I think the value would be greater than 50-60k.

It will be a major undertaking for someone both financially and time wise.

-wilma</span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I agree. Top notch resto could be 85-100,000

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I agree. Top notch resto could be 85-100,000. I've been quoted 20-25,000 to do your 68 but I think it would take almost 50,000 to make it absolutely perfect

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NorCam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the car still in Canada James? If so where?</div></div>

Car is in Ontario, Canada.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Was the car in a flood? All that surface rust on the flat surfaces - floors, hood, engine compartment. Or is was it stored near the ocean?

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

No ocean close buy [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] but I bet a blue tarp was involved??

Kevin

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Just saw the other pictures.

It would take plenty to restore it and as stated above, more than it would ever be worth.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Yea u wont get a restored documented #s matching 375 anything for 50k, its a 6 figure car done right thats for sure...

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I think 15K is about ALL the money for that car CANADIAN dollars too!!!! The market I think is going down with the big, money don't matter guys like Ron Pratt getting out of it. And that other guy at BJ dump what, 145 cars this year.

FIRST, it's a '68 so to most, not as desirable of a car as a '69.
SECOND, I'm sure at this time, you can buy a nice fully restored L-78 Camaro for the 70's and less if you really look and are serious.

This car would take EVERYTHING to restore. I bet the cost of resto alone would be more then the finish product is worth, by a hand sum at that. I know BBBENNY's Nova is a very nice L-78 NOVA and I'm sure one would have more then &quot;BBBENNY MONEY&quot; restoring then purchasing a car like BBBBENNY's. And like I said, I think the market is going down on these old Muscle Cars...

The only was this would be a buy is for someone to look at it as a 8-10 year project where one could purchase it NOW, and maybe sit on it for some time to collect parts, THEN take some years to finish it.


Thant's my thoughts.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

A car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Finding a documented well optioned car like this to restore is a desire of many. I'll bet 10k it would bring more than 15k on Ebay.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

And regarding the value of muscle cars going down, not sure about that. Everything is cyclical, and there will always be people getting in and out of the hobby. People want muscle cars, then they want hot rods, then they want resto mods, then they want original, then the next thing. Just the cycle of life.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Finding a documented well optioned car like this to restore is a desire of many. I'll bet 10k it would bring more than 15k on Ebay. </div></div>


Bingo..

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Great car when done in great colors, with L78 and docs. If I were in the market right now, I'd pay $20k for it as is.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

So maybe I missed something - L Blue in '68 would be special order? Or is L Blue in '68 not the same as L Blue in '69? If it is special order, that would certainly boost desirability and possibly value. Please educmaKate mE! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Sam, in January 1968 Chevy dropped the colors palomino ivory, Grecian green, fathom blue and tuxedo black. They then added rally green, Corvette bronze, Lemans blue, and British green. Rob.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sam, in January 1968 Chevy dropped the colors palomino ivory, Grecian green, fathom blue and tuxedo black. They then added rally green, Corvette bronze, Lemans blue, and British green. Rob. </div></div>

<span style="font-size: 11pt">Maybe on some models...but Fathom Blue, GG and Black were still available on the Nova. Not sure about the Ivory color...

-wilma</span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WILMASBOYL78</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sam, in January 1968 Chevy dropped the colors palomino ivory, Grecian green, fathom blue and tuxedo black. They then added rally green, Corvette bronze, Lemans blue, and British green. Rob. </div></div>

<span style="font-size: 11pt">Maybe on some models...but Fathom Blue, GG and Black were still available on the Nova. Not sure about the Ivory color...

-wilma</span></div></div>

RobR forgot to mention that standard color change was for the Camaro only. It's pretty well documented with letters to the dealer and other sales literature. The dropped colors, as well as other GM colors where still available via special order and would have - - paint codes. This car was ordered regular paint code UU LeMans Blue, as it was after the January change.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Yes, you are correct Tom. What I should've said in my post is that those color changes applies to the Camaro model. I am not sure about the full-size cars and other model Chevys, Rob.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

This car is worth 20k at a minimum all day.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Echo that. It'll sell 25,000-30,000

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I dont know but sombody post the sellers info and lets see how long it lasts [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Is it anywhere close to me?

Looks darn cool!!!

Ryan

Very similar car to the 68 L78/L89 LeMans Blue Camaro we had in the L89 display at MCACN a few years ago. The 68 is cool as there are so many 69's it catches your eye:-) not casting shade as 1969 is my MuscleCar year!!!

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Very cool car!

Sad thing is in its current condition its probably worth more in parts than together!

Hopefully the right guy buys it and does the car justice with a correct restoration.

I agree with Ryan a 68 just pops in a world dominated by 69's

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

What's with all the current condition and &quot;worth more in parts&quot; comments. Are there other pictures I am not seeing? The car looks like it could be pretty solid in the pictures I see. Yes, if you hire everything out you will always be behind on value. Looks like an awesome car.


Jason

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

I wasn't disrespecting anyone or the car with parts comments and if I did I apologize.

But I know from experience with my L78 Chevelle restoration that doing the right thing with NOS and correct parts is extremely expensive.

Even if you did most of the work yourself it would still be a very expensive undertaking.

But I hope someone buys it and restores it to its former glory!

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

https://static.slickdealscdn.com/ima...lies2/soap.gif

This shouldnt always be a X's and O's decision.. Sometimes it just needs to be a labor of love and/or a passion.. This is a fantastic starting point for someone wanting a legit born with L78 car to restore. Heck Id rather see it made running, driving and safe and enjoyed if you cant afford a restoration right away.. These cars should not be locked up or put up on pedestals but driven and enjoyed!! I dont care if I had a 1 of 1 or a 68 Motion Camaro or a magical unicorn; I would drive the thing and be happy..

<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Rant off..</span></span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Go Darrell:-)

I am taking this path as we speak and am 100% confident my scratched up unicorn (1 of 106, or 1 of 7) will be fun and fun and fun, followed by some fun:-)
Ryan

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Ok I know you guys didn't like my &quot;thought process&quot; when I said that I feel this car is $15K as it sits.

But when one looks at something done like this one here from this site:

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthrea...peed#Post693447

Now YES it's not the &quot;born-with&quot; engine, but still ASKING $42K and possibly be a L89? Yes I could see this car being down what 50% or $20K for not the &quot;born with&quot; engine. Even at a $30K discount, that would put this RS/SS at the $70K range DONE. I bet a nice top-end resto like this RS/SS above would be around $60K alone??? So you would be way upside down.

BUT I will say that my thought processes do NOT take into consideration the &quot;emotion&quot; of people towards a car? Like my &quot;brother HAD one like this&quot; or &quot;I wanted one, just couldn't swing it&quot; type of emotions.

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

<span style="font-size: 11pt">One of the major decisions on restoring a car like this will be choosing repro or OEM sheet metal. Sourcing the real stuff is a lot of work and generally very expensive...opening a catalog is fast and certainly much less expensive.

As for the emotional choices versus costs and future value I have only one answer.

If this hobby was strictly about the 'return on investment' there wouldn't be an SYC site to have this discussion on.

The defense rests [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] </span>

Re: WIW? L78/M22/4.10/UU original w/docs 1968 Camaro
 

Car is running now. A video and more information was posted on the Camaro board.

1968 Camaro L78 Running

15K won't buy this car. Seller is looking for closer to 25K USD. May go to ebay soon.
Car is located in Ottawa Canada.

Serious buyers can contact the seller through TC, or PM me if you can't get a hold of him there.