1968 GENERAL MOTORS CHEVROLET

World Peace? If it wasn’t for this car and the “Pony Car War”, competition and rivalry that eschewed thereafter, we may never have had the pleasure of experiencing any Muscle Car other than a Mustang and perhaps the term “Muscle Car” would never have even come to light?

The race for street supremacy begins…

Back in 1964 Ford set a world record that remained unbroken until relatively recently with the launch of its small but sporty Mustang. Dubbed a “Pony Car” because it was small by comparison to most other cars being produced at that time. The recipe was to bring performance and power to the streets and to appeal to the younger demographic as well as seasoned drivers that demanded more. Big horsepower, an engaging drive and handling, aggressive styling and proportions that personify power, but all at an affordable price point. The Blue Oval nailed the brief earning over 100,000 orders on its launch weekend.

Forward on 3 years and General Motors needed to get a slice of this “Gold Mine” of an American Pie! But they had to bring the “sizzle” to compete. Time well spent developing a contender brought us the Camaro. The Pony Car War was officially on!

In 1967 Chevrolet’s own take on Ford’s Mustang recipe gifted us a bold new look and ultra-aggressive styling that beefed up the biceps, chest and 6 pack of car styling to literally have more bulges than its rival! So much so that the design and proportions of the Camaro were traced by the next faction to join the war, Dodge and its Challenger in 1970. This iconic silhouette resonates with us to this day. The rivalry continues even now, and these marques are still the Muscle Cars to have and behold! It’s easily apparent that modern day versions of these models lend their styling as homage to their ancestors from the 60’s & 70’s. Most can see this is a 1st Gen Camaro, but those with keen eyes will also notice the lack of front vent windows and the mandated addition of side marker lights to the front and rear fenders actually making this a ’68 model!

Obviously, engineering and technology has developed and evolved massively in 60 odd years, and the performance of the modern versions far outshines the older cars. But what if you want the original but with the benefits of modern advancements? Car modification is not a new thing, and many have “Hot Rodded” their rides since these cars were launched and this ’68 Camaro is a prime example of this. A Restored and Modified (Resto-Mod) Classic Muscle Car!

We’ve willingly accepted this beautiful Camaro into Pilgrim V8 on behalf of a discerning client who reluctantly wishes to part with his beloved ride, but a new home and other commitments take precedence. Since bringing the Camaro into the UK in 2019, it has been repainted in “Pull Me Over Red” with black painted stripes. A brand-new Blueprint 350Ci (5.7Litre) V8 engine installed along with an Edelbrock 650cfm electric choke carb giving modern day usability as well as power. This has been mated with a 700R4 Overdrive Automatic Transmission allowing the pilot to “point and shoot” at all times!

Billet Aluminium (Aluminum?!) Pulleys have be-jewelled the front of the engine, neatly nestled behind a more capable aluminium radiator for effective cooling. Further glitz can be noticed with the addition of an anodised fuel rail, MSD Electronic Ignition and a Vintage Air AC system for all-year round driving,

To bring the drive and handling up to modern standards, drilled and slotted 4-wheel disc brakes with ceramic brake pads beef up the anchor power and QA1 front tubular control arms and sway bar together with a Flaming River Power Rack deals with the steering accuracy. Furthermore, a 12-bolt rear housing by Ridetech with 4-Link adjustable Heim joints and coil shocks handle any bumps as you go!

“Bringing the noise” is handled by Flowmaster Mufflers and Hedman Headers that vocalise the powerful V8 and shout that you are in the presence of greatness!

But resto-modding isn’t all about being “out with the old and in with the new”, it’s about staying classy and keeping the “classic” in the mix. Inside and out it looks like an original muscle car from the ‘60’s. Black leather upholstery and interior trims remain in keeping with the period of the car and are all in pristine condition. Original factory options from 1967 are still present including the “Tic-Toc Tach”, a period looking stereo with integrated speakers and a wooden steering wheel that all serve to remind you that you have the vintage muscle car.

But, when the red light turns to a green light, you can remind your modern rivals that you are a true contender today, just as this car was in its prime!

Before the Camaro arrived, Ford had the monopoly, this is the car that started the war! (Pony Wars)! Let Battle Commence!

Call us today to experience history form the past – modernised!