When Chevrolet rolled out the first-generation Camaro in 1967 to chase down the Ford Mustang, it handed builders a stiff unibody, a generously wide engine bay, and proportions that still look aggressive nearly six decades later. That recipe made the early Camaro a perennial favorite for hardcore drag projects, and this matte grey 1968 coupe, currently up for auction on Hagerty Marketplace, takes the formula about as far as a street-legal car can go.
The heart of the build is a Merlin 632ci big-block V8, and the spec sheet reads like a serious bracket racer's wish list. Olive rods, an Eagle crankshaft, and 14.5:1 pistons set the foundation, while an 800-lift roller camshaft ground on 18-degree centers and a pair of Big Duke cylinder heads handle the breathing. On top sit twin four-barrel Holley carburetors, and when that isn't enough, a two-stage nitrous oxide system is there to wake things up further.
Power runs rearward through a Powerglide automatic fitted with a TCI shifter and a transmission brake, the classic combination for consistent, repeatable launches at the line. According to the seller, the man who built the car claims it will run into the six-second range with both stages of nitrous engaged, though it has lived a quieter life as a cruiser and local car-show regular under current ownership.
The bodywork has been reshaped around the mission rather than for show. The rear wheel wells are tubbed to swallow huge drag rubber, the inner front fenders have been trimmed, and custom exhaust ports have been cut into the front fenders. An aftermarket cowl hood clears the tall induction, while Wilwood disc brakes, a Simpson drag parachute, and wheelie bars round out the strip-focused hardware. Finished in matte grey with black stripes, it manages to look menacing and purposeful all at once.
Inside, the race intent continues. A six-point roll cage wraps around a pair of race seats with Simpson harnesses, and the driver faces a GT Grant steering wheel and a custom instrument cluster with an aftermarket tachometer. A dual battery setup and an aftermarket fuel cell complete the competition-minded layout.
It is not flawless, and the listing is upfront about that: there is a dent on the right rear fender, cracked taillights, assorted minor scratches, and interior wear consistent with drag-race use. The car also wears a custom chassis number tag welded to the body. Riding on a 124378M403087 chassis with 50,450 indicated miles (listed as TMU), it is offered out of Columbia Falls, Montana with a clean Montana title in the seller's name.
At the time of writing the high bid sat at $1,333 with the auction running for several more days, making this 632ci Camaro one of the more intriguing budget-friendly bruisers on the block. You can see the full listing and photo gallery on Hagerty Marketplace.