Rare Chevy Camaro SS Convertible rescued after 40 years

Published on Apr 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray

Last updated on May 02, 2023 at 6:30 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Rare Chevy Camaro SS Convertible rescued after 40 years

After being parked in a damp yard for over four decades, this Chevy Camaro SS Convertible was on the verge of being lost forever.

Thankfully, someone discovered the rare muscle car and has set about bringing her back to her former glory.

Just as well really, as it’s a very special car definitely worth saving.

READ MORE: Watch 1967 Ford Mustang get pulled from a swamp after 28 years

What makes this 1968 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible so special?

Well, for starters, it’s a great factory color, plus it was heavily optioned when it was sold new over 50 years ago.

Not only is it a convertible SS 396 big-block car, but its options list includes air conditioning, tilt column, N30 steering wheel, deluxe interior, power windows, and center console with clock.

The problem is, though, the Chevy Camaro SS Convertible had been parked up in an overgrown yard somewhere in Delaware, Pennsylvania for over 40 years.

As you can imagine, that didn’t do the Chevy any favors, so it wasn’t in the best of shape.

But before the SS 396 got to the point of being unsalvageable, avid car- and parts-picker Mike Coe came to the rescue.

He had to deal with a swarm of bees around the car before he was able to yank it free.

Thankfully, the car was solid enough to do so and when freed, the Camaro’s highly-optioned red leather interior could be seen in all its glory.

The Chevy Camaro SS Convertible is now in the hands of Joe Prestia, who’s a friend of Coe’s.

Prestia is anxious to get to work saving the numbers-matching SS and has been busy tracking down the right parts for the restoration.

He’s already got his hands on a body jig and is sourcing original sheetmetal to replace what can’t be salvaged.

There’s a huge amount of work ahead for Prestia, but we’re sure it’ll all be worth it when the SS 396 is looking showroom-fresh.

# Tags - Cars, Chevrolet


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Adam Gray

Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.