1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

 

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: The Legend on Wheels

"The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was not just a car; it was a statement on the road, a roar of American muscle that defined an era."

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is more than just a car; it is a symbol of an era where muscle, speed, and style reigned supreme. Born from Chevrolet’s desire to dominate the SCCA’s Trans-Am racing series, the Z/28 was not just another variant—it was the ultimate expression of performance, precision, and pure American muscle.

A Legacy of Power and Style

When you talk about the Z/28, you are talking about a vehicle that was meticulously crafted to be a race car for the streets. The mastermind behind this masterpiece was Vince Piggins, who originally envisioned the Z/28 as a road racer that could hold its own against any competition. Under his direction, the Camaro Z/28 was equipped with a high-revving, small-block V8 engine that could deliver a staggering 290 horsepower—though, as insiders will tell you, that number was severely underrated. The engine, a 302 cubic inch V8, was specifically designed to stay under the 305 cubic inch limit required for Trans-Am racing, making it a legal contender in the racing world.

The 1968 Camaro Z/28 was offered in several colors, but none have become as iconic as the Rallye Green. This vibrant hue, combined with the signature racing stripes, made the Z/28 instantly recognizable, whether it was roaring down a straightaway or parked in a driveway.

Unveiling the Secret of the Z/28's Success

What many do not know is that the Z/28 almost never happened. Initially, Chevrolet was not even planning to build this car for the public. It was meant to be a limited production race car. However, the demand from consumers who wanted to feel the thrill of driving a racing car on public roads led to its creation. The first Z/28s rolled off the assembly line in 1967, and by 1968, it had cemented its place in automotive history.

1968 was a milestone year for the Z/28. Sales saw a significant increase, partly due to the car's growing reputation on the racetrack and the streets. The Z/28 was priced at approximately $3,500 at its launch steel for what was a race car in civilian clothing. Today, however, if you are lucky enough to find a 1968 Z/28 in solid condition, be prepared to shell out anywhere from $75,000 to over $100,000, depending on the car’s condition and originality.

Year	Original Price	Current Value (Solid Condition)
1968	$3,500	$75,000 - $100,000+

Moments of Glory and Competition

The Z/28's story is filled with moments that define its legendary status. One such moment was its performance in the Trans-Am racing series. The Camaro Z/28 was a dominant force, taking on the likes of Ford's Mustang and Chrysler's Barracuda. The competition was fierce, but the Z/28’s blend of power, agility, and rugged good looks helped it to carve out its own legacy. But the Z/28 was not just about racing. It became a symbol of the muscle car culture that was taking America by storm. Whether it was cruising down Main Street or tearing up the quarter mile at the local drag strip, the Z/28 was the car that everyone wanted, and few could tame.

The Engineered Perfection

At the heart of the 1968 Camaro Z/28 was a unique combination of engineering brilliance and racing pedigree. The engine options, though focused on the 302 V8, were a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to performance.

Engine Type	Size	Carburetor	Horsepower	Torque
302 V8	302 ci	4-barrel	290 hp	290 lb.-ft

Performance That Thrills

The Z/28 was not just a showpiece; it was built to perform. The stats speak for themselves, with impressive acceleration and quarter-mile times that could leave competitors in the dust.

0 to 60 mph	Quarter Mile	Engine	Engine Source
6.9 seconds	14.8 seconds	302 V8	Chevrolet

 

A Tribute to Design and Passion

The Z/28 was not just a product of Chevrolet; it was a creation of passion. The design team, led by Bill Mitchell, ensured that every curve, every line, and every detail of the Camaro Z/28 exuded power and elegance. The Z/28 was not just a car; it was an experience—a visceral connection between man and machine.

The Camaro Z/28 was available in a variety of colors, but the most iconic must be the Rallye Green, often paired with white or black racing stripes. This combination not only highlighted the car’s aggressive stance but also became a signature look for the Z/28.

Legacy Lives On

Even today, the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 remains a dream car for many. Its combination of style, performance, and racing heritage continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts.

"It’s not just the horsepower that counts—it’s the roar when you hit the throttle, the feeling in your gut as the tires grip the pavement and the wind rushes through the open windows."

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Production (1960-1970)

Model	Production Year
Chevrolet Camaro	1967
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28	1968
Chevrolet Camaro SS	1969
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28	1969
Chevrolet Camaro SS396	1969

Engine Specifications

Engine Type	Size	Carb	Horsepower	Torque
302 V8	302 ci	4-barrel	290 hp	290 lb.-ft

 

Performance Statistics

0 to 60 mph	Quarter Mile	Engine	Engine Source
6.9 seconds	14.8 seconds	302 V8	Chevrolet

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is more than a car—it is a legend, a piece of American automotive history that continues to inspire and thrill generations of car enthusiasts.