1967 was the year Chevrolet introduced its Mustang fighter — the Camaro. It was offered with five engine choices and became one of the most popular, respected, and wanted cars of all time. And So. Cal resident Bob Hall was no exception, as his dream car has always been a 1968 Camaro SS. So after fulfilling his family obligations, Mr. Hall was finally able to realize his own automotive dream.
At first, Bob thought he would restore the convertible Camaro SS, but instead decided to go the pro-touring route instead — wanting something he could personally enjoy while also bringing his dream to fruition. He tracked down the now-infamous supercharged LSA engine from a wrecked CTS-V and completely overhauled the car’s suspension to handle all the power while increasing its maneuverability. The LSA block is stock, but Bob went one size smaller on the supercharger pulley (7 lbs. of boost vs. 10 lbs. stock). The result is 648 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque to the wheels — which is more than the Corvette ZR1 makes from the factory.
Comically, Bob said that he has already run into several people that have underestimated his car. One of those was a brand new Ferrari. It caught up… eventually, he says. And not that fuel economy really matters in this case, but the Camaro also makes an impressive 18.8 MPG on the highway spitting some of the most illustrious sounds from the exhaust.
The interior has a pair of Recaro seats as well as a carbon-fiber dash and center console — giving the beast a high-end feel while maintaining that old-school personality without the squeaks or rattles.
The entire project took three years — Bob embarked on the venture in 2009 — from start to finish. He still wants to “put more meat on the ground” — so we have a feeling that he’s not done just yet. Even so, the car isn’t a garage queen, as Bob uses it for autocrossing, among other things.
Congratulations to Bob for an awesome car and for fulfilling your dream. We have nothing but utmost respect for those who have a vision for restoring their cars with a twist… as it’s never an exact science, but much more of an art. And thanks to Drive for a video well-done:
Now the question is — which would you rather have, a brand-new Camaro ZL1 or a restored first-gen with a new-school engine?
Comments
I can’t imagine that the old-school original, even with the “new-school” engine handles as well as a modern-day ZL1. I’d love the original for the sleeper nostalgia aspects, but the modern car is probably a much better car all around.
Have to agree with Scott. Although, I love when old school cars are updated with modern technology and this is one of the nicest Camaros I have seen done like that.
It’d be fun to see some video from front, rear and maybe side cameras. 😎
i’d definately take the old car with the new tech
Nice ride!! I hope when he adds the bigger tires, he installs some frame connectors and maybe some down tubes from the roll bar toward the front. That’s a lot of twist on a convertible body. I’ve seen a few conv. Camaros with twisted bodies from less lethal powerplants.
Old car restored to pro tour done right like that one. Bob hall did a nice job!