A 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS stolen from a Minneapolis dealership nearly six decades ago has resurfaced as a well-preserved barn find, now offered for sale in Duluth, Minnesota. The coupe was originally equipped with the rare L78 396 cubic-inch V8 but was recovered shortly after the theft without its factory engine. Today, the car remains in largely original condition, powered by a period-installed L88 427 V8 purchased new from a Chevrolet dealer after the theft.
The Camaro was parked at Merit Chevrolet in Minneapolis when a thief entered the lot, accessed the vehicle and drove away. Police later recovered the car, but investigators discovered the high-performance L78 engine had been removed. Authorities provided no additional details about the suspect. The theft left the car without its original powerplant, prompting the installation of a brand-new L88 427 engine sourced directly from a Chevrolet dealer.
Originally, the L78 396 was rated at 375 horsepower and was among the rarest big-block options available in 1968, installed in a limited number of cars. Chevrolet produced 235,147 Camaros for the 1968 model year, with coupes accounting for more than 214,000 units. The L78 was one of several 396-cubic-inch options offered that year, but far fewer were built compared to the more common 327-powered variants.
The current owner acquired the car after it relocated to Virginia and reports that it retains most of its original paint and sheet metal. The interior is described as mint and original, showing minimal wear. The vehicle is no longer fully numbers-matching due to the engine replacement and the addition of aftermarket headers and an updated exhaust system, though Rally wheels remain with the car. All major components, including lights and radio, are reported to be functional.
The Camaro is listed with a starting bid of $50,000 in a no-reserve auction format, with a Buy It Now option set at $75,000. The vehicle is described as road-ready and remains available for sale in Duluth.
Via Bay seller steve61corvette
About the Author
