The Differences Between the ’67 Camaro & ’68 Camaro

Any classic Camaro owner knows the joys that such a vehicle can bring, and it’s an investment that can offer hours of entertainment over the years. If you’re considering buying one, there are a few things to understand regarding the differences between the ’67 and ’68 Camaros.

The ’68 Camaro Featured Improved Ventilation

1968_Chevrolet_Camaro_327Classic cars relied heavily on ventilation systems beyond the windows we typically find in modern models. The ’68 model featured more efficient ventilation under the dash. By pulling a tab, the driver or passenger was able to open up the system and allow outside air to blow into the vehicle, significantly increasing the effects of the open windows. Another ventilation difference is that the ’67 model had vent windows to supplement the roll-down windows.

Legal Changes

CAMARO-SS-1967In the year 1968, the federal government mandated a change that gave the Camaro a slightly different look. In fact, it changed the appearance of every vehicle sold in the United States. It was during this year that side marker lights were put to use. On the side of the front fender, as well as on the rear quarter, you will find these lights on all vehicles since that time, so a quick way to determine the age of a Camaro you may be considering is to check for the presence of these side marker lights.

Other Differences

Aside from these main differences, there are a number of other subtle changes Chevy made when they introduced the ’68 model. While the basic body style remained relatively similar, the rectangular parking lamps on the grill replaced the round ones found on the ’67 model. Enthusiasts with a need for speed were happy to discover that the ’68 model gave them more bang for their buck with the 350-horsepower option of the 396-cubic-inch, big block V8.

It’s also worth noting that the ’67 model did not have the spoiler option. This became available as an option on all cars except those with a rear antenna in 1968-69. While this addition was not mandatory on all cars, the ’69 pace car required it.

Which Is the Better Option between the ’67 or ’68 Camaro?

When determining whether the ’67 or ’68 Camaro is the better option, it is really a matter of personal taste. While many prefer the older model, others tend to be more attracted to the updates that were made to the newer edition. Either way, the Camaro is a classic car that will continue to attract attention into the future.

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4 Comments
  • I was wanting to know if the 68 camaros were all manufactured with the wind wings, I have seen pictures without and wondered if that was a change made outside the factory

    • I’m wanting to know the same thing. I had a 68 camaro with vent windows. It was my first car and only had 12,000 miles on it when I bought it. That leads me to believe it was stock and it hadn’t been wrecked that I could tell

  • My buddy’s brother had a Camaro that was labeled 302 and not Z28. We have argued for decades if it was a 67 or a 68. He found a picture of it recently and although it wasn’t very clear, it didn’t have the vented window or side marker lights. The parking lights were not round. Argument solved. I was wrong, I thought for sure it was a 67. I can remember standing next to the car after the headers were put on (and they were closed and not open) and my whole insides were shaking from the deep sound it made and 11 to 1 compression. I am a mopar guy and this is one of my favorite cars of all times. Black with white stripes. It was awesome.

  • The 67 had a terrible wheel hop problem from a standing start. Chevy staggered the rear shocks in 1968 fixing the problem.