This Big-Block ’67 Camaro Makes the Case for Tribute Cars

Muscle car aficionados will immediately know that the 396 was the big-block offered for 1967 Camaros from the factory, and that 454s weren't available until 1970. But numbers-matching originality isn't important to every buyer. For those that just want to enjoy driving, a restomod tribute that backs up on the promise of performance made by the pricey original can be just as good and more affordable. Besides, there's no way to distinguish a 396 from a 454 from the outside, unless you advertise that fact. This 454-equipped 1967 Camaro sold on Hagerty Marketplace for $43,870 including fees, and manages to blend an attractive tribute with useful-and powerful-updates.

Open the hood on the Camaro and there are more signs that this isn't a showroom-precise restoration. The exhaust headers, single-plane intake manifold, and Moroso valve covers all look the part of a '60s hot rod. Zoom in further and you can spot a Holley throttle body fuel injection system that does a good job cosplaying as a carburetor. The improved cold starting and part-throttle fuel economy that comes from fuel injection would be welcome on the big-block.

Aside from its larger powerplant, this Camaro has a few more notable upgrades. It's wearing front disc brakes and a Hotchkis suspension improves on its '60s suspension geometry. It's all well-hidden behind rally wheels and appropriate BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. The Marina Blue paint, its original color, was sprayed in 2015 and still looks great.

Inside, there's another bit of modern performance hidden in plain sight. A Tremec five-speed manual transmission adds overdrive and, when paired with the Holley EFI, makes the Camaro a more viable road-trip choice. The modern air conditioning and updated gauges don't hurt, either.

At just shy of $44k, this big-block-powered, first-year Camaro SS tribute appears to be a great way to get a lot of car with an SS look-it came in at 63 percent less than a numbers-matching #3 (Good) example of a true Super Sport. If numbers matching originality is you thing, this Camaro is not for you, but it this car makes a good case for driving and enjoying a restomod with all the power and features you want-especially if it's the one within your budget.