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1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS
s/n 124378L315980 (Historic Registry #80)
Period Livery White with Blue Stripes

1966 to 1972 was the golden age of the Trans American Sedan Championship series, which was run on some of North America’s greatest race tracks. The events were, quite simply, the events to watch. The cars were big and noisy (especially in the 2 to 5 liter class), the money was big, and the crowds were big. Factory backed teams showcased race prepared variants of their regular production cars, and it was here that the pony car wars were fought. These races represent some of the greatest “race on Sunday, sell on Monday” events, and indeed, the races went a long way towards boosting sales in showrooms across the United States.

This particular Chevrolet Camaro car was originally built by Don Winter in Minnesota and campaigned in the Northeast Region by Leigh Gardner with considerable success in the 1970 and 1971 Trans-Am seasons. In 1972 this example was driven by Lynn Woodward at Donnybrooke and by Dave Steffens at Road America. In 1973, it was driven by Howie Fairbanks at Road America, and Dick Kantrud at Watkins Glen and Edmonton. In addition to its Trans-Am history, there are several regional SCCA A Sedan races shown in the log book between 1970 and 1973.
This Camaro saw little action in 1974 with just one race at Road America. After that race, it was stored in “as raced” condition, only to be found in a warehouse in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1999 by Jerry Taylor.

After a thorough restoration to period correct specification and original livery by Taylor in Sisters, Oregon, the Camaro made its Historic Trans-Am debut at the 2001 Pacific Northwest Historics in Seattle, followed by 2002 Rolex Monterey Historics.

Purchased by the current owner in 2004, the car was raced at the Coronado Festival of Speed in 2004, Wine Country Classic, Rolex Monterey Historics, and the Coronado Festival of Speed in 2005, as well as the Rolex Monterey Historics in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011, and the Sonoma Historics in 2010 and 2011, among other events. In addition, an entry into the 2012 Monterey Historics has been submitted, which may very well be transferable to the new owner allowing for a unique opportunity to promptly compete in North America’s premier historic racing venue.

Period Trans-Am Race Results

Donnybrooke July 5, 1970 Leigh Gardner 16th Overall
Road America July 19, 1970 Leigh Gardner 18th Overall
Donnybrooke July 4, 1971 Leigh Gardner 21st Overall
Road America July 17, 1971 Leigh Gardner 22nd Overall
Donnybrooke July 4, 1972 Lynn Woodward 29th Overall
Road America July 16, 1972 Dave Steffens 42nd Overall
Watkins Glen June 16, 1973 Dick Kantrud 31st Overall
Road America July 28, 1973 Howie Fairbanks 8th Overall
Edmonton August 19, 1973 Dick Kantrud 22nd Overall
Road America August 27, 1974 Dick Kantrud 23rd Overall

Today the car is best described as a truly race ready piece with sparkling cosmetics. The engine is a Dralle-built unit finished in 2008, and has logged approximately six race weekends since. Trans-Am specialists McGee Motorsports have been supplying professional race support and service, and the car has been maintained in a no-expense-spared fashion.

Inspected and researched by David Tom, this example has been issued registry number TA80 confirming it as an original Trans-Am veteran. Included with the sale are logbooks outlining period and historic competition, restoration and set up notes, many period photos of its Trans-Am and SCCA racing days, and photos prior to the restoration and of the restoration process showing the car on a rotisserie, freshly painted. Other documentation includes period race results, letters from many of the previous drivers confirming the history, and finally, race results from more recent events in historic competition. Also accompanying the sale are three gear sets, a spare 12-bolt ring and pinion (complete and unused) four extra wheels, and select other minor accessories.

Truly an event ready piece of American racing history, this Historic Trans-Am registered Camaro provides a wonderful opportunity to step into the premier race events in North America, or alternatively, will be a crowd pleasing and competitive mount for racing in Europe, where Trans-Am cars are becoming more and more popular and eligible for a growing number of events.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.