'68 "Blue Sapphire" Camaro, LS7 427 Powered, Giving Modern a Lesson in Muscle

2016 ushered in the sixth generation Camaro, borrowing styling cues more heavily from the first generation than even the last model did. So, we asked, why not just give the original the benefits of nearly 50 years of advancement in engineering and performance? More than just another overblown show queen, this Camaro was designed with modern driving in mind. Horsepower, Performance, Fuel Economy, Aerodynamics, Technology, and the Driver's Cabin Experience were all considered. The result is truly, pardon the clich, a gem.

This factory Big Block 1968 Camaro began life as a super clean California born car. Car from a vintage automobile being "Resto-Modded" or "Pro-Touring" customized. This car has been re-engineered from stem to stern. She is built around none other than an LS7 427 Chevrolet V8. Not only does she make 450 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, but her electronic fuel injection offers fuel economy on par with new cars and can even burn E85 pump gas. With a curb weight of approximately 3,390 pounds, she makes about the same power as the new "lighter" six-generation Camaro, but still weighs 295 pounds LESS. The 2016 Camaro SS has a power to weight ratio of 8.1lbs per horsepower. The Blue Sapphire, a mere 7.5lbs per horsepower. No compromises- that is the mission.

EXTERIOR

Like any tastefully done custom, the body looks almost factory, until you pay attention to the finer details. The overall effect is a thoroughly modern update to this Camaro's classic shape. The idea was not to re-sculpt the car, but to remove the compromises to the original design, caused by 50 year old assembly technology. To clean up the greenhouse, all the trim molding was shaved. Utilizing the stock front and rear glass retain the factory shape. Additionally, the front fenders were extended to the base of the windshield. The clunky factory door handles were swapped out in favor of sleek and functional C-4 Corvette openers.

The nose also benefitted from a modernization. The headlights were inset 1.5", integrated front bumper, custom Billet custom front grills, as well as upper and lower bullet mirrors. The Hella PIA driving lights are also integrated into the front end, the recessed rear license plate. Custom rear tail lights tell everyone behind you where you are headed next.
The aero package is all custom hand-worked steel. The wrap around ground effects, rocker moldings, front and lowered rear valences are engineered to make the 1968 design as slippery and ground hugging as one conceived in 2017. The stock rear wing was modified and laid back to optimize the drag co-efficient without compromising downforce. Frenched rear bumper flush mounted exhaust tips, and custom fuel filler cap complete the look.

INTERIOR

The interior rivals that of any found in today's exotic super cars. A bespoke interior combines luxury high-touch services and high tech accoutrements. The entry path is illuminated by LED under door lights. The hand cut and stitched glove leather covers the interior panels and TMI prototype seats. Dash, headliner, rear package tray, and interior accents are trimmed out in natural suede and billet aluminum. The cabin is fully Dynamat throughout to keep excess road noise out and the music from the audiophile system in. The Marquez Dash was modified to accommodate a full complement of Classic Instruments Gauges. The center stack houses a Pioneer DVD Receiver that is USB iPhone and iPod compatible and incorporates a back-up Camera. Arc Audio Amplifiers and Speakers, as well as LED interior lighting round out the package. Finished trunk interior matches the main cabin, complete with aluminum black plate for custom engraving. This stunning, award worthy interior was designed by Trent's Trick Upholstery.

ENGINE BAY

The one-piece sheet metal cowl hood feeds cold air into the LS7 427, nestled 2.5" rearward in the engine bay. All wires and sensors are cleverly hidden, for an uncluttered look. The shaved firewall and wrap-around engine bay covers, inner fenders modified for removal. Billet hood and trunk hinges and a finished trunk lid rounds out the "jewelry box".

The precious gem under hood is bigger than the Shri Lankan Sapphire. Displacing 427 Cubic Inches, this hand-cut LS7 is a thing of singular beauty. Her block is polished inside and out, crank forged, Comp Cam equipped, all tied together with ARP bolts. Accessories are also top shelf. Vintage Air front runner, Billet Specialties billet valve covers, Kooks Headers with jet coat, Holley 1000 com throttle body, all energized MSD wire and coils. The spent gasses exit through a stainless steel dual exhaust with stainless steel Cherry Bomb Mufflers tucked in widened tunnel. All the fuel lines are likewise stainless. The stainless steel gas tank by Rick's tanks features an in-tank fuel pump.

She turns out 450 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, running regular pump gas.

CHASSIS

Overpowered custom cars are common, but control demands a premium. A true Pro-Touring car not only produces plenty of horsepower on demand, it pushes the envelope in putting those ponies to the pavement. The power foundation begins with the frame. The frame has been fully reinforced, connectors tying the front and rear frame extensions. The reinforced rear frame supports, housing a Ridetech 4 Link Rear. Power from the 427 vectors through a Boller built 4L65E transmission and Gear Vendors overdrive, spinning up an aluminum 3" Denny's driveshaft. The positraction equipped aluminum center section, housing a 9" Moser large bearing axle, is 50 pounds lighter than stock. The 18x10 Forge Line wheels shod in Goodyear Eagle tires take all that firmly planted torque to the street.

What is velocity without direction? Like a laser guided missile, just point the headlights at your target, and shoot. The Ridetech Viking dual-adjustable coil overs and Hotchkiss front tubular control arms hold 2" drop spindles for a lower ride and improved geometry.

Control is ability to restrain great power and for that, you can only trust the best, Stainless Steel Brakes. This jewel is packed with SSBC 8 piston front calipers, 13" Big Bite rotors up front. Bringing up the rear are R1 Big Bore calipers, integrated parking brakes, and 12.8" Big Bite cross drilled rear rotors. Stainless Steel brake lines, an SSBC Combo Master cylinder with hidden lines and Stainless Steel flex hoses round out the package.

SUMMARY

If you aren't content to drive your copy of a mass-produced impression of the original, then you are ready for this rare and original jewel, finely cut and polished by the best craftsman in the business. You are prepared for the Blue Sapphire.