In the quiet town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a remarkable discovery has taken place. Russ and Jay Johnson have stumbled upon a true automotive treasure—a 1967 SS 396 Camaro, which had been concealed in a barn for an astounding 43 years. This particular Camaro is no ordinary machine; it is a rare find, equipped with the powerful L78 engine, boasting an impressive 375 horsepower. Let’s delve into the story behind this extraordinary vehicle and the journey it has undertaken.
Russ vividly recalls the moment he acquired the Camaro back in 1971. It was a serendipitous find, as the car had experienced significant engine trouble. Despite its mechanical woes, Russ saw the potential in this classic beauty and purchased it for a mere $800. The Camaro was then temporarily stationed on his cousin’s farm until Russ could find a suitable place to store it and begin the extensive repairs.
To restore the Camaro to its former glory, Russ embarked on a quest to find a compatible replacement engine. After acquiring a 396 engine with 325 horsepower, Russ upgraded it with suitable heads, an intake manifold, and a performance cam, transforming the car into a formidable drag racing machine. With modifications in place, the Camaro roared through the quarter-mile track, reaching a remarkable speed of 97 miles per hour at 6,000 RPM in second gear.
During its early days, the focus was on the Camaro’s cubic inches rather than its specific engine designation. Russ’s desire for a high-performance big-block engine led him to the coveted SS 396 Camaro. The camaraderie among car enthusiasts back then affirmed the notion that nothing could replace the raw power and sheer size of a big-block Chevrolet. Russ was resolute in his pursuit of a formidable machine, a black Camaro that would reign supreme on the drag strip.
With the passage of time, the Camaro underwent changes and accumulated various parts. Russ kept everything, unable to part with the remnants of his automotive journey. The storage shed on his property became a repository for countless automotive treasures. Russ and Jay’s children, realizing the sheer volume of items stored within, gifted them a dumpster, a subtle hint that it was time to clean out the accumulated debris.
As Russ and Jay sift through the decades of accumulated parts, they uncover a true gem—a piece of history long forgotten. The Camaro emerges from its slumber, revealing its original red paint, a testament to its authenticity. The restoration process commences, breathing new life into this iconic machine.
To authenticate the Camaro’s provenance, several key identifiers confirm its rarity. The last six digits on the car’s ein plate, found on the driver’s side door, match the engine stamping on the original block. Further investigation of the trim tag, riveted to the firewall, reveals option code 4k, indicating the presence of the highly sought-after L78 engine.
As they delve deeper into the Camaro’s history, Russ and Jay inspect the various components of the car. The trunk reveals a pair of tires, remnants from the drag strip era. Amidst the stored parts, they come across the original air cleaner housing, connecting rods, exhaust manifolds, and smog emission plugs. Each piece serves as a testament to the Camaro’s past and the efforts invested in its maintenance.
Intriguingly, Russ discovers that the original owner, who bought the car new in California and later moved to the same town, still resides nearby. This unexpected connection adds another layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the Camaro’s story.
Throughout their journey, Russ and Jay encounter various challenges, including rusted areas and missing components. Nevertheless, the overall condition of the Camaro proves to be remarkably solid, a testament to its resilience and enduring charm.
The time has come for Russ and Jay to contemplate parting ways with their beloved Camaro. While it brings them immense joy, the desire to see the car fully restored and cherished by others lingers. Selling the Camaro would enable them to capture its essence through photographs and memories, ensuring its legacy lives on.
The rediscovery of the 1967 SS 396 Camaro serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of classic cars. It speaks to the passion and dedication of car enthusiasts, who invest countless hours in pursuit of automotive excellence. The story of this Camaro serves as a testament to the rich history and timeless appeal of American muscle cars.
In the end, the 1967 SS 396 Camaro found in that Wisconsin barn after 43 years symbolizes the unwavering spirit of automotive enthusiasts, who uncover hidden gems and breathe life back into forgotten treasures. As Russ and Jay prepare to bid farewell to their beloved Camaro, they can take solace in knowing that its legacy will continue to captivate and inspire generations of car enthusiasts for years to come.