The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic symbol of the first-generation muscle car era. This specific coupe was built by its owner to resemble the legendary Nickey 427 coupe. It pays homage to one of the most famous tuner programs in muscle car history. This tribute blends the classic, aggressive style of the Rally Sport with a modern, dyno-proven powertrain. The result is a truly ferocious performer ready for the street.
Nickey Style and Exterior Details
The Camaro presents with a menacing black paint scheme highlighted by bold white stripes. It features a desirable Rally Sport-style front end with hide-away headlights. An original-style Berryman fiberglass hood is fitted to the car. This hood is secured with hood pins and uses lightweight springs. Nickey 427 and SS badging further enhance the aggressive, tribute look. The exterior successfully captures the spirit of the period’s ultimate tuner cars.
A Race-Ready Interior
The interior was completely redone during the build process. It features handsome black upholstery accented by classic houndstooth cloth on the bucket seats. A console sits between the seats, complemented by woodgrain trim. The driver grips a wood-rimmed steering wheel for control. Instrumentation is comprehensive. It includes a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. These gauges monitor oil pressure, fuel level, and coolant temperature.
Performance, Engine Specs, and Output
The core of this build is a powerful V8 engine constructed on a 454 block, stroked to 496 CI. This massive engine utilizes a forged steel crankshaft, H-beam connecting rods, and Mahle pistons. Performance is enhanced by a custom-ground hydraulic roller camshaft and Brodix heads. Topping the engine is a Brodix aluminum intake manifold and an Edelbrock 1308 carburetor. The V8 delivered 588.9 corrected horsepower and 601.2 lb-ft of torque on the dynamometer.
Drivetrain and Chassis Engineering
The incredible power is managed by a rebuilt TH400 automatic transmission. The transmission includes a “Stage III” shift kit for quick, firm shifts. A 2,850-rpm stall converter optimizes launch performance. The power is reliably transferred through a robust 12-bolt rear end. This rear end uses Mark Williams axles and an Eaton Positraction differential with Richmond 3.73 gears. Caltracs traction bars were installed out back to improve grip during hard acceleration.
Road Holding and Stopping Power
The Camaro is set up for serious street and strip duty. It features power steering for easier maneuvering. Stopping power comes from power-assisted front disc brakes paired with rear drums. The rear wheels wear sticky Mickey Thompson ET Street slicks for maximum traction. The front wheels use BFGoodrich rubber. Lemons headers are linked to a custom dual exhaust system, ensuring maximum sound and flow. The car is truly engineered for outstanding driving capability.
Summary of the Nickey Tribute Camaro
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro coupe is a professional, high-performance Nickey 427 tribute. The custom build features a fully forged 496 CI V-8 engine, delivering massive torque and horsepower. Equipped with a rebuilt TH400, a 12-bolt Positraction rear, and Caltracs, the driveline is robust and race-ready. Its exterior features the desirable Rally Sport face and Nickey badging, while the black/houndstooth interior is stylish. This Camaro blends iconic styling with verifiable, modern muscle, making it a powerful and exciting machine.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
