Chevrolet’s naming for an option isn’t always easy to understand. If you want to learn a one Regular Production Option code (RPO) you might want to learn the L78 option. This option is for the famous 375 horsepower 396 V8 big block engine. They built only 4,800 Camaros with these options and this is one of those. This car will need a complete restoration, but the original 396 V8 L78 engine is present with the famous M22 4-speed manual transmission still in place. This beast was found in a barn in Colorado and it is a very rare Camaro.
The owner of this car says that the 396 turns over, but they haven’t attempted to start it. In the engine bay, this car has some visible corrosion. When you look at that, you ask yourself what kind of rust does the underside has. The interior is complete and all of the major components are present. However, I noticed a big component that is missing. You know that this car has a manual transmission which is called the “Rock Crusher”. Anyone who has driven an M22 Camaro will know why is it called that. Well, this car is missing the floors for that M22 transmission. I know that you didn’t notice that, but I did. Where are the floors? How much money would it take to bring them back? I don’t know the answers to those questions but I can tell you that it won’t be cheap.
Overall, this Camaro will surely need a complete restoration. The big relief here is that Camaro parts aren’t that hard to find. The restoration will be easy but not cheap. If this is a real L78 then a restoration won’t be a question that needs answering. However, a lot of people buy these beasts for the drivetrain and not for the car.
Because of that, I have to ask you, would you restore this beast or buy it for the drivetrain?
are you selling this car