For Mark Counsman, 1973 was a moment in time that was frozen as he gazed upon a ’68 Camaro SS. The Camaro found a new home in the Counsman driveway in 1973. From that day to 1978 Counsman was in close connection with his baby, until life took him down the family road. Due to financial constraints, he was no longer able to maintain and care for his prized possession. The difficult choice was made to retire her until a later date when finances improved that would allow Counsman to bring her out of retirement.

Many people over the years questioned Counsman on why was he hanging onto this special ride. Counsman’s father once said, “Son maybe it is time to let go of the dream.” Counsman without hesitation responded, “Dad would you give up on Grandma?” This Camaro was a dream that Counsman hadn’t finished living yet.

The day the dream was reawakened was in 2010. After raising a family and thirty years had passed, the ’68 Camaro was brought out of hibernation and the journey began to breathe new life into her. All the years in retirement had more than taken their toll on the ’68 Camaro. Over the next three years the ride was stripped down to the skeleton and restored to original condition. Every inch of this ride was brought back to life.

Under the hood the original 396 cubic inch engine block was bored .030 over and filled with Pro-Tru Forged Pistons and a Comp Camp with a healthy .562 lift, while a Milodon seven quart oil pan finished off the bottom. On the top end the heads were completely rebuilt with new valves and springs with a Quick Fuel 780 CFM carburetor. Fuel is burnt with a Petronix Flame Thrower ignition that’s controlled by an MSD Rev Limiter and fumes are expelled through a complete Flowmaster exhaust system.

The exterior received the full treatment and was restored to the original Chevy color, “Butternut Yellow.” The interior also received a full make over and was brought back to original specs with a stock standard white interior. 

Counsman was able to proudly present the ’68 Camaro after the restoration was complete to his local club, “The Blue Moon Cruisers.” Bruce Larson, Legendary NHRA driver, is also a member of the local Pennsylvania club. Larson gave his stamp of approval by signing the glove box which made the thirty year dream a reality for Counsman.