Corvette Bronze 68 Z/28 RS production numbers

[DDZ28]

Does anyone know how many of this model were produced?

[bcmiller]

To my knowledge, there is no way to figure that out.

[ZLP955]

You could crunch these numbers to come up with an estimate but it's a very simplistic method.....
7,199 Z/28s were produced in the '68 Model Year.
CRG estimates approximately 7% of '68 Camaros were Corvette Bronze.
40,977 of 235,147 cars were optioned with RS (equates to 17.43%).
So, if you assumed (no doubt incorrectly!) the selection of the RS option and body colour was applied evenly across all engine RPOs:
IF 7% of 7,199 Z/28s were Corvette Bronze, that's 504 cars; and IF 17.43% of those 504 cars had the RS package, then 88 cars had that combination. But again, this is a simplistic approach, and particularly on a color that wasn't available for the full production period, and an engine RPO that didn't apply to the convertible body style.
I'm sure the database keepers have a far more accurate assessment of the likely production numbers of that particular combination.

[bcmiller]

The number of Z28s with the RS option was higher than normal base cars.

[fsc66]

If you wish to extrapolate using more accurate numbers, there were 5.82% Corvette Bronze 1968 Camaros produced.

Paul

[ZLP955]

The number of Z28s with the RS option was higher than normal base cars.

From the CRG database? If so, can you estimate the ratio of RS to non-RS?

[bcmiller]

Tim, it can be done but the sample size is limited. I am mostly going by what I have seen. That’s why I stated “there is no way to figure that out”.

In Jerry’s 2007 version of his 67/68 Z28 fact book (yes still limited sample size) the estimate for 1967 Z28s with the RS option was about 45%. Again that’s for 1967 not 1968.

My very, very rough estimate based on what I have seen and talking to numerous others on the topic is probably about 30% for Z28s with RS in 1968.

The CRG database for 1968 shows a slightly higher percentage than 17.43% of Z28s with the RS option for Norwood and a little less than that for LOS cars. But there are more Norwood cars.

The bottom line is that yes we can make estimates, but there is no way to say FOR SURE how many cars were built when looking at combinations of colors and multiple options. Some colors were favored over others for 1968 Z28s, like LeMans Blue.

[ZLP955]

I've long wondered about the enduring popularity of Z/28 combined with Rally Sport; seems far fewer big block solid lifter buyers opted for RS, possibly because they were bought with street and track racing in mind, and RS added 25 lbs (IIRC) on top of the BB weight up front.
But many Z/28s with RS survive today, assuming it was OE and not added later, and I wonder if perhaps the hardcore race cars without RS were more prone to abuse and therefore less likely to still be around.

[Kelley W King]

I wonder why people buying a car to race would pay the extra? Especially in 67 where information indicates most were bought by racers.

[68camaroz28]

Tim, it can be done but the sample size is limited. I am mostly going by what I have seen. That’s why I stated “there is no way to figure that out”.

In Jerry’s 2007 version of his 67/68 Z28 fact book (yes still limited sample size) the estimate for 1967 Z28s with the RS option was about 45%. Again that’s for 1967 not 1968.

My very, very rough estimate based on what I have seen and talking to numerous others on the topic is probably about 30% for Z28s with RS in 1968.

The CRG database for 1968 shows a slightly higher percentage than 17.43% of Z28s with the RS option for Norwood and a little less than that for LOS cars. But there are more Norwood cars.

The bottom line is that yes we can make estimates, but there is no way to say FOR SURE how many cars were built when looking at combinations of colors and multiple options. Some colors were favored over others for 1968 Z28s, like LeMans Blue.

Bryon, your probably correct but I think 30% is too high a % for RS 68 Z/28's. I do not think it would be more than 20% and a good reason why 68's RS option increases value by at least 15%. I know I wish our 68 had RS.

[bcmiller]

That’s OK if you don’t agree. But I feel pretty strongly about the number. And JM (who has owned three 1968 RS/Z28s) told me this when I asked him

No way to know for sure.  Wish I knew, but your guess is probably in the right direction.

[68camaroz28]

That’s OK if you don’t agree. But I feel pretty strongly about the number. And JM (who has owned three 1968 RS/Z28s) told me this when I asked him

No way to know for sure.  Wish I knew, but your guess is probably in the right direction.

I realize Jerry checking them would have a much better idea than ol' me. Thanks Bryon!

[KurtS]

I hate to even offer up a guestimate, mainly because of how it will be used.
But more Z's were painted bronze than 6%. Rare to see a L6 car in CB and that's 20% of the cars!

[bcmiller]

Yes I want everyone to know that is my estimate (for how many 1968 Z28s also had the RS option) and it does NOT have the CRG stamp of approval. There is no way to know for sure, based on what information we have at this point in time.