Mecum Auctions is bringing one of the most remarkable Camaros ever assembled to the block, and it rewrites what collectors thought they knew about the first generation. This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 convertible is the only first-generation Z28 convertible ever produced, and it crosses the block as Lot U100 on Sunday, January 17th, at Kissimmee 2027.
The story begins with a gift. The car was built for Chevrolet General Manager Elliott “Pete” Estes and presented to him by Vince Piggins, the division’s product promotions manager, a title that roughly translated to racing director. Estes had a personal stake in the model, having helped choose the Camaro name, so this one-of-one Z28 convertible was a fitting tribute to the man who helped launch the nameplate.
How it came to exist is half the appeal. Piggins ordered the car through the Fleet Special Order Department, and the Norwood assembly plant temporarily paused its line to build it. The convertible was ordered, produced and delivered on the same day, and the NCRS Shipping Data Report confirms a production date of July 15, 1968, with delivery to the Chevrolet Motor Division Central Office.
From there, the car went to the GM Tech Center, where it received a hand-laid fiberglass cowl hood that served as a prototype for the ZL2 Special Ducted Hood. Estes put the Camaro to work as a driver, logging more than 2,000 miles before the end of summer 1968.
Its résumé includes a turn in the spotlight as well. On September 1, 1968, this Camaro served as the pace car for the Road America Can-Am, with racing legend Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel, a moment that adds motorsports pedigree to an already extraordinary story.
Under the hood sits the original matching-numbers 302 cubic-inch V-8 rated at 290 horsepower, topped with a Cross Ram intake and two four-barrel carburetors. A four-speed manual transmission sends the power rearward, delivering the high-revving Z28 experience the model was built to provide.
Restored in its original color combination of Fathom Green with white stripes, the Camaro also carries a Positraction rear end, special suspension, the Z21 Style Trim Group, bumper guards, and front and rear spoilers. Every detail is presented as it left Chevrolet, and the shifter and driveline show the same care.
Inside, a Parchment interior is dressed with the Z87 Custom Interior Package, including woodgrain dash moldings and molded door armrests. Comfort and convenience features abound: a center console with special instruments and speaker controls for the AM/FM Multiplex stereo, power windows, a tilt steering column, a fold-down rear seat and a rear defroster.
With just 41,700 miles since new and extensive documentation, this Camaro arrives with a paper trail to match its story. Ownership has passed from Estes and General Motors through a short list of caretakers to Dana and Patti Mecum, who have held it since 2007. For anyone who values provenance, a one-off Z28 convertible with ties to the man who named the Camaro is a rare chance.
To see even more vehicles, register to bid and to consign your collector vehicle, please visit Mecum.com. Mecum Kissimmee is the auction house’s signature event. The fun starts January 5th and ends January 17th. Over 4,500 vehicles will be for sale!
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EL Puckett 
Kyle Matthews