One of the more interesting cars showing on the roster for next month’s Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event is this 1968 Camaro, put together by the folks at Ride Tech. This is one of a large number of demo cars in their stable and has proven to be a worthy ambassador for the company.

Before its conversion to the beast you see here, there was a pedestrian 6-cylinder engine under the hood. That was a major selling point in selecting this particular car, as it remained straight as an arrow through its life. When you’re building up a forty year old car, the ones that have had an easy life are far superior starting points.

Once the build began, all of the best parts were used. The new LS3 motor was mated to a ZF 6-speed transmission. Underhood electronics included the Big Stuff 3 EFI system and MSD ignition controller. Two-inch tube headers from Dynatech and a Vintage Air accessory drive system kept the power flowing – all 650 hp of it.

A full treatment of the suspension came from in-house products comprising the complete Street Challenge air suspension package from RideTech. Backing that up are Baer 6-piston brake calipers with 13-inch rotors on the front and 4-piston clampers on 12-inch discs out back. A Ford 9-inch axle looks after relations between the drivetrain and the CCW 18 × 11-inch wheels shod with 335/30 series tires. The front rolling stock is 18 x 8-inch CCW’s with 245/40 meats.

Interior updates included a RacePak IQ3 electronic dashboard, custom Cerullo Seats and an 8-speaker, 5-channel tune blaster from Kicker. On the outside, the custom mixed Velocity Orange paint was supplied by Hot Hues. The stripes you see are actually bare metal, the result of custom work by Precision Coachworks.

This is surely one of the coolest Bow Ties around and, far from an automotive princess, this Camaro has proven its chops many, many times across the country. When it comes to beauty and brawn, its all here for the highest bidder.

The Barrett-Jackson Event takes place January 17-23 at Westworld, in Scottsdale, AZ.