The “Old Reliable” 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Photo Source: Barrett Jackson Photo

One of the most iconic drag cars to ever hit the track went across the auction block at Barrett Jackson as the fully restored 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 “Old Reliable” Super Stocker sold for $253,000.   Legendary driver Dave Strickler piloted this Jenkin’s prepped machine to a dominant 1968 NHRA Super Stock season.  Back in 1968 this car ran times in the 11.70’s at 116mph which was enough to help this 302CI powered car keep up with the 396CI powered Camaros.  “Old Reliable” featured a stock Z/28 intake manifold and carburetor, stock hood, Stahl headers, 5.38 gears, and 9″ slicks.

The original 302ci SB Chevy still runs like a champ in “Old Reliable.” Photo Source: Barrett Jackson Photo

Strickler would capture wins in 1968 at the NHRA Super Stock All-Star Meet in Englishtown, NJ and the Super Stock World Championship in Tulsa, OK.  He would finish with 16 National Class Championships, 41 National and World records, and World Championship title. “Old Reliable” saw a great deal of press as it was featured in over 30 automotive publications during 1968 and 1969 which made it one of the most famous Z/28 race cars in history.  Two of the cars original sponsors Champion Spark Plugs and Hooker Headers used the car in their national advertising campaigns that put it in most every automotive publication.

Who wouldn’t want to climb in a take this piece of drag racing history for a spin? Photo Source: Barrett Jackson Photo

Jerry MacNeish would locate and purchase the original “Old Reliable” in March of 1993 and begin a detailed restoration on the car.  A great deal of the original racing components were found and put back on the car as it was restored to the exact condition that it raced in 1968 with help from the Strickler family.  “Old Reliable” returned to the track in 1994 during Super Chevy Weekend at Maple Grove Raceway with the original balanced and blue printed 302ci engine.  The car ran consistent 11.20’s at over 119mph in 1998 when it was still raced regularly.  Now this piece of Chevy and drag racing history has a new home where Chevy fans can only hope to see it at the track again.